Mid-2025 switch-off of legacy off-peak electricity meters: How Essex homeowners and property managers can prepare

From mid-2025, certain legacy electricity meters that switch your supply between day and night rates automatically will begin to be switched off. These devices are common in homes with electric heating (especially storage heaters and immersion-heated hot water cylinders) and are often linked to Economy 7, Economy 10 or similar “off-peak” tariffs. If your meter relies on this older control technology, you will need it replaced—typically with a modern smart meter—to keep your heating and hot water running reliably and to retain access to multi‑rate or flexible tariffs.

You are likely affected if one or more of the following applies:

• You are on a multi‑rate tariff such as Economy 7/Economy 10 (check your bill for two unit rates, often labelled “day” and “night,” or “peak” and “off‑peak”).
• Your property has storage heaters that automatically “charge” overnight.
• Your hot water cylinder heats up at night on a cheaper rate, often via a separate off‑peak circuit.
• You have two electricity meters, or one meter plus a separate timer or teleswitch unit on the wall.
• Your meter or associated control box carries references to “Radio Teleswitch,” “RTS,” “White Meter,” “Heatwise,” “ComfortPlus,” “Superdeal,” or similar legacy schemes.
• You see two MPANs on your electricity paperwork (an indicator of “complex” or multi‑MPAN metering).

If any of the above sound familiar, take these steps now:
1) Confirm with your electricity supplier. Contact the company named on your bill (not your network operator or your gas supplier) and ask:

• Do I have an RTS or legacy time‑switch meter that will be switched off from mid‑2025?
• Will you replace it with a smart meter that supports my multi‑rate tariff and, if needed, load control for storage heating/hot water?
• Will any rewiring be required on the day, and who is responsible for it?

• What are the off‑peak hours on the new setup, and will they change?

  In most cases, the meter exchange itself should be free of charge. Where wiring changes are needed—for example, to maintain a controlled off‑peak supply to storage heaters—your supplier may handle this, or you may be advised to arrange a qualified electrician. Clarify this in advance.

2) Book early. Demand will be high as the switch‑off date approaches. Secure an appointment that suits you and ensure there is clear access to the meter, consumer unit, and any heating controls. Plan for a brief power interruption during the visit.

3) Landlords and tenants. Tenants usually have the right to request a smart meter if they are the bill payer, but should inform the landlord. If energy bills are included in rent, the landlord or managing agent will need to organise the change. For blocks with communal or landlord‑managed heating, additional coordination may be required.

4) Prepare your system for the changeover. Note current timer settings and off‑peak hours so you can replicate them after the upgrade. If you rely on overnight charging, confirm that your storage heaters and hot water immersion will still receive a controlled off‑peak supply via the smart meter or an associated switch/contactor.

5) After installation, verify operation and tariffs:

• Check your In‑Home Display (IHD) and first bill to ensure day/night rates are applied correctly.
• Confirm your new off‑peak hours (they may differ slightly) and adjust any timers/programmers accordingly.
• If storage heaters or hot water do not heat as expected the first night, contact your supplier promptly—there may be a simple configuration issue.

6) Consider your data preferences. Smart meters can share half‑hourly readings that unlock access to time‑of‑use tariffs and more accurate billing. You can choose the data granularity you are comfortable with; ask your supplier to explain the options.

7) If you are a vulnerable or priority customer, join your supplier’s Priority Services Register for tailored support, accessible appointment slots, and extra help during the changeover.

Impacts on your heating and bills, how to avoid scams, and where local help fits in

What this means for your heating system:

• Storage heaters and immersion heaters: These typically depend on a controlled off‑peak circuit. Your smart meter may incorporate load control (often called an auxiliary load control switch) or be paired with a separate switch/contactor. Ensure your supplier provides a like‑for‑like function so your heating and hot water still run economically overnight.
• Timers and programmers: Off‑peak hours with your smart meter may shift slightly. Re‑programme storage heater boost settings and hot water timers so they align with your new off‑peak window.
• Signs you may need additional work: If, after the meter swap, your heaters never warm overnight, your hot water does not heat on off‑peak, or your boost function stops responding, there may be a wiring or configuration issue. Report this to your supplier. In some properties with complex legacy set‑ups, an electrician may be needed to rationalise circuits.

What this means for your bills:

• You can retain multi‑rate tariffs with a smart meter. Economy‑style tariffs remain available from many suppliers, and smart meters open the door to newer time‑of‑use options that may be even more cost‑effective if you can shift demand to off‑peak periods.
• Expect tariff names and hours to change. The exact off‑peak window and pricing differ by supplier. Before agreeing, ask for the day/night unit rates, standing charge, and off‑peak hours in writing.
• Check whether a single‑rate might suit you better. As a rule of thumb, Economy 7 tends to pay if around 30–40% (or more) of your usage occurs off‑peak. If most of your consumption is during the day and you do not rely on storage heating, compare quotes for single‑rate tariffs as well.
• Use your IHD and online account to track usage. Smart data helps you fine‑tune when you heat water, run appliances, or boost heating so you get maximum value from off‑peak rates.

How to protect yourself from scams:

• Only your electricity supplier (the company on your bill) should arrange and attend a meter exchange. Be wary of cold callers or unsolicited texts/emails.
• Do not pay cash at the door. Meter exchanges are typically free. If anyone demands payment or bank details upfront, refuse and contact your supplier on the official number from your bill or website.
• Ask to see identification. Genuine engineers carry photo ID and a work order. If unsure, close the door and call your supplier to confirm the appointment.
• Do not share one‑time passcodes unless you initiated the contact and are certain of the recipient.
• Keep your personal data private. If you change your data consent for smart readings, do so directly through your supplier’s verified channels.

Planning wider heating changes:

• If you are considering broader upgrades—such as improving hot‑water controls, replacing an aging cylinder thermostat, or reviewing whether your current heating setup is still the right fit for your home or business—specialist support can make the process smooth and cost‑effective.
• Brentwood Heating Ltd does not replace electricity meters; that is your supplier’s role. However, if this metering change prompts you to reassess your heating and hot‑water system, Brentwood Heating can help. For properties with a wet central heating system and a gas supply, we design, install, service, and repair high‑efficiency boilers (Worcester‑Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, Baxi), upgrade central heating controls, and optimise system performance. We also undertake general plumbing, bathroom installation, power flushing, gas safety certification, and emergency call‑outs.
• As a locally owned business serving Brentwood and the wider Essex area—including Upminster, Hornchurch, and Southend—our Gas Safe‑registered engineers prioritise rapid response, clear communication, and tidy, respectful workmanship. We offer tailored quotes and can align solutions to your budget, with attractive manufacturer guarantees on many boilers.

Next steps at a glance:

• Check whether you have a legacy day/night meter or teleswitch.
• Book a smart meter upgrade with your electricity supplier well before mid‑2025.
• Confirm that your new meter will support your heating/hot water off‑peak controls.
• Re‑programme timers after installation and monitor bills to ensure the correct tariff is applied.
• If you need guidance on your heating and hot‑water system—or wish to explore efficiency improvements—contact Brentwood Heating Ltd for expert, hassle‑free support and a tailored quote.