Tens of thousands of households could find themselves in a precarious financial situation if prompt action is not taken in response to British Gas’s harshly worded warning. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), a legacy system used to control off-peak electricity rates, is rapidly shutting down, which is the root of the problem. Families who depend on this antiquated technology may experience surprisingly high utility bill increases if the issue is not resolved; some families have reported seeing increases of hundreds of pounds a year.
About 12,000 of its customers are still using RTS-based electricity meters, the company confirmed in recent weeks. After June 30, 2025, these devices—which were initially intended to use long-wave radio signals to provide variable pricing—will stop working. Users may be locked into permanent peak-time rates as a result of this abrupt termination, which would result in a significant and continuous increase in monthly energy costs.
British Gas Smart Meter Warning: Key Facts for Households
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected System | Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) Meters |
| British Gas Customers Impacted | 12,000 households remain on legacy RTS meters |
| Total UK Impact | 415,000 RTS meters still active nationwide |
| Switch-Off Deadline | June 30, 2025 |
| Consequences of Inaction | Risk of fixed peak-rate billing, heating/water system failure |
| Upgrade Solution | Free smart meter installation available through suppliers |
| Alternative Providers Affected | Octopus (20,000), E.ON Next (65,000), EDF (60,000) |
| Smart Meter Adoption Rate | Over 36 million smart meters already installed in the UK |
| Common Smart Meter Issues | Connectivity failure, outdated displays, “dumb” meters post-installation |
| Verified Source | British Gas Smart Meter Support |
Smart meters mimic RTS capabilities while providing much better control by incorporating digital signals. They enable households to react dynamically to peak hours, consumption trends, and energy-saving techniques in addition to tracking usage in real-time. Switching is not only advised in this situation, but it is also incredibly successful in managing finances and the environment.
Unbeknownst to them, households with antiquated RTS meters could be on the verge of financial collapse. The embedded switching functionality stops when the radio signal stops, freezing rates during expensive times of the day. It’s possible for heating systems that were previously controlled by automated off-peak schedules to malfunction or become unpredictable. This is an operational certainty linked to a set national infrastructure timeline, not a hypothetical risk.
Since early 2024, energy providers have been gradually reaching out to impacted consumers, but thousands are still oblivious or hesitant. British Gas is leading the charge in public relations, but suppliers such as Octopus Energy, E.ON Next, and EDF are also putting forth a lot of effort. They are working together to replace more than 400,000 legacy meters before service is interrupted by the nationwide switch-off.
Some people are concerned about upgrading their meters, especially elderly residents or those who are not familiar with digital systems. However, British Gas has made it clear that installation is usually finished in less than an hour and is totally free. Customers are given instructions on how to read and understand their new energy displays, and the process is managed by skilled engineers. Once thought to be difficult, most people now find the transition to be surprisingly smooth.
Notably, infrastructure constraints—rather than business aspirations—led to the decision to decommission RTS technology. When RTS was first implemented, it used the long-wave channel of BBC Radio 4 to piggyback signals in order to serve time-of-use tariffs such as Economy 7. The decision was made to permanently sunset the service, which had been anticipated but was now imminent due to shifting priorities for radio spectrum and rising maintenance costs.
British Gas recently clarified that, depending on the time of day the RTS signal fades, failing to switch could leave some heating systems permanently turned on or off. Despite being purely technical, this peculiarity has practical applications, especially for the elderly, disabled, and parents of small children who depend on regular heating schedules.
The RTS shutdown has inadvertently rekindled interest in smart meter capabilities, according to energy experts. Modern smart meters have significantly improved, despite the fact that they have occasionally been criticized, particularly the first-generation models that lost connection or became “dumb.” These days, these devices have strong digital displays, improved network compatibility, and are incredibly efficient. Under warranty, monitors under a year old can also be repaired or replaced for free.
More generally, a national energy transformation strategy includes the move away from RTS. Suppliers can support more flexible pricing structures and eventually incorporate smart appliances into real-time grid balancing systems by digitizing household energy consumption. This change is in line with initiatives to lower carbon emissions, cut down on energy waste, and strengthen energy networks.
How and when we use electricity has received more attention in the past year due to public debates about growing energy costs. In that regard, smart meters are more than just technological advancements; they are indispensable instruments. They offer transparency, which is especially helpful in times of energy market volatility as it enables families to spot odd spikes in consumption and modify their behavior accordingly.
This evolution has received support from a number of public figures. Emma Thompson, an actress and environmental advocate, has previously emphasized how smart meters can help low-income households take charge of their usage. They can turn intangible worries about energy efficiency into concrete daily routines by giving prompt, clear feedback.
