White meter heating explained

White meter heating systems, often found in older UK homes, offer a way to manage electricity costs by providing cheaper rates at certain times of the day. For many homeowners, particularly those with electric heating, understanding how these tariffs work and what changes are on the horizon is crucial for efficient energy use and peace of mind. This guide will explain white meters, their connection to tariffs like Economy 7, and the upcoming changes that will affect many households.

Understanding white meter heating and the upcoming changes can help you manage your energy. Fuse Energy is committed to making energy simple and transparent, helping you get the most out of your home's electricity. Click here to see how Fuse can help you manage your energy.

What is white meter heating?

White meter heating refers to an electricity metering system that records electricity consumption at different rates depending on the time of day. These meters are designed to encourage the use of electricity during off-peak hours, when demand on the National Grid is lower.

How white meters work

Unlike standard single-rate meters, white meters have multiple registers that record electricity usage separately for different time periods. Typically, this means one rate for peak daytime hours and a significantly cheaper rate for off-peak hours, usually overnight. The meter automatically switches between these rates, allowing households to benefit from lower prices for energy-intensive activities, such as charging storage heaters.

The role of off-peak electricity

The core idea behind white meters is to make off-peak electricity more attractive. Energy suppliers offer lower rates during these periods because electricity generation is often cheaper and there's less strain on the grid. For homes with electric heating, especially storage heaters, this means they can "charge up" their heating systems overnight using cheaper electricity, which then releases heat throughout the day. This can lead to considerable savings if managed effectively.

White meters and Economy 7 connection

White meters are closely associated with specific electricity tariffs, with Economy 7 being the most well-known. While often used interchangeably, it's important to understand their relationship.

Historical context and common usage

Economy 7 tariffs have been a staple for UK households with electric heating for decades. They typically provide 7 hours of cheaper off-peak electricity, often overnight, though the exact timings can vary by region and supplier. This tariff structure made electric storage heaters a viable and cost-effective heating solution for many homes, allowing them to store heat during the cheaper period.

Key differences and similarities

A white meter is the physical device that enables multi-rate tariffs, while Economy 7 is a type of tariff that uses such a meter. So, if you have an Economy 7 tariff, you will have a white meter (or a similar multi-rate meter) installed. The main similarity is the provision of cheaper electricity during specific off-peak hours. The key difference is that "white meter" refers to the hardware, and "Economy 7" refers to the pricing plan it facilitates. Other multi-rate tariffs exist, but Economy 7 remains the most common.

The advantages and disadvantages of white meter tariffs

White meter tariffs, particularly Economy 7, can offer distinct benefits, but they also come with considerations for modern living.

Potential for cheaper heating

The primary advantage is the potential for significantly cheaper heating costs. By running electric heating and other high-consumption appliances during the off-peak window, households can make substantial savings on their energy bills. This is particularly beneficial for those with well-insulated homes and efficient storage heaters that can retain heat for extended periods.

Considerations for modern lifestyles

However, white meter tariffs require careful management to be truly cost-effective. If a household uses a lot of electricity during peak daytime hours, the higher peak rate can outweigh the savings made overnight. Modern lifestyles, with more daytime electricity use for appliances, computing, and entertainment, mean that these tariffs might not always be the cheapest option unless consumption patterns are actively adjusted. It's crucial to understand your specific off-peak hours and align your energy use accordingly.

The RTS meter switch-off guide

Many older white meters rely on a system called the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) to switch between peak and off-peak rates. This service is being phased out, and it's vital for affected homeowners to understand what this means for them.

Why RTS meters are being replaced

RTS is an outdated technology that uses longwave radio signals to control meters. Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, mandated the phase-out of this service, which began on 30 June 2025. This means that RTS meters will no longer be able to automatically switch between peak and off-peak rates, making them obsolete. The industry is moving towards modern smart meters, which offer greater flexibility and more accurate readings.

What the switch-off means for you

If you have an RTS meter, your current energy supplier is responsible for replacing it with a smart meter. This smart meter upgrade is typically provided free of charge by your supplier. There's no need for alarm; this is a planned industry-wide upgrade designed to improve the energy system for everyone.

Upgrading to a smart meter: the process

Your energy supplier will contact you to arrange the replacement of your RTS meter with a new smart meter. This process is usually straightforward:

1. Contact from your supplier: Your supplier will reach out to schedule an appointment for the upgrade.
2. Free installation: The installation of the smart meter to replace your RTS meter is provided free of charge.
3. Engineer visit: A qualified engineer will visit your home to remove the old RTS meter and install the new smart meter.
4. No disruption to supply: The process is designed to minimise disruption to your energy supply.

Once your smart meter is installed, it will automatically send readings to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual meter readings and ensuring accurate billing. You can learn more about the process of a smart meter installation.

Maximising savings with your white meter (and beyond)

Even with an older white meter, there are ways to optimise your energy use. Once you upgrade to a smart meter, even more opportunities for savings open up.

Optimising electric heating usage

To make the most of a white meter tariff, focus on using your electric heating and other high-energy appliances during the cheaper off-peak hours.

• Understand your timings: Confirm the exact start and end times of your off-peak period with your energy supplier.
• Charge storage heaters overnight: Ensure your storage heaters are set to charge fully during the off-peak window.
• Time other appliances: Use washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers during off-peak hours where possible.
• Insulate effectively: Good insulation helps your home retain heat, making your heating system more efficient. For more tips, check out our guide on energy efficiency tips.

How to read your white meter

Reading an older white meter can sometimes be a little different from a standard meter, as it will have multiple displays or registers.

1. Identify registers: Your meter will typically have two sets of numbers, often labelled 'Low' and 'Normal' (or 'Night' and 'Day', or 'Rate 1' and 'Rate 2').
2. Record each reading: Note down the numbers shown on each register, from left to right, ignoring any red digits or digits after a decimal point.
3. Submit to your supplier: Provide both readings to your energy supplier when requested.

If you are unsure, contact your energy supplier for specific instructions on how to read your particular white meter model. You can also find general guidance on how to read your meter.

Transitioning to modern energy: your next steps

The move from RTS meters to smart meters is an opportunity to embrace modern energy management and potentially gain more control over your bills.

Benefits of smart meters and dual-rate tariffs

Once your RTS meter has been replaced with a smart meter, you'll be able to access a new generation of dual-rate tariffs. These tariffs, like their Economy 7 predecessors, offer cheaper off-peak electricity, but with the added benefits of smart technology:

• Accurate billing: Smart meters send readings automatically, eliminating estimated bills.
• Better insights: Many smart meters and associated apps provide detailed insights into your energy usage, helping you identify where you can save.
• Flexible tariffs: Modern dual-rate tariffs can be even more dynamic, allowing you to take advantage of the cheapest electricity when the grid is greenest. This means you can manage your electric heating costs effectively, enabling warmth without fear.
• Future-ready: Smart meters are a key part of a more flexible and efficient energy grid, moving away from outdated infrastructure like RTS.

The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, so even small improvements in efficiency and tariff choice can lead to noticeable savings.

Choosing a supplier for a modern energy experience

After your current supplier has upgraded your RTS meter to a smart meter, you can then explore switching to a supplier that offers competitive dual-rate tariffs and excellent customer support. Fuse Energy, for example, encourages customers to move beyond legacy white meter systems and embrace modern smart meters for better control and efficiency. We offer dual-rate tariffs that empower you to manage your electric heating costs effectively. For those navigating the transition from older meters to modern energy management, our 24/7 human customer support is available to help with confidence.

Ready to take control of your energy bills with a modern approach? Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support to guide you. Once your RTS meter has been upgraded to a smart meter by your current supplier, switching to Fuse is straightforward. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and discover a smarter way to manage your home's energy. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy abundant and affordable by clicking here.