The BBC’s plans to switch off a 40-year-old radio service will leave nearly a million households having to switch to smart meters to dodge higher heating bills.
The broadcaster has sent out the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) since the late 1980s, telling energy meters across the country when to switch fees from high to low. There are around 900,000 customers on an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff which offer cheaper power at night.
Most of these are off the gas network and use electricity for heating and hot water. The long-range signal is broadcast from a BBC transmitter at Droitwich in Worcestershire, telling meters across the whole of the UK when to switch tariffs on and off.
The RTS system has now reached the end of its operational life. The BBC will be turning it off in June 2025 as part of a wider plan to end all longwave broadcasts.
Such broadcasts are more energy-intensive, and lack the quality of FM.
Customers who use the system are being urged to act quickly to avoid a backlog.
Energy UK’s deputy chief executive Dhara Vyas said: “Doing so in good time will minimise the disruption, help ensure a smooth upgrade to a smart meter and mean that customers continue to enjoy the benefits they currently get from RTS.”
While energy regulator Ofgem said many people may not even know their meter used the RTS service.
Everyone on a variable tariff should check, the government body said.
However smart meters are not without their controversies, with Express.co.uk readers saying they can inaccurately predict your monthly expenditure or simply not work.
A spokesman for Ofgem said: “Ofgem has made clear its expectation that all RTS meters must be replaced with smart meters at least three to four months before the RTS close down date, and suppliers should not delay this work any further.
“Smart meters bring immediate benefits for customers, helping them to access more competitive tariffs. It also makes it easier for suppliers to spot when households might be struggling with bills and offer support such as emergency credit.
“We have written to suppliers to raise our concerns about the slower progress of installations for smart prepayment meters, and the potential impact of that on vulnerable households.”
Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.
