You've probably spotted 'controlled load' on your electricity bill and wondered what it means. A controlled load tariff is a special electricity rate for appliances that can run at specific times when power demand is lower. Your electricity company controls when these appliances operate, usually during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper to generate.
Most Australian households pay around 15-30 cents less per kilowatt-hour for controlled load electricity compared to standard rates. This can add up to significant savings if you have the right appliances connected.
How Does Controlled Load Electricity Work?
Controlled load electricity works through a separate circuit and meter that your electricity distributor can switch on and off remotely. When demand for electricity is low (typically overnight or during weekends), they activate your controlled load circuit. Your connected appliances then automatically start running.
The timing varies by state and distributor, but controlled load periods commonly run from 10pm to 7am on weekdays, plus extended hours on weekends. Some areas offer two controlled load periods - one overnight and another during the day when solar generation is high.
Your electricity bill shows controlled load usage separately from your regular consumption. You'll see different rates for each type of usage, with controlled load consistently cheaper.
Which Appliances Can Use Controlled Load Tariffs?
Electric hot water systems are the most common controlled load appliances in Australian homes. These systems heat water overnight when electricity is cheaper, storing the hot water in an insulated tank for use throughout the day.
Pool pumps and pool heating systems also work well on controlled load tariffs. Pools need filtration and heating, but the timing isn't critical - running overnight saves money without affecting your swimming experience.
Electric floor heating, slab heating, and some types of electric vehicle chargers can also connect to controlled load circuits. The key requirement is that the appliance must be able to operate effectively when the electricity company decides to supply power.
What Are the Different Types of Controlled Load?
Controlled Load 1 typically runs for 8 hours overnight, usually from 10pm to 6am. This suits electric hot water systems that need several hours to heat a full tank of water.
Controlled Load 2 often provides two separate periods - a few hours overnight and another block during the day. This works for appliances that benefit from more frequent operation, like pool pumps that need to run twice daily.
Some distributors offer Controlled Load 3 or other variations with different timing patterns. The exact schedules depend on your local electricity network and their specific demand management needs.
How Much Can You Save with Controlled Load?
Controlled load rates typically cost 15-25 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to 25-45 cents for standard electricity rates. The exact savings depend on your location and electricity retailer.
A typical electric hot water system uses about 3,000-4,000 kilowatt-hours per year. Switching from standard rates to controlled load could save $300-600 annually on hot water heating alone.
Pool pumps running 8 hours daily use roughly 2,000-3,000 kilowatt-hours annually. Moving to controlled load could cut $200-400 from your yearly pool operating costs.
Remember that you need the right appliances and electrical setup to access these savings. Not every home can simply switch to controlled load without some electrical work.
What Are the Downsides of Controlled Load?
You lose control over when your appliances run. If your hot water system operates on controlled load and you have an unusually high hot water day, you might run out before the next heating cycle.
Installation costs can be significant if your home isn't already set up for controlled load. You'll need separate circuits, possibly additional metering, and electrical work by a licensed electrician.
Controlled load isn't available everywhere. Some rural areas or newer housing developments might not have the necessary infrastructure. Your electricity distributor controls availability, not your retailer.
The timing might not suit your household patterns. If you need your pool pump running during the day for a pool party, controlled load scheduling might not align with your plans.
How Do You Get Controlled Load Set Up?
Contact your electricity distributor (not your retailer) to check if controlled load is available at your property. They'll tell you what types are offered and the current timing schedules.
You'll need a licensed electrician to install the separate controlled load circuit and connect your eligible appliances. This work must comply with Australian electrical standards and local regulations.
Your electricity retailer will need to update your account to include controlled load rates. Energy Made Easy can help you compare retailers that offer competitive controlled load rates in your area.
Some smart meters can handle controlled load without additional hardware, but older meters might need replacement or upgrades.
Is Controlled Load Worth It for Your Home?
Controlled load makes most sense if you have electric hot water, a pool, or other suitable appliances that use significant electricity. The savings need to outweigh any installation costs and the inconvenience of losing control over timing.
Calculate your potential savings by checking your current usage for eligible appliances and comparing standard rates with controlled load rates in your area. Factor in any electrical work costs to get a realistic payback period.
If you're building or renovating, controlled load is often worth considering from the start. The additional electrical work is cheaper when done as part of larger electrical installation.
Your electricity bill holds the key to understanding whether controlled load could save you money. Upload your bill to BillDecoder's free analysis tool to see your current usage patterns and get personalised recommendations for reducing your electricity costs.