What businesses need to know about the RTS Metering switch-off

RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s to support time-of-use tariffs such as Economy 7 and Economy 10. They use long-wave radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak times automatically. This allows suppliers to provide cost-effective energy for businesses with flexible load demands.

For those businesses still operating on RTS technology, the upcoming switch-off has serious implications. From the end of June, RTS meters will no longer function as intended, which could lead to incorrect or unpredictable billing, loss of off-peak rates and risk of operational disruptions.

If your business relies on night-time or off-peak energy for processes like heating, cooling or manufacturing, this could directly affect your bottom line.

With just over a month to go, now is the time to take action.

Identify if you have RTS meters onsite – check your metering equipment, you may have a separate switch box with an RTS label on, but if in doubt speak to your energy consultant, who can help you to identify which meters are RTS ones.

Contact your energy supplier – suppliers are responsible for replacing RTS meters, usually with smart meters. There are around 600,000 RTS meters still in use, so you need to make sure your upgrade is scheduled to ensure you don’t have any issues when the switch-off happens.

Plan for installation – some upgrades may involve coordination with your operations team or energy management system. It’s better to plan now and ensure minimal disruption.

The RTS switch-off is part of a wider movement toward a smarter, greener energy future. Modern meters bring benefits like real-time usage data, remote reads, more accurate billing, and better control over energy efficiency.

Upgrading doesn’t just help you stay compliant – it positions your business to make smarter energy decisions long-term.

At Businesswise Solutions, we’re already supporting businesses across the UK through the RTS transition. Whether it’s metering assessments, supplier liaison or energy strategy advice; we’re here to help.