Skip to main content

Updated on 14/11/24 by Abby_OVO

 

Check out our dedicated RTS FAQs page for more information.

 

RTS Shutdown Update July 2024

 

Hey! The name’s 186, Blastoise186 and I’m one of the Forum Volunteers who you’ve maybe seen helping around here. I’ve been working with OVO to get the most up to date information possible for you and they’ve passed over the following helpful updates and details.

One of the recent hot questions we’ve seen on the Forum (for a while now) is what’s happening to RTS meters. The RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) is shutting down soon, which especially affects complex ones like THTC (Total Heat Total Control). I’ve covered this before in one of my older posts linked below – so check that out if you’re interested in why this is happening. That post already has many questions covered, so this one will focus purely on the next steps.

If you’re interested in what all the different meter types are/were - just ask below. Not sure if you’ve got RTS? No problem – give OVO a ring and they’ll be able to let you know. You can reach out to them here.

All caught up? Great, let’s get started on this latest update. This is the final piece of the puzzle - the hot off the press information about exactly what’s happening next.

I’d like to apologise for the extended delay in getting this out. While I can - and do - act independently of OVO, such critical content like this still has to be reviewed and approved before it can go live to make sure it’s as accurate as possible. 

So without further ado, the big question…

 

I’ve got an RTS Meter, what are my options for smart meters?

Good question – as you may know, these meters can be pretty complex, but OVO have spent a good amount of time updating their systems to manage this change for their customers.

I’m pleased to finally reveal what OVO’s plans are for everyone with an RTS Meter, whether it be Economy 7, Economy 10, THTC (Total Heat Total Control), Total Living Control, Standard Economy & Heating Load, Heatwise, Storage Heating Control, Flexiheat, Superdeal or basically any other RTS Meter.

The long story short version is exactly what many of you wanted to hear - OVO will be contacting all RTS customers to sort the change to a non RTS meter. Even better, since everything will run locally and be controlled by the meter itself, your heating and hot water will continue to work even if the signal to the meter temporarily drops out.

But what will you get?

If you’re ready to upgrade and your meter is listed below as upgradeable, check out smart-booking.ovoenergy.com

With another supplier? Please contact their customer service team for this as OVO can only upgrade meters belonging to OVO customers.

 

Affected OVO supported RTS Meters/Tariffs

If you AREN’T in a LMA (Load Managed Area*) - 

*A Load Managed Area is an area that's not as easy to maintain, like small islands or densely populated communities

 

Economy 7

Available now!

All customers with an Economy 7 (both RTS and Non-RTS) are eligible for smart meters. Everything else will stay the same - it’s just a straightforward meter swap in 99% of cases.

 

Economy 10

Available now!

OVO has just started to roll out Economy 10 support on smart meters. You should have already had a letter to arrange this change, if not, give OVO a call on 0330 303 5063.

 

All other RTS meters (THTC, Superdeal etc)

Coming Soon

Here are the 2 possible routes you could go down.

 

Coming Soon – Rollout with OVO starts around August 2024

Good news! In this situation, you can go for Economy 7, Economy 9, Economy 10 or a single rate meter - totally up to you. Your letter will invite you to call OVO’s specialist team who are on hand to discuss the set up within your property. They’ll help you come to a decision that best suits your lifestyle.

As part of the process, your THTC meters will be taken out and replaced with a shiny new smart meter (where possible) running on whichever tariff you picked.

 

If you ARE in a Load Managed Area

Coming soon! Waiting for an availability estimate

For this small group in Northern Scotland, I’m afraid you’ll have to remain on THTC at this time due to the DNO restrictions that are still in effect. However, you’re still going to get smart meters as promised - OVO are working on a solution for you and will post more information as soon as possible

 

RTS Meters/Tariffs from other suppliers

No details yet - feel free to help me build this out. If you’re with any other supplier and have info on what’s happening to your meter, feel free to post the details below and if it looks good, I’ll add it here - with full credit of course.

 

What if I don’t want a smart meter and/or refuse to have the upgrade?

If you don’t want the upgrade, then the RTS Service will eventually end regardless, and I’m really sorry, but I can’t guarantee what’ll happen to your heating and/or hot water, so I strongly recommend against taking that risk. These changes must happen and must happen soon.

All I can say is that many of these RTS Meters are getting older now, and while the designers did include fail-safes to cover RTS Service outages, these were only designed for short-term outages - not a total and permanent shutdown. Just as I can’t guarantee what’ll happen to your heating and hot water, OVO can’t guarantee how long the fail-safe will last for - or if it’ll even work at all on your specific meter.

Forum Volunteers on The OVO Forum may also be unable to provide advice and support for these meters post end-of-life to the same extent as we have previously, which means we’ll probably recommend you go direct to smart meters. We’ll still try to help out if we can - but our options would be limited.

 

If you have any further questions, please do leave a comment and one of the OVO moderators will chase this up for us.

Hi all, first post so apologies if any mistakes.

 

Firstly thanks seem to be in order to @Blastoise186 for your work.

 

I live in Aberdeenshire with THTC heating currently on the normal 24hr and Off-peak circuits. Ovo have booked us in for a Smart Meter install for later in the month and onto an Economy 10 tarriff. 

 

My understanding is that in a ‘normal’ install the off peak hours of Economy 10 etc would apply to the whole house circuit as most don't have an Off-peak circuit. This would break our heating. 

 

My question. When the THTC meter is replaced with an Economy 10 Smart Meter is the current Off-peak circuit wired to the meter second output so that the Off-peak circuit is only energised during the 10 off peak hours? 

 

Thanks in advance, Simon.

Hey @ByeeTHTC ,

My understanding is that OVO has considered that exact possibility. The way they can solve it is to basically wire up the meter so the physical wiring is identical to what you have now and then simply configure it in software to run the Off-Peak circuits only at the right times.

Hey @ByeeTHTC ,

My understanding is that OVO has considered that exact possibility. The way they can solve it is to basically wire up the meter so the physical wiring is identical to what you have now and then simply configure it in software to run the Off-Peak circuits only at the right times.

 

Thanks 🙂 I wonder if there’s a way to be sure? If this isn't the case then it’s no solution. A previous tenant opted for PAYG so hopefully that won't complicate things too.

 

Thanks for your reply.

I have my sources. Very well placed contacts within OVO to be exact. :)

And there’s a small possibility I may have broken into OVO’s Smart Meter Lab a couple of months ago and fiddled about with the exact setup that’s about to be installed in your place…

It’s possible that an external contactor might be used in the new setup, but that’d be controlled by the meter anyway so it’d act as if it were part of the meter itself.

I have my sources. Very well placed contacts within OVO to be exact. :)

And there’s a small possibility I may have broken into OVO’s Smart Meter Lab a couple of months ago and fiddled about with the exact setup that’s about to be installed in your place…

It’s possible that an external contactor might be used in the new setup, but that’d be controlled by the meter anyway so it’d act as if it were part of the meter itself.

 

Hah, perfect thank you. Apologies for suspicion it’s only as the solution has been so long coming and failure will make for a cold winter with a disabled wife.

 

How does this work with panel heaters and focal point heaters? I also have convector heater in my storage heaters which run of the 24 hour off peak circuit.

Hey @ByeeTHTC ,

My understanding is that OVO has considered that exact possibility. The way they can solve it is to basically wire up the meter so the physical wiring is identical to what you have now and then simply configure it in software to run the Off-Peak circuits only at the right times.

Sorry meant to quote this on my last post.

 

How does this work with panel heaters and focal point heaters? I also have convector heater in my storage heaters which run of the 24 hour off peak circuit.

Once you come off of THTC, ALL your usage will either be classed as Peak or Off-Peak which will purely depend on what time of day you do stuff. There’ll be no more of this silly “some stuff is always Off-Peak, other stuff is always Peak and everything else is dead outside of random times”. It’ll be flattened down to work in a FAR simpler way.

The convector heaters and panel/focal point heaters won’t use anywhere near as much as the storage heaters will. OVO will discuss that with you to find the best options.

Hey @ByeeTHTC ,

My understanding is that OVO has considered that exact possibility. The way they can solve it is to basically wire up the meter so the physical wiring is identical to what you have now and then simply configure it in software to run the Off-Peak circuits only at the right times.

Sorry meant to quote this on my last post.

 

How does this work with panel heaters and focal point heaters? I also have convector heater in my storage heaters which run of the 24 hour off peak circuit.

 

Are you sure about the booster in your storage heaters? They would normally be on the 24hr circuit so you can have boost heat at any time, not just when the Off-peak is active. 

Also I’d expect your other heaters to be on the 24hr circuit so no change.

Are you sure about the booster in your storage heaters? They would normally be on the 24hr circuit so you can have boost heat at any time, not just when the Off-peak is active. 

Also I’d expect your other heaters to be on the 24hr circuit so no change.


The convector heaters in my storage heaters run if the 24 hour heating circuit so are charged at the lower rate. 

Once you come off of THTC, ALL your usage will either be classed as Peak or Off-Peak which will purely depend on what time of day you do stuff. There’ll be no more of this silly “some stuff is always Off-Peak, other stuff is always Peak and everything else is dead outside of random times”. It’ll be flattened down to work in a FAR simpler way.

The convector heaters and panel/focal point heaters won’t use anywhere near as much as the storage heaters will. OVO will discuss that with you to find the best options.

It will be more expensive to run them though as they will no longer be in the lower rate all the time. 

Once you come off of THTC, ALL your usage will either be classed as Peak or Off-Peak which will purely depend on what time of day you do stuff. There’ll be no more of this silly “some stuff is always Off-Peak, other stuff is always Peak and everything else is dead outside of random times”. It’ll be flattened down to work in a FAR simpler way.

The convector heaters and panel/focal point heaters won’t use anywhere near as much as the storage heaters will. OVO will discuss that with you to find the best options.

It will be more expensive to run them though as they will no longer be in the lower rate all the time. 

This will be the thousand dollar question on tariffs offered.  My understanding is that the OFGEM rules relating to smart meter installation is that it must not be to the detriment of the consumer. IF i cannot use my panel heaters, electric shower etc at the cheap off peak rate as i do at present with THTC then that is to my detriment as i will paying at the higher rate. And these tariff higher rates are set at higher then the “standard” rate for a normal supply. It will be interesting to see what is offered.

By the way ByeeTHTC, I also live in your neck of the woods so will be interested in seeing how your smart meter installation progresses.

Once you come off of THTC, ALL your usage will either be classed as Peak or Off-Peak which will purely depend on what time of day you do stuff. There’ll be no more of this silly “some stuff is always Off-Peak, other stuff is always Peak and everything else is dead outside of random times”. It’ll be flattened down to work in a FAR simpler way.

The convector heaters and panel/focal point heaters won’t use anywhere near as much as the storage heaters will. OVO will discuss that with you to find the best options.

It will be more expensive to run them though as they will no longer be in the lower rate all the time. 

But it’d be offset by the fact everything would run at the cheaper rate during Off-Peak. OVO would also help you identify the best tariff based on your setup. Remember that right now, everything on THTC that isn’t heating or hot water is on the expensive rate 24/7!

Once you come off of THTC, ALL your usage will either be classed as Peak or Off-Peak which will purely depend on what time of day you do stuff. There’ll be no more of this silly “some stuff is always Off-Peak, other stuff is always Peak and everything else is dead outside of random times”. It’ll be flattened down to work in a FAR simpler way.

The convector heaters and panel/focal point heaters won’t use anywhere near as much as the storage heaters will. OVO will discuss that with you to find the best options.

It will be more expensive to run them though as they will no longer be in the lower rate all the time. 

This will be the thousand dollar question on tariffs offered.  My understanding is that the OFGEM rules relating to smart meter installation is that it must not be to the detriment of the consumer. IF i cannot use my panel heaters, electric shower etc at the cheap off peak rate as i do at present with THTC then that is to my detriment as i will paying at the higher rate. And these tariff higher rates are set at higher then the “standard” rate for a normal supply. It will be interesting to see what is offered.

By the way ByeeTHTC, I also live in your neck of the woods so will be interested in seeing how your smart meter installation progresses.

Ofgem has already signed off OVO’s plans as acceptable. The fact you get to pick your own tariff is part of that. The Smart Meter install by itself wouldn’t be a detriment however - it’s literally just a meter swap.

I agree that there will be advantages and disadvantages to the E10 tariff versus THTC and in my situation (I am retired and at home all day)I can “move” the times I use high energy consumption equipment like cookers and washing machines, so E10 looks like a viable alternative for me.  The only downside is that I will not be able to get up to 12 hours off peak supply during cold weather but 10 hours only. And in this part of northern Scotland this matters.

I will phone OVO and see what options I am given.  We can finally see the finishing line!

A word of caution @metalsman …

As you’ve said you’re in Northern Scotland, we can’t 100% promise you’ll be able to break free of THTC right now. It all depends on whether you’re in a Load Managed Area or not. If you’re NOT in one, then it should be possible to switch away from THTC. However, if you’re in one then I’m afraid you won’t be able to do that right now.

Well that's the Smart meter installation booked for 27th August.  Fingers crossed we don't get a cancellation email tomorrow!! The finish line is, indeed, in sight.

A word of caution @metalsman …

As you’ve said you’re in Northern Scotland, we can’t 100% promise you’ll be able to break free of THTC right now. It all depends on whether you’re in a Load Managed Area or not. If you’re NOT in one, then it should be possible to switch away from THTC. However, if you’re in one then I’m afraid you won’t be able to do that right now.

A valid point. I am in Northern Scotland as well MPAN 17. So until I find out if I’m in an LMA I won’t know what’s available. 

I agree that there will be advantages and disadvantages to the E10 tariff versus THTC and in my situation (I am retired and at home all day)I can “move” the times I use high energy consumption equipment like cookers and washing machines, so E10 looks like a viable alternative for me.  The only downside is that I will not be able to get up to 12 hours off peak supply during cold weather but 10 hours only. And in this part of northern Scotland this matters.

I will phone OVO and see what options I am given.  We can finally see the finishing line!

I am at home all day as well so panel heaters/focal point on cheaper rate is good for me. The E10 times I’ve seen here mean I would only really benefit from the one in the afternoon as not much standard energy used in the other two times. 

The convector heaters and panel/focal point heaters won’t use anywhere near as much as the storage heaters will.

 

I’m not quite sure what you mean by this. Electric heaters are 100% efficient. Every single watt they consume is converted to heat, so the statement doesn’t really mean anything.

  • A storage heater with a 3kW element will consume precisely 3kWh of electricity each hour it’s heating up.
  • A 3kW panel heater will convert precisely 3kWh of electricity to heat each hour it’s switched on. 

What were you thinking?

An update on my situation…

I previously sought advice on this forum and elsewhere regarding my request to replace my THTC meter with a regular smart meter and get off the THTC tariff. I raised a case and also a formal complaint.

Last week, I was advised to "contact us to have the meters either removed or upgraded to smart anytime."

Fantastic news, right?

Except...

Today, I was contacted by an Advanced Complaints Advisor (or someone with a similar title) who informed me that I cannot have a smart meter. Apparently, there's an "infrastructure problem."

When asked for details, the advisor couldn't explain the specific issue, but the bottom line is I can't get a smart meter.

I suspect the problem is related to the RTS signal, or its replacement the “Smart Metering Wide Area Network”, which I’m guessing isn't available at my location.

This likely means any new smart meter wouldn’t be able to send readings to Ovo.

If that's the case, why can't I get a smart meter, go onto a single tariff, and manually submit readings?

If I understand correctly, if your home is outside the Smart Metering Wide Area Network, you're out of luck. No smart meter for you.

The advisor mentioned that the target for resolving this "infrastructure problem" is June 2025.

To tell the truth, I’ve had so many variations in the information I’m being supplied with I have no idea who or what to believe anymore.

In the meantime, I'm stuck with a tariff I don't want, paying significantly higher prices than I could get elsewhere in the market, and with no option to change suppliers because I have two meters.

BTW, the neighbour up the road has a smart meter. It works just fine.

Time to contact the Ombudsman?

Just spoke to someone in Squad70.

He tells me that right now (and for the foreseeable future) NO THTC meters are currently being replaced because of a technical issue that he could not describe to me.

He said 100,000 people either are (i.e. have a problem with their smart meter) or will be potentially affected (i.e. won’t get a smart meter).

So, now I’m unsure whether I can’t get a meter because I’m out of the Smart Metering Wide Area Network or because of this other, unspecified problem?

It’ll be fixed by June 2025.

I agree that there will be advantages and disadvantages to the E10 tariff versus THTC and in my situation (I am retired and at home all day)I can “move” the times I use high energy consumption equipment like cookers and washing machines, so E10 looks like a viable alternative for me.  The only downside is that I will not be able to get up to 12 hours off peak supply during cold weather but 10 hours only. And in this part of northern Scotland this matters.

I will phone OVO and see what options I am given.  We can finally see the finishing line!

I am at home all day as well so panel heaters/focal point on cheaper rate is good for me. The E10 times I’ve seen here mean I would only really benefit from the one in the afternoon as not much standard energy used in the other two times. 

We have got “intelligent” Dimplex quantum storage heaters in a holiday cottage in the Highlands- I have no idea how the E!0 or E7 times would interact with their programming- and they are also wired to 24 hour circuit for convection and a boost element. Does anyone know if  we have to change the off peak times on each heater

or will the smart meter control this when we finally get one? & assuming we can get off THTC...

Blastoise. upthread I queried the position with three phase supplies.

I do have 100A per phase and two meters. The first is a single phase meter measuring the “domestic” supply. The second is a polyphase meter with the other two phases connected to it, measuring the heating & hot water supply. The storage heating is switched using a 3-phase contactor controlled by an RTS device (an old meter).

You mentioned an Aclara SGM1433-B - does this meter record, and importantly report back to the supplier, the energy use for each phase separately?

Yes it does - that’s part of the design. Ultimately, it’d feed all three back in one go, but there’d be flags in the messages telling OVO which bits came from what phase.

Likewise, if it’s programmed to only flip certain phases on at specific times, that’d (at least in theory) sort you out too because then it’d only record using on that phase at the appropriate times.

I agree that there will be advantages and disadvantages to the E10 tariff versus THTC and in my situation (I am retired and at home all day)I can “move” the times I use high energy consumption equipment like cookers and washing machines, so E10 looks like a viable alternative for me.  The only downside is that I will not be able to get up to 12 hours off peak supply during cold weather but 10 hours only. And in this part of northern Scotland this matters.

I will phone OVO and see what options I am given.  We can finally see the finishing line!

I am at home all day as well so panel heaters/focal point on cheaper rate is good for me. The E10 times I’ve seen here mean I would only really benefit from the one in the afternoon as not much standard energy used in the other two times. 

We have got “intelligent” Dimplex quantum storage heaters in a holiday cottage in the Highlands- I have no idea how the E!0 or E7 times would interact with their programming- and they are also wired to 24 hour circuit for convection and a boost element. Does anyone know if  we have to change the off peak times on each heater

or will the smart meter control this when we finally get one? & assuming we can get off THTC...

Sorry if we missed this!

The new meter should still be able to control that. I’d recommend talking to Dimplex just in case though.

Reply


Terms & ConditionsCookie settings