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UK Shifts to Public Ownership: Radio Teleswitch Turned Off Today
📅 Updated: 30 June 2025 | Source: NewsWalaFeed.blogspot.com
🔌 What Happened Today?
On 30 June 2025, the United Kingdom officially deactivated the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) — a legacy system used to control electricity meters and storage heating. The switch-off is a significant step toward the UK's broader shift to public energy infrastructure and smart technology.
🔍 What is the Radio Teleswitch Service?
RTS was introduced in the 1980s by the UK electricity industry. It allowed energy suppliers to remotely control consumer meters — mainly for Economy 7, off-peak heating, and load balancing. RTS used long-wave radio signals, managed in part by BBC Radio 4’s LW transmission system.
⚠️ Why Was It Turned Off?
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Obsolete Technology – The longwave radio-based service is outdated in the era of smart meters.
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Digital Transition – The UK is shifting fully to smart metering, offering more accurate, real-time billing and remote control.
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Energy Publicization Plan – The RTS shutdown aligns with the UK government's move to increase public oversight and control of utilities.
🏠 How It Affects Households
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Around 1 million homes that still depended on RTS meters (especially for off-peak heating) must now upgrade to smart meters.
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Energy companies like EDF, Octopus, and British Gas are actively contacting affected customers.
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Customers may notice temporary manual control or new time schedules for off-peak power.
💬 "We’re supporting customers through this upgrade and ensuring no disruption to their energy access," said an EDF spokesperson.
💡 What's the Alternative Now?
All electricity scheduling and control will now move to:
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Smart Meters (SMETS2 preferred)
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Time-of-Use Tariffs
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App-based remote settings by providers
The government aims to complete 100% smart meter rollout by 2026.
🔧 What You Should Do
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If you still have an RTS meter, contact your supplier to book a smart meter upgrade
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Check for eligibility for free installations
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Ask about new tariff plans suited to smart control (like Agile Octopus or Economy 10)
🧭 Context: Why This Is Part of a Bigger Shift
This move reflects the UK's wider transition toward:
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Public control of national utilities
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Decentralized smart grids
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Cleaner and more sustainable energy management
The National Grid ESO, in partnership with Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has prioritized this shift in their 2025–2030 Energy Plan.
📊 Expert Reactions
Dr. Helen Morris, energy economist:
“The RTS shutdown symbolizes the final break from analog-era utility control. It’s not just about tech—it’s about democratizing energy.”
📌 Conclusion
The deactivation of the UK Radio Teleswitch Service today is a historical step. It signals a move toward a more intelligent, accountable, and public-first energy grid. Households are urged to cooperate with their providers to ensure a smooth transition.
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