**Martin Lewis Sounds Alarm Over Imminent Energy Meter ‘Switch Off’ – Households at Risk of Heating and Hot Water Disruption**
Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning to households across the country, urging immediate action ahead of a critical change affecting thousands with outdated energy meters. As the deadline for the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) decommissioning fast approaches at the end of June, many are being asked to upgrade their meters or risk significant problems with their home utilities.
The RTS, first implemented in the 1980s, was designed to allow certain electricity meters to automatically switch between varying tariffs for peak and off-peak rates by using radio signals. While this system has served its purpose for decades, its imminent shutdown on 30 June 2025 threatens to leave swathes of households facing malfunctioning heating or hot water systems, or even inaccurate and potentially costly billing.
Martin Lewis, recognised for his financial guidance and consumer advocacy, took to his communication channels to emphasise the severity of the situation. “Warning! Got an old Economy 7 or multi-rate electricity meter? The Radio Teleswitch Service, which allows some old (non-smart) meters to function, will be switched off at the end of this month,” he stated. “If you don’t act, your heating and hot water may stop functioning correctly, or you could end up with incorrect bills. It’s essential you arrange a meter upgrade immediately.”
Anyone currently using an RTS meter should act without delay by contacting their electricity supplier. Energy companies are obliged to offer either a smart meter or a suitable up-to-date alternative free of charge. To identify whether your home may be affected, look for a box near your meter labelled ‘Radio Teleswitch’, check if you rely on storage heaters or if there is no gas supply, or consider whether you benefit from cheaper rates at certain times of the day—all are potential indicators of an RTS setup.
The scale of the challenge has also been highlighted by campaigners. Simon Francis, who coordinates the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, has previously raised concerns about the metering transition. Speaking before a parliamentary committee, Mr Francis said, “The process is doomed to failure. We are not going to see the RTS switch-off complete on the first of July. There will still be hundreds of thousands of RTS meters in homes when signals start to be wound down.” He added that the possible outcomes could be significant, with some households facing situations where hot water and heating run continuously—resulting in high bills—or else stop entirely.
Industry regulators have made efforts to smooth the transition. Charlotte Friel, Ofgem’s Director of Retail Pricing and Systems, commented on the regulator’s approach: “We’ve been closely monitoring the sector’s efforts to replace RTS meters as this infrastructure ages. Last year, we saw the need to accelerate progress so brought suppliers together and made clear they must act faster.” Friel noted that meter replacements have ramped up considerably—from around 1,000 a month to more than 1,000 every day following Ofgem’s intervention.
Nonetheless, the regulator believes there is still more to be done to ensure that consumers are adequately protected. “Suppliers need to push harder and ensure no customer suffers as a result of this change, which is why we are coordinating a phased, area-by-area switch-off beginning on 30 June,” explained Ms Friel. “The signal to any given area will not be turned off until energy suppliers can demonstrate they are fully prepared to address any issues that arise for customers.”
This situation has underscored the challenge of updating the nation’s energy infrastructure in line with modernisation and efficiency targets. While the move away from RTS meters is viewed as a step towards a smarter, more responsive grid, the need for clear communication and prompt action from both suppliers and households has never been more acute.
For those unsure if they are affected, now is the time to check your meter and talk to your provider. The message from experts is unanimous: do not ignore the warnings, as failing to transition could lead to unnecessary household disruption and unexpected expenses just as the colder months approach.
With the July cut-off imminent, consumers have only weeks to safeguard their home energy supplies. Stakeholders urge all affected households to take action now and not leave the switch until the last minute.