Struggling to stay warm without burning a big hole in your pocket? High-energy appliances such as electric hot water systems or underfloor heating might be the reasons your bill keeps going up. Maybe, it’s time to find a smarter way to manage your usage! A controlled load electricity plan could be a highly affordable option for most Australians, providing lower rates for certain appliances, especially during off-peak hours.
Intrigued by whether this setup could actually save you money? Let’s unlock what energy-efficient tariff truly means – and, if it’s the best move for your household. An off-peak electricity rate enables households to pay a reduced rate for certain appliances connected to a separate circuit electricity usage – usually running at the off-peak hours.
However, is it an ideal choice for everyone? Let’s find out –
Quick Summary
Backed by a controlled load electricity plan, you can slash your electricity bills by powering certain specific appliances – such as pool heaters or hot water systems –at off-peak rates. These appliances should be connected via separatecircuit electricity usage, enabling them to independently run from your prime power supply. With a controlled load tariff, you can get essentially cheaper energy for devices that don’t need to run throughout the day!
What Is Controlled Load Electricity? Take a Quick Glance
A Simple Definition
Controlled load electricity is a pricing arrangement where certain household appliances are powered via a separate circuit, independent of your general electricity usage. Such electrical appliances are charged at a lower electricity rate since they are only powered during off-peak times – generally early in the morning or late at night.
Some Common Controlled Load Appliances
- Electric hot water systems
- Underfloor heating
- Pool pumps or spa heaters
- Slab heating
- Night storage heaters
How a Controlled Load Tariff Works?
Ahead is a read that will help you understand how a controlled or timed load tariff works –
- Powered During Off-Peak Hours
Under a controlled load tariff, the energy providers supply electricity to certain specific appliances for a predetermined or set time window during the day – mostly when the demand is not so high. As the grid isn’t under stress at these specific hours, electricity retailers and distributors can come up with lower rates for usage of this sort.
- Needs a Separate Circuit
To qualify, your appliance should be connected through a separate circuit electricity usage line that’s metered independently. This setup makes sure that only that specific appliance benefits from any cheaper controlled load electricity rate.
General Usage Tariff vs. Controlled Load Tariff
While both types of tariffs charge you for your electricity usage, the major difference lies in when or how the energy is supplied. The general usage tariff applies to your household electricity usage, whereas the controlled load tariffsprovide discounted or cheaper rates for certain appliances, mainly operated at the off-peak hours through a dedicated circuit.
| Feature | Controlled Load Tariff | General Usage Tariff |
| Applicable Appliances | Heating, pool pumps, hot water, etc. | Every household appliance |
| Type of Connection | Separate circuit electricity usage | Shared circuit for the entire household |
| Pricing | Lower (off-peak rates) | Time-of-use pricing or standard rate |
| Metering Requirement | Separate or dual controlled load meter needed | Standard single-phase or smart meter |
| Time of Use Restrictions | Yes (but set hours only) | No / flexible (based on time-of-use plan) |
Who Can Reap the Perks of a Controlled Load Electricity Plan?
- Homes with Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems could be huge energy hogs. If you connect them to a controlled load electricity plan, you can easily guarantee substantial savings.
- Households with High Off-Peak Usage
If your daily life aligns with the consumption of off-peak electricity – for instance, running a pool system overnight – you may reap optimum rewards from this tariff.
- Occupants of Older Infrastructure
Older regional properties or households with separate circuit electricity usage already installed are sometimes perfect candidates, as installation charges for new circuits can be easily avoided.
Major Perks of Controlled Load Tariffs
- Reduced Electricity Costs
As controlled load tariffs apply at the off-peak hours, the per-kWh rate is sometimes significantly lower – translating to significant savings on your bill.
- Better Energy Efficiency for Certain Devices
Your high-energy electrical appliances are used more effectively by operating during the periods of low demand on the grid.
- Predictable Usage Pattern
With appliances running on a fixed schedule, it becomes easier to keep a tab on usage and anticipate billing.
Switching to a Controlled Load Tariff? Consider These Things!
Are you looking to make a switch to controlled or timed load tariff anytime soon? You can check our Energy Comparison Tool to gain more insights into different energy providers in Australia. But, before that, take these crucial points into serious consideration –
- Availability in Your Area
Not every electricity retailer in Australia provides controlled load electricity options in each region. It’s essential to check with your electricity provider or rely on a comparison platform such as Comparable to thoroughly evaluate your options.
- Meter and Installation Costs
If your residential space doesn’t already have any separate circuits, installing one might incur some additional costs. Also, a meter upgrade may be required.
- Appliance Timing Limitations
As controlled load supply remains restricted to mainly off-peak hours, there’s always limited flexibility. For instance, you might not be able to use hot water during the afternoon in case the tank hasn’t reheated yet.
Controlled Load 1 vs. Controlled Load 2
In certain states of Australia, there are mainly 2 categories of controlled load tariffs –
| Tariff Type | Availability | Supply Duration | Typical Usage |
| Controlled Load 1 | QLD, VIC, NSW | 6 –8 hours overnight | Water heating |
| Controlled Load 2 | QLD, VIC, NSW | Up to 18 hours across the day | Slab heating, pool pumps, etc. |
These are subject to availability and differ by electricity provider and distributor.
When Should You Choose a Controlled Load Electricity Plan?
Yes, you should make a switch if –
- You use high-consumption appliances such as electric hot water systems
- Your household already has a setup for separate circuit electricity usage
- You aim to save more by optimizing off-peak energy consumption
Maybe switching won’t be the right option if –
- Your appliance usage is spread throughout the day
- You don’t already have or can’t install any separate circuit
- You’re on a better deal with a flat rate or time-of-use tariff plan
How Can You Check and Switch Plans with Ease?
Making a switch to a controlled load electricity plan isn’t at all challenging or complicated, but it requires –
- Contacting your present electricity retailer to ask about availability
- Confirming if your appliances are eligible
- Having a reputed and licensed electrician install a separate circuit, if required
- Asking for a metering upgrade, if need be
Need some help to make a more informed decision? Visit our Energy Comparison Tool to compare different options and look into plan details. Else, you can also read our detailed blog on “Electricity Distributors vs. Retailers: What’s the Difference?” for a better understanding of the significant roles of providers.
Is Controlled Load Truly Worth Your Trust?
If you are looking to trade appliance flexibility for better savings on energy, a controlled load electricity plan is certainly worth your time and trust. It’s an effective option for certain use cases, particularly where consumption patterns perfectly align with off-peak hours and metering needs are already met.
That said, compare different options to ensure it’s cheaper than any other offer in your area.
