RTS switch-off: time is running out for legacy metering​

On 30th June 2025, the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) began its phased deactivation. While the number of affected households may seem small to start with, the implications for suppliers, TPIs and portfolio managers are far more significant. This isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s a moment where data accuracy, system readiness and customer trust are all on the line. 

For suppliers, this period presents both risk and opportunity. If managed poorly, RTS decommissioning will disrupt services, create billing errors and erode confidence. If handled with care, it becomes a valuable step towards more resilient and compliant energy operations. The difference lies in how well the transition is planned and how precisely the data is handled. 

What is RTS and why does it matter? 

The Radio Teleswitch Service is a longwave radio signal used to control electricity meters remotely. It was introduced in the 1980s and is still in place today for certain tariffs such as Economy 7 and Economy 10. RTS enables automatic switching between peak and off-peak rates and is commonly used in homes with electric heating or hot water systems. 

Despite being legacy technology, RTS is still in use by around 314,000 households in Great Britain¹. Many of these are in rural or off-gas areas where electric heating is essential. Once the RTS signal is switched off, affected meters will no longer function as intended. Timed switching will stop, tariffs may no longer apply correctly, and heating or water systems could be left running at the wrong times. 

For suppliers, this is more than just an inconvenience. Billing accuracy will be affected, time-of-use tariffs may fail and customer complaints are likely to creep up. From a regulatory standpoint, the risks are clear. Metering and billing issues that result from incomplete transitions could undermine compliance and settlement accuracy. 

The RTS transition is a data challenge as much as a technical one 

RTS is being phased out gradually to avoid a nationwide cut-off. Instead, households are being migrated in small, managed groups. This gives suppliers time to plan, prioritise and communicate effectively. However, replacing meters alone isn’t going to be enough. The data associated with every MPAN must be accurate, complete and fully reconciled across systems. 

That means that: 

• It’s integral to know exactly which customers are using RTS meters and where they are in the migration process.  

• Keeping event logs up to date and ensuring exceptions are tracked and resolved has never been more important.  

• Every change must be auditable, especially for suppliers who are preparing for Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS). 

If any of this data is missing, delayed or inaccurate, this naturally introduces risk. Customer impact is one part of the story, another is billing. That said, the broader concern is regulatory performance. Suppliers are under increasing pressure to meet rising standards for data quality and transparency. The RTS transition is a live test of that capability. 

How TMA supports portfolio-level accuracy and data confidence 

At TMA, we treat the RTS transition as a data-driven opportunity. Our systems give suppliers full visibility across their portfolio, helping track each MPAN and highlight any issues that may affect a smooth migration. 

Before switching begins, we assess the health and readiness of each MPAN to identify missing data, invalid configurations or outstanding exceptions. Throughout the process, we provide regular reporting and targeted triage, making sure all issues are tracked, assigned and resolved efficiently. After the transition, we continue to support suppliers with detailed portfolio reporting, helping maintain confidence in settlement accuracy and service continuity. 

TMA has held a clean bill of health from Elexon for over 20 years, occupying three of the four top audit positions in the market. We manage large-scale data portfolios across both Smart and Advanced metering, with trusted relationships spanning major suppliers and multiple market segments. As a result, our approach is built to ensure precision, consistency and full accountability — exactly what is required during a change as sensitive as the RTS switch-off. 

TMA is ready to support your next step 

RTS is a legacy system whose time has come to an end. The transition to smart alternatives is essential, but the success of that transition depends on accurate data, accountable processes and experienced partners. 

TMA was made for this kind of work. Our systems, people and processes are built around the principles of traceability, compliance and customer care. Whether you are navigating RTS migrations or preparing for MHHS, we help you move forward with confidence. 

For Total Market Assurance, talk to TMA.