Energy switch-off warning issued for millions of UK households as high-use areas revealed

Millions of households across the UK are being warned about possible disruption to their energy supply after a major system switch-off began last month. More than 2.5 million homes on Economy 7 tariffs could be affected after the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) started to shut down on June 30, 2025. The service sends signals to older electricity meters to control when cheaper off-peak rates are activated, but those signals are now being phased out.

Anyone still using an RTS meter could face problems with heating, hot water, or even billing errors if they don't upgrade in time. According to the Government, meter replacements are being rolled out in stages to avoid widespread disruption. Posting on X last month, Money Saving Expert's Martin Lewis said: "Got an old Economy 7 or multi-rate electricity meter? The 'Radio Teleswitch Service' which allows some old (non-smart) meters to function will be switched off at end of this month. It could mean your heating & hot water won't function properly, or incorrect bills. You need a meter upgrade now."

New data has also revealed which parts of the UK used the most gas and electricity in 2023, with Croydon's CR0 postcode coming out on top for both.

Figures show that homes in CR0 used over 224 million kWh of electricity across 61,886 properties - an average of 3,620 kWh per household, which is nearly 1,000 above the UK average of 2,700.

Other areas with high electricity use include E14 in London, which used 171 million kWh; LE2 in Leicester with 150 million; LE3 with 141 million; and SL6 in Berkshire, which also consumed 141 million. Postcodes such as N1, BN2, SE1, E17, and BN3 also featured among the top 10 for electricity usage.

Gas usage was also high in CR0, with homes using over 695 million kWh - an average of 11,230 kWh per household, just under the national average of 11,500.

Following CR0 on the gas usage list were LE2 with 570 million kWh, LE3 with 482 million, LE4 with 463 million, and NG5 in Nottingham with 436 million. Other high-use areas included LE5, SL6, ST5, CV6, and SW19 in London.

Steve Ferguson, from Jefferson Gas, said the RTS shutdown means some households will need to rethink how and when they use electricity.

"The advantage of Economy 7 tariffs has always been the ability to carry out tasks that use a lot of energy at times when the pricing is lower or 'off peak'," he said.

"With the RTS switch-off meaning that this may no longer be possible, people who have relied on this to cut their energy bills may find themselves having to change their habits in order to adapt."

Ferguson added: "While it would require an initial investment, those with the available budget may wish to change their electric heating system to gas. Electricity on average is around 25 pence per kWh with a daily standing charge of 51 pence, and gas is around 6-7 pence per unit.

"Depending on your consumption, you may be able to recoup your investment in a relatively short amount of time."

He also encouraged households to check the efficiency ratings on old appliances, switch to LED lightbulbs, and build better energy-saving habits.

"Even small steps such as switching from filament to LED lightbulbs can help to lower your consumption. Ultimately however, the best way to cut usage is by building better habits."

A survey from 2018 found that UK households leaving lights on overnight cost more than £3 million every night in wasted energy. With prices much higher now, that figure is likely even greater.

Ferguson added: "If you have the space, hang clothes to dry on sunny days instead of using the tumble dryer. Only boil the amount of water you need, and take a short shower instead of a long bath - small changes like these can really add up."