Transforming Energy Use: The End of BBC-Controlled Electric Meters and What It Means for You

Two rare hand-crafted tungsten-centered cooled anode modulators (CAM) are essential for keeping long wave radio signals alive. Unfortunately, the BBC has nearly exhausted its supply. For almost 15 years, they’ve been warning us about the end of Long Wave radio. Remanufacturing these crucial components is risky, as even a small mistake could lead to transmitter failure.

The idea of rebuilding the transmitter or switching to higher frequencies isn’t practical for the few homes relying solely on this service. In 2011, the BBC explained to The Guardian that other options, like lower-power radios and internet services, are already available. Keeping Droitwich operational is energy-intensive, requiring about 500 kilowatts of power—more than other BBC transmissions.

As of January 2025, around 600,000 households in the UK still use RTS meters for their power management. Just last year, 300,000 of these meters were upgraded to smart meters as part of a transition plan. However, both utilities and BBC have decided to shut down the RTS service on June 30, 2025, urging customers to move to smart meters.

Ironically, over 4 million smart meters in the UK are malfunctioning. Reports have surfaced about unexpected charges based on estimated readings rather than actual usage. For example, artist Sir Grayson Perry faced a whopping £39,000 bill due to this issue. Compounding the problem, many smart meters have stopped working because older 2G and 3G network systems were phased out without a solid transition plan in place, as highlighted by New Scientist.

The changing landscape of radio technology raises questions about the future of broadcasting. Many older generations still rely on traditional radio for news and music. This shift could leave some feeling disconnected as technology moves forward. The end of Long Wave radio signifies more than just a service closure; it represents a broader shift in how we consume information and entertainment. Is technology making us more connected, or is it leaving some people behind? That’s a conversation worth having.

For those interested in exploring the nuances of these changes, you can learn more about the implications in the report from the BBC.

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