RTS Meters Are Being Decommissioned: What Homeowners Should Know

As the UK phases out old energy systems, thousands of households still rely on RTS meters—legacy devices that control off‑peak tariffs and heating. Most homeowners aren’t aware that these will stop working by 30 June 2025, and replacement with a smart meter may require updating the existing meter box to avoid complications. RTS meters depend on a long-wave radio signal which will be permanently shut down, making the devices unreliable or unusable. Your old electricity meter will need to be swapped by your energy supplier.

What Is an RTS Meter and Why It’s Being Decommissioned

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) enables off‑peak tariffs like Economy 7 through long‑wave signals that trigger heating timers in rural and off‑grid homes. However, this technology is outdated and due for a network-wide shutdown starting 30 June 2025, with a phased exit planned by Ofgem to cover regions over the following months (source). Without the signal, RTS meters may fail to switch tariffs properly, causing residents to miss cheaper energy rates, or even lose heating or hot water entirely. With up to 900,000 RTS meters still in use in Great Britain, urgency is mounting.

Suppliers like British Gas, EDF, and ScottishPower are notifying customers in batches. If you believe you have an RTS meter and haven't been contacted, it's best to proactively reach out to your supplier.

How to Replace Your RTS Meter

Your energy supplier will upgrade your RTS meter to a smart meter, free of charge, and will reach out to schedule the switch. However, this process may fail if the existing meter box is broken, too small, or inaccessible. Installers must see enough space for the meter plus its communications hub and cables—or they will decline the fit (source).

Smart meter dimensions in the UK vary slightly by model and manufacturer. Electric smart meters typically range from 127 mm × 160 mm × 65 mm (SMETS2) to 178 mm × 146 mm × 64 mm (SMETS1), according to OVO Energy. Installers also need room for a communications hub and clear cable routing. By comparison, Tricel’s large 3‑phase electric meter boxes—available in both recessed (794 × 565 × 180 mm) and surface-mounted (794 × 565 × 190 mm) formats—offer an internal cavity of approximately 690 × 465 mm, providing ample space not just for today’s smart meters, but for any future upgrades.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Replace Your Meter Box

Replacing an RTS meter is also your opportunity to upgrade your meter housing. Many homes still use an old electricity meter housed in a cramped or weather-damaged box. This can result in failed installations or future service issues. A large 3-phase meter box offers both a safe enclosure and room to grow.

Here’s why it matters:

Dual-fuel smart meter setups: Combine electric and gas meters into one box for simpler monitoring and billing.
EV charger compatibility: Add isolator switches and space for 3-phase EV chargers.
Renewable-ready: Allocate space for solar generation meters, battery control gear, and smart energy tariff integrations.
Heat pump installations: Especially in Scotland, grant-funded systems may need 3-phase compatibility and additional wiring room.

Replacing your meter box now prevents repeat work and makes your property ready for the evolving energy landscape.

Why Choose a Large 3‑Phase Meter Box from Tricel?

Tricel offers one of the UK’s most durable and installer-approved ranges of meter boxes—designed to accommodate smart meters and beyond:

Recessed and surface mounted options with internal clearance of ~690 × 465 mm
GRP construction with timber backboard, lock, and weatherproof seal
Fully compliant with BS 8567 and ESI 12‑3
Fast delivery across the UK and Scotland
Installer-friendly design with knockouts and mounting ease

Whether you’re replacing an old electricity meter enclosure or preparing for a smart home upgrade, Tricel’s large 3‑phase meter boxes provide a reliable, future-proof solution.