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

  • April 30, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 228 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?

1 reply

Emmanuelle_OVO
Community Manager
  • Community Manager
  • Solved
  • 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?