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🔌 British Gas Urges Smart Meter Upgrade Before RTS Shutdown
British Gas has issued an urgent warning to customers as a major energy system — the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) — will be switched off from 1 July 2025. If action isn't taken soon, up to 300,000 UK homes could lose access to hot water and heating.
🏠 What Is the RTS System and Why Is It Ending?
RTS is a decades-old system used to control heating and hot water in homes with electric-only setups and Economy 7 or 10 tariffs. It works by sending radio signals to activate off-peak electricity.
However, the system is now outdated and will be permanently shut down on 1 July, affecting around 430,000 homes across the UK.
🚨 Who Is at Risk?
If your home uses:
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Electric heating
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Economy 7 or 10 tariff
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A dual-rate meter with “RTS” on the display
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Remote or timed heating controlled by your supplier
👉 You may lose heating or hot water unless you upgrade to a smart meter.
📢 What British Gas Says
British Gas is contacting affected customers directly and urging them to book a free smart meter upgrade immediately.
“We want to make sure no one is left without hot water or heating. If you're unsure whether you're affected, contact us today,” said a British Gas spokesperson.
✅ Steps You Should Take Now
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📞 Contact British Gas or your supplier to check your meter type
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🧰 Schedule a smart meter installation
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🕒 Don’t wait — upgrades may take time due to high demand
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💡 Ask questions about tariffs or installation if you’re unsure
🆓 Is the Upgrade Free?
Yes. British Gas, along with most UK suppliers, offers free smart meter upgrades under the national rollout program.
🌱 Why Smart Meters Are Better
Aside from avoiding service disruption, smart meters offer:
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📱 Real-time usage updates
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📉 Lower energy bills through better tracking
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🌍 Support for a cleaner energy grid
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🤖 Automatic meter readings, no manual checks
📅 RTS Shut-Off: Key Date to Remember
🗓 RTS system ends on 1 July 2025
After this, any home still using an RTS-controlled meter may stop receiving hot water or heating automatically.
