Landlords have been warned to swap their Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters at rental properties by 30th June or face possible legal action.

Ofgemhas issued an urgent warningtbacked by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly (main image) that 600,000 homeowners will be affected when the meters are switched off later this year, leading to potential loss of heat and hot water. The RTS signal, originally launched in the 1980s, was initially set to be deactivated in 2024 but the deadline was extended when only 300,000 households made the switch.

All customers should already have been contacted by their supplier to arrange a free smart meter fitting in their properties, while a media campaign has been launched, highlighting the urgent need to book an installation.

RTS meters offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours through tariffs such as Economy 7 and Economy 10 and communicate with energy suppliers through a BBC longwave radio channel, automatically adjusting the rates paid during specific hours.

Higher bills

Without the signal, meters won’t know at which time the prices are at their lowest to charge up, leading to higher bills, or the heating and/or hot water being continually left on or off. Failure to act would be a breach of The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which clarifies a tenant’s right to heating and hot water.

Danni Barnes (pictured), director of development and partnerships at National Energy Action, says: 

“RTS meters are often used with ageing electric heating systems, which are more common in areas experiencing severe fuel poverty. 

“The switch-off could exacerbate costs for households already struggling and result in households losing control of their heating and hot water. In the worst cases, some may not be able to use their heating or hot water at all.”  

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