The various electricity tariffs might seem confusing, but understanding them is vital when budgeting, as a controlled load can help reduce overall energy costs. There are the basic electricity tariffs, single rate and time of use, but what is a controlled load?
In this article, Canstar Blue explains what you need to know about a controlled load tariff, whether or it’s a good option for you, and how much you could potentially save.
On this page:
Compare electricity providers
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
 |
|
21% Less than reference price |
$1,435 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
|
|
14% Less than VDO |
$1,245 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
|
|
13% Less than reference price |
$1,789 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
|
|
6% Less than reference price |
$2,107 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
What is a controlled load?
A controlled load is a tariff dedicated to large, high energy-usage appliances that is metered separately to the rest of a property. It’s most commonly used for hot-water systems and pool pumps. However, customers may have the option to connect multiple appliances, depending on their network and metering set-up.
Electricity usage of nominated appliances on a dedicated circuit is tariffed at a lower rate than energy used throughout the rest of the property. All other electricity usage is charged at a general usage rate, be it a single rate, time of use, block rate or another tariff.
Controlled load tariffs may be called something else depending on your state and energy retailer, but each function in the same way. Some controlled load names/types by state include:
- New South Wales: Controlled load 1 and controlled load 2
- Victoria: Controlled load or dedicated circuit charge
- Queensland: Tariff 31 and Tariff 33
- South Australia: Controlled load
- Tasmania: Tariff 62 or Tariff 63, (previously Tariff 61, no longer offered to new customers)
- Australian Capital Territory: Controlled load 1 and controlled load 2.
While Victoria and South Australia households only have one type of controlled load, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania customers have two – controlled load 1 and controlled load 2.
What is a controlled load 2?
A controlled load 2 tariff is similar to a controlled load 1, but offers a second boost during the day. Essential Energy recommends a controlled load 2 for smaller electric hot water systems, including solar hot water, slab heating or pool pumps. The controlled load 2 times can vary based on your state and distribution area and are usually set by your electricity distributor.
What to be mindful of with a controlled load tariff
The catch with controlled load tariffs is that electricity is only supplied to the nominated appliances for a limited number of hours each day, depending on the type of controlled load.
You should also note that you may be charged a ‘supply charge’ for a controlled load tariff, in addition to the standard usage charge. This is a charge of a few cents and applies each day you remain connected to the network.
Controlled load 1 vs controlled load 2
The biggest difference between controlled loads 1 and 2 is that the a controlled load 1 is cheaper than controlled load 2. However, electricity is available for longer periods on controlled load 2, making it the more versatile option.
Controlled load 1 is usually offered overnight, at a time when demand on the grid is at its lowest. Controlled load 2 offers more flexibility as it’s split into day and night hours, including higher-use periods such as 7am-5pm.
Your electricity distributor is responsible for electing which hours electricity is supplied on a controlled load tariff. But it will usually be for eight to 18 hours each day at non-peak energy demand periods.
Can a controlled load save me money?
Provided you’re comfortable with limiting the operating hours of certain appliances to non-peak times, a controlled load tariff can help most households save money. How much it could save you will depend on your energy provider. Your location will also be a contributing factor, as electricity rates vary considerably across different states and distribution networks.
To give you an idea of what you could pay on your energy bill with a controlled load, we’ve collated the quarterly estimated costs for single rate, controlled load 1 and controlled load 2 for each state. This is a broad guideline based on average usage assumption on each distribution network across Australia. The larger an appliance tariffed on a controlled load is, the more you could stand to save.
Remember that controlled load 1 and controlled load 2 are designed to suit different purposes. While controlled load 2 is more expensive than 1, electricity is supplied for longer hours. Potentially, this makes controlled load 2 the better option for households with small hot water systems or other appliances.
| Average Quarterly Energy Costs – Single Rate + Controlled Load | |||||
| State | Network | Quarterly Usage | Single Rate (SR) | SR + Controlled Load 1 | SR + Controlled Load 2 |
| NSW | Ausgrid | 1700kWh | $668.40 | $585.79 | $587.07 |
| Endeavour Energy | 1850kWh | $734.04 | $656.83 | $656.93 | |
| Essential Energy | 1650kWh | $781.43 | $692.04 | $692.81 | |
| VIC | AusNet Services | 1500kWh | $620.64 | $570.00 | – |
| Citipower | 1500kWh | $469.04 | $439.36 | – | |
| Jemena | 1500kWh | $533.73 | $502.64 | – | |
| Powercor | 1500kWh | $543.31 | $506.50 | – | |
| United Energy | 1500kWh | $507.79 | $470.79 | – | |
| QLD^ | Energex | 1575kWh | $635.75 | $581.19 | $584.06 |
| SA | SA Power Networks | 1500kWh | $764.72 | $683.58 | – |
| ACT | Evoenergy | 2200kWh | $744.10 | $702.91 | $709.05 |
| TAS* | TasNetworks | 1857kWh | $630.40 | $535.02 | $543.62 |
| Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 3/01/2025. Quarterly electricity costs based on average usage rates per provider per single or controlled load. Scenario based on a customer who uses the same amount of electricity as the reference annual usage for a controlled load plan from each distributor. Based on a 365 day year. ^In Queensland, the tariffs are more commonly referred to as tariff 11 (single rate), tariff 31 (controlled load 1), and tariff 33 (controlled load 2). *In Tasmania, the tariffs are more commonly referred to as tariff 31 (single rate), tariff 61 (controlled load 1) and tariff 41 (controlled load 2). | |||||
Based on Canstar Blue calculations, households in Tasmania were able to on average save the most by switching to a controlled load while households in Victoria were least likely to benefit from making the switch.
Cheap single rate electricity plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Is a controlled load right for me?
Most households should be able to save money with a controlled load tariff. While the exact amount of savings varies, it’s unlikely that a controlled load will leave you worse off.
That said, if your controlled load tariff includes a supply charge, you might end up spending more than is necessary if your home is often left empty, or the controlled load appliances aren’t used. This is because supply charges apply regardless of whether any electricity is consumed.
It’s also important to consider whether you’re comfortable with electricity supply being limited to off-peak hours for your nominated appliances. If you have an instantaneous, or small electric hot-water system, a controlled load tariff might not be suitable. If you’d prefer to nominate another appliance for a controlled load, such as a pool pump or air conditioner, then an electrician may be required to create a new dedicated circuit.
While you’re researching different electricity tariffs, it’s also worthwhile comparing current electricity deals. Click the button below for more information.
Original reporting by Jared Mullane
Image Source: leolintang/Shutterstock.com
Share this article