Controlled Load Tariffs Explained
Controlled load tariffs can be a cost-effective way for Australian households to reduce their electricity bills by shifting high-energy appliances onto a cheaper, separate metering system. They are most often used for hot water systems but are also suitable for other large appliances like slab heating or pool pumps.
What Is a Controlled Load Tariff?
A controlled load tariff is a type of electricity tariff that applies only to specific, high-energy usage appliances within your home. These appliances are wired to their own dedicated circuit and metered separately from your general household electricity.
Because these appliances run at times when demand for electricity is lower (usually late at night or during off-peak periods), the energy retailer can charge a cheaper rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to your general usage tariff. This setup helps keep costs down for energy-intensive systems without reducing power for the rest of your household.
In most cases, controlled load tariffs are connected to:
Not every home will have appliances connected to a controlled load, as your meter and wiring need to be set up to support it.
Why Controlled Load Tariffs Are Cheaper
Electricity distributors and retailers can offer lower rates on controlled loads because the supply happens during off-peak demand times. When most people are asleep and energy usage is low across the grid, distributors allow controlled load appliances to run at a lower cost.
However, there’s a trade-off: these appliances only receive power during specific scheduled hours each day. That means your hot water system, for example, may only heat overnight, ensuring it’s ready for use in the morning, but not during high-demand evening hours.
Controlled Load Tariff Options by State
The hours and availability of controlled load tariffs vary depending on your state and electricity distributor.
- New South Wales and Queensland: Customers usually have access to two controlled load options. One offers shorter, cheaper supply hours, while the other provides longer, more flexible supply (but at a slightly higher rate).
- Victoria and South Australia: Typically only one controlled load option is available, with electricity supplied for a set number of hours per day.
- Tasmania: Controlled load tariffs also exist, but the naming and conditions can differ.
Generally, controlled load supply lasts between 8 and 18 hours per day, with exact times decided by your local distributor.
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Identifying Controlled Load on Your Bill
If you’re unsure whether you are already on a controlled load tariff, the first step is to check your electricity bill. The controlled load will usually appear as a separate line item showing how many kilowatt-hours were used and billed at a different rate.
Your bill may label this tariff differently depending on your retailer or distributor. Common names include:
- Controlled Load
- Off-Peak
- Tariff 31, 33, 61, or 63 (numbers vary by state)
If you still aren’t sure, you can contact your retailer or distributor to confirm.
Can a Controlled Load Tariff Save You Money?
In most households, controlled load tariffs do provide savings, especially when applied to large appliances that consume significant energy. For example, running an electric hot water system on a controlled load is typically much cheaper than running it on a standard residential tariff.
That said, the level of savings depends on several factors:
- The efficiency and size of your hot water system or other appliances
- How much energy your household uses overall
- The number of hours supplied under your tariff type
- Whether your distributor charges a daily supply fee for controlled load
It’s also worth noting that setting up a controlled load usually requires a separate meter or additional wiring, which may involve an upfront cost.
Is a Controlled Load Right for You?
Controlled load tariffs are best suited to households with electric hot water systems or other large, predictable energy users. If your home runs on solar power, you may want to consider whether controlled load offers extra benefits compared to storing excess solar energy in a battery.
If you are building, renovating, or upgrading your meter, it’s a good idea to ask your electrician or retailer whether a controlled load could help reduce your long-term electricity costs.
A controlled load tariff lets you pay a cheaper rate for running high-energy appliances, but it comes with limited supply hours. For many households, particularly those with electric hot water, it can be an effective way to reduce power bills. The savings can be worthwhile, but it’s important to weigh setup costs, supply charges, and your household’s usage patterns before making the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of appliances are suitable for a controlled load tariff?
Controlled load tariffs are most commonly used for electric hot water systems, but they can also support underfloor/slab heating and swimming pool heaters or pumps. The appliances must be connected to a dedicated circuit to qualify.
How do I know if I am on a controlled load tariff?
You can check your electricity bill for a separate line item labeled “Controlled Load,” “Off-Peak,” or a specific tariff number. If you are still unsure, contact your retailer or distributor to confirm your setup.
Does setting up a controlled load require special wiring or meters?
Yes, controlled load tariffs require appliances to be wired on a separate circuit and metered independently. This setup may incur upfront costs for installation.
Are there extra supply charges for controlled load tariffs?
Some energy distributors may charge an additional daily supply fee for the dedicated controlled load circuit, in addition to your general supply charge.
Will a controlled load tariff always save me money?
While controlled load rates are usually cheaper per kWh, the overall savings depend on how much energy your dedicated appliances use and any extra supply charges. The best savings occur in households with consistently high-energy appliances like large hot water systems.
Do I have to manually switch appliances on and off for controlled load?
No, the supply to controlled load circuits is managed automatically by your distributor based on the schedule. The appliances receive power only during specified off-peak periods each day.
No AI Used in This Content
At Selectra Australia, we pride ourselves on delivering content that is 100% written, reviewed, and fact-checked by real people. We do not use artificial intelligence tools—such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or any other generative AI platforms—to produce or edit the content found on this page. Every article and guide is created by our in-house team of Australian content specialists, energy experts, and researchers who understand the local market and care deeply about providing accurate, up-to-date, and genuinely helpful information. We believe trust is built through transparency and human insight—never automation.
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