Goodbye Economy 7, a Victim of the Long Wave Power Shutdown
Heating Up the Past: A Farewell to Economy 7's Radio-Controlled Warmth
Step back to the 80s and you can't help but notice the constant reminders of Economy 7. It was the savvy method of cutting heating expenses, relying on storage heaters that ran at night using inexpensive electricity, doling out warmth throughout the day. Behind the scenes, an unseen force worked tirelessly, a nationwide radio switching signal transmitted through the BBC's 198 kHz Long Wave service. In 2025 we say goodbye to the BBC Radio 4 Long Wave service that has supported it all, rendering thousands of off-peak electricity meters, still in service, obsolete. [Ringway Manchester] is here to share the story.
The system made its debut in the early 1980s, and consisted of a receiver box that connected alongside your conventional electricity meter, switching in or out the off-peak circuit. The control signal was phase-modulated onto the carrier, and was capable of conveying a series of different energy use programs. 198 kHz had the advantage of universal coverage due to its low frequency, making it the go-to choice. As we've mentioned before, the main transmitter at Droitwich is set for retirement due to the unavailability of the high-power vacuum tubes it relies on, signaling the end of Economy 7 too. The electricity companies are sluggish to respond, despite repeated warnings, so there's a mad scramble to swap out those old meters with modern smart meters. Watch the video below for more details.
As the earliest of broadcast bands may be on the brink of extinction, it's not a complete loss. There might just be a fresh station on the dial for some.
Setting the Record Straight
Before we delve into the phase-out of the system and alternatives for Economy 7 users, it's important to clarify one thing: the BBC Radio 4 Long Wave service is not the same as the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) used for Economy 7 and other tariffs. It's the latter that is being phased out by June 30, 2025.
Saying Goodbye to RTS Meters
- Background: The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) enables certain meters to automatically switch between peak and off-peak rates, essential for tariffs like Economy 7. However, this service will be discontinued by June 30, 2025[1][3][4].
- Impact: Without RTS, households may encounter issues with their heating and water systems, or face higher electricity bills due to incorrect timing[1][4].
A New Day for Heating: Smart Meters and Beyond
- Smart Meters:
- Role: Smart meters can manage time-of-use tariffs more efficiently than older meters. They can automatically adjust to different rates without the need for RTS[1].
- Availability: Electricity suppliers are responsible for replacing RTS meters with smart meters, capable of supporting Economy 7-like tariffs[4].
- New Tariffs and Technologies:
- Economy 7 Tariffs Persist: While the RTS system is being phased out, Economy 7 tariffs themselves continue. They will be supported by newer metering technologies[3].
- New Tariff Options: Some energy suppliers are offering new tariff options that offer cheaper electricity at off-peak hours, similar to Economy 7, but not tied to traditional RTS meters[5].
- Alternative Heating Solutions: Some homeowners are exploring alternatives to traditional storage heaters, such as electric radiators or infrared heating, which can provide better efficiency and control[3].
- Stay Informed:
- Reach Out to Your Supplier: If you have an RTS meter, your supplier should contact you to arrange an upgrade. It's crucial to ensure this happens before the deadline to avoid disruptions[4].
- The BBC Radio 4 Long Wave service, which supported the operation of Economy 7, is set to cease operation in 2025, leaving many off-peak electricity meters obsolete.
- As the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) used for tariffs like Economy 7 will be discontinued by June 30, 2025, households may encounter issues with their heating and water systems or face higher electricity bills due to incorrect timing.
