British Gas warns customers to upgrade old RTS meters before June 30 to avoid service disruptions and higher bills. Here’s what you need to know.


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British Gas Smart Meter Warning: Time-Sensitive Upgrade Alert 🛑🔌

Latest News: British Gas has issued an urgent warning to customers still using Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, urging them to upgrade to smart meters before the deadline of June 30, 2025. With around 12,000 affected customers, it’s crucial to take action now to avoid potential disruptions in service, including increased energy bills and the loss of control over heating and hot water systems. 🌡️💡

What Is the RTS Meter Discontinuation About?

RTS meters are older technology, typically used by households on multi-rate tariffs like Economy 7. These meters rely on a signal broadcast from BBC Radio 4’s long-wave channel to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates. But with the RTS signal set to be switched off by June 30, these meters will no longer operate as intended, leaving affected households stuck on high-cost peak rates. ⚡❌

Why Should You Upgrade to a Smart Meter?

If you don’t upgrade your RTS meter to a smart meter, there could be serious consequences:

  1. Increased Energy Costs: Without the signal from the RTS meter, your home could stay locked into peak-time electricity rates, resulting in higher costs. 💸

  2. Heating & Hot Water Issues: If your heating or hot water system is controlled by your RTS meter, it may stop working correctly, leaving your home uncomfortable. 🚿🔥

What’s the Process for Upgrading to a Smart Meter?

Upgrading to a smart meter is simple and free of charge. British Gas is offering appointments for customers to swap their outdated RTS meters for new, smart alternatives. 💡 You just need to contact British Gas or your energy provider to arrange the upgrade before the June 30 deadline. 📅

Smart Meter Benefits 🏠✨

Smart meters don’t just prevent issues related to RTS meter failure. They also offer several other advantages:

  • Real-Time Energy Monitoring: Track your energy consumption more accurately. 📊

  • No More Estimated Bills: Smart meters send readings directly to your supplier, ensuring accurate billing. 💰

  • Easy to Manage: Control your energy consumption via a smartphone app for greater convenience. 📱

How to Schedule Your Smart Meter Upgrade

  1. Reach Out to British Gas: If you are unsure whether you have an RTS meter, contact British Gas directly for confirmation. 📞

  2. Arrange the Upgrade: British Gas offers free installation for customers needing a new smart meter. Don’t wait until the last minute! ⏳

  3. Enjoy a Hassle-Free Experience: Once installed, the smart meter will provide more reliable energy usage data and prevent future service disruptions. 🔧

FAQ

RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) meters are older meters that use a long-wave radio signal to switch electricity tariffs. These meters will stop functioning after June 30, 2025, and must be replaced with a smart meter.

You can check the type of meter by looking for a switch box labeled "Radio Teleswitch" or contact your energy supplier to confirm whether you have one of these meters.

If you don’t upgrade, your meter may remain stuck on peak-time electricity rates, leading to higher bills. Your heating and hot water systems, controlled by the RTS meter, might also stop working properly.

British Gas offers free upgrades. Contact their customer service to arrange an appointment and have your RTS meter replaced with a smart meter.

Yes! Even if you're not with British Gas, you can still upgrade to a smart meter through your energy supplier. Most energy providers offer this service.

Upgrading to a smart meter won’t change your energy rates. However, it will allow you to access time-of-use tariffs, which may help you save money depending on your usage.

The installation of a smart meter typically takes around one to two hours. A technician will visit your home to complete the installation.

No, the upgrade to a smart meter is completely free. British Gas and other energy suppliers provide this service at no additional cost to customers.

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