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Rollei
Rank 1
April 30, 2025
Solved

OVO unable to install a Smart Meter to cover the RTS shut off

  • April 30, 2025
  • 7 replies
  • 344 views

OVO sent an engineer to install a smart meter to solve the impending RTS shut off. Because the RTS is in the house beside the fuse boxes and the two meters are outside he couldn’t install the smart meter. That was on the 22nd of January.
He took a load of photographs. There was a plan for me to pay for some wiring in the fuse box at my cost to allow the smart meter to be installed. 

I’ve heard nothing since, I’ve tried emailing OVO without any reply. Obviously the RTS clock is ticking and I’m no where near getting a viable solution.

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 02/07/25 by Emmanuelle_OVO:
 

Radio Teleswitching Service
 

The Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) is also known as the BBC's long wave signal. It's the same signal that powers long wave Radio 4, the shipping forecast, and even test cricket.
 

Some electricity meters also use this signal. It lets them switch between peak and off-peak times, and control your heating and hot water.
 

The signal will undergo a phased shutdown starting 30th June 2025. This change is similar to the shift from terrestrial to digital TV – it's a nationwide upgrade to a new technology.
 

We’ve been getting in touch with everyone who has an RTS meter, as it’ll need to be replaced. You’ll find details on how to book a meter replacement in the letter or email we send you. It’ll depend on the type of tariff you have:
 

If you’re on the Economy 7 tariff

The Economy 7 tariff offers cheaper off-peak electricity overnight, and costs more during the day. If you're on this tariff, please visit our website to book a meter replacement, or call us on 0330 102 8819 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. 
 

If you're on a different tariff to Economy 7 

If you're on any other tariff, like Total Heat Total Control (THTC) or Economy 10, please call us on 0330 102 8594 to book a meter replacement. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Hey ​@Rollei 

That sounds very frustrating, I’m sorry to hear.

 

Did you go ahead with the re-wiring at the fuse box suggested? Are you able to upload some photos of your meter set up to this post if possible, so we can take a look. 

I wonder if ​@Lukepeniket_OVO has any advice here?

7 replies

Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVOBest Answer
Retired Moderator
May 1, 2025

Updated on 02/07/25 by Emmanuelle_OVO:
 

Radio Teleswitching Service
 

The Radio Teleswitching Service (RTS) is also known as the BBC's long wave signal. It's the same signal that powers long wave Radio 4, the shipping forecast, and even test cricket.
 

Some electricity meters also use this signal. It lets them switch between peak and off-peak times, and control your heating and hot water.
 

The signal will undergo a phased shutdown starting 30th June 2025. This change is similar to the shift from terrestrial to digital TV – it's a nationwide upgrade to a new technology.
 

We’ve been getting in touch with everyone who has an RTS meter, as it’ll need to be replaced. You’ll find details on how to book a meter replacement in the letter or email we send you. It’ll depend on the type of tariff you have:
 

If you’re on the Economy 7 tariff

The Economy 7 tariff offers cheaper off-peak electricity overnight, and costs more during the day. If you're on this tariff, please visit our website to book a meter replacement, or call us on 0330 102 8819 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. 
 

If you're on a different tariff to Economy 7 

If you're on any other tariff, like Total Heat Total Control (THTC) or Economy 10, please call us on 0330 102 8594 to book a meter replacement. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Hey ​@Rollei 

That sounds very frustrating, I’m sorry to hear.

 

Did you go ahead with the re-wiring at the fuse box suggested? Are you able to upload some photos of your meter set up to this post if possible, so we can take a look. 

I wonder if ​@Lukepeniket_OVO has any advice here?

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
Newcomer
Linda jolly
Newcomer
January 8, 2026

Smart meter installations. Ovo have come to my flat 7 times and still no smart meter installed. I haveRTS meter and old storage heaters. Why can’t they sort this out! 
 

Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Ben_OVO
Community Manager
January 28, 2026

​@Linda jolly I’m really sorry that your topic was never replied to. Please could you give us some more information. Are you still waiting for an appointment?

 

If you could also include photos of your metering set-up that would be really helpful.

 

Thanks!

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Newcomer
Linda jolly
Newcomer
January 28, 2026

Hello, I have an appointment for February 5th,so hoping they will eventually do something. 
I have been assured that it’s the proper team this time.

will contact you if I am still having problems. 
thanks

linda jolly

    Newcomer
    Linda jolly
    Newcomer
    January 28, 2026

    Hello, I have an appointment for February 5th,so hoping they will eventually do something. 
    I have been assured that it’s the proper team this time.

    will contact you if I am still having problems. 
    thanks

    linda jolly

      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      January 29, 2026

      Hey ​@Linda jolly 

       

      I’m glad to hear you’ve got an appointment booked, hopefully that does go ahead successfully this time. 

       

      Do of course pop back if you have any issues with the appointment.

      Currently Playing: She's Electric
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      Abby_OVO
      Community Manager
      January 29, 2026

      Hey ​@Linda jolly 

       

      I’m glad to hear you’ve got an appointment booked, hopefully that does go ahead successfully this time. 

       

      Do of course pop back if you have any issues with the appointment.

      Currently Playing: She's Electric
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement

      OVO Energy Ltd, Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ, (Company no. 06890795) registered in England and Wales.

      OVO (S) Gas Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 02716495) at Floor 5, Crescent, Temple Back, Redcliffe, BS1 6EZ.

      OVO (S) Gas Limited is part of OVO Group Ltd