Dear Member,

Neighbourhood Watch Network is currently organising a number of community events across the country to inform people about changes to certain types of electricity meter, and specifically those that rely on what is known as the Radio Teleswitching System. This old-style electricity meter referred to as RTS is a service that a substantial number of people still rely on which involves a service that communicates with the electricity meter which tells it when to switch between peak and off-peak tariffs. It also signals to the consumer unit when to switch a customer’s heating and hot water ‘on and off’.

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is now reaching the end of its operational life and the technology that supports it will be switched off on the 30th June 2025. 

Who is affected?

People with older electricity meters that rely on RTS signals to switch between different tariff rates, often those with electricity storage heaters, panel heaters or immersion heaters. People who have no gas supply may also make use of the Radio Teleswitch Service. 

Once the RTS signal is switched off, all meters that run using this system will stop working correctly, which will likely have a significant impact, especially affecting people’s bills and the availability of heating and hot water. Whilst energy suppliers continue to contact customers to make arrangements to upgrade to a smart meter, there remains a substantial number of people, many of whom may be older and vulnerable, who have yet to respond to the smart meter upgrade which will give customers a similar service to their RTS meter.

Working in collaboration with E.ON Next, Neighbourhood Watch Network is inviting NHW members to volunteer to help run an event in their locality. You will receive excellent support and training. The training will involve a 30/45-minute session which is non-technical. Indeed, a hand-out information leaflet will provide people who attend an event with all the information they require. The role of the volunteer will be to advise and reassure. 

Local event details near you:

Thursday 12th June 2025   10.00am until 2.00pm

The Haven Community Hub, 138-140 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7LW

If you live in the locality of the event and are free on the date, YOU could be that important person we seek to volunteer for this project. Your offer of support would be valued and in return you would undoubtedly help advise and reassure people who are uncertain about what is happening. This will also help in reducing the possibility of people falling victim to being scammed and confused with misinformation.

All expenses will be reimbursed.   

If you feel that you would like to take part in this rewarding partnership between Neighbourhood Watch and E.ON Next, please do get in touch with me to find out more. I am happy to have an informal telephone conversation to explain further.

Paul Sunners

Regional E.ON Next RTS Project Co-ordinator

Paul.sunners@ourwatch.org.uk

07856909842