What controlled load means
Controlled load is a separate circuit in your home, metered on its own and charged at a cheaper rate than your normal power. In exchange for the lower price, you let the network control when that circuit runs — usually feeding it electricity during off-peak periods, most often overnight, when there is spare capacity on the grid.
The most common thing on a controlled load is an electric storage hot water system. The tank heats up during the cheap off-peak window and holds that hot water ready for the day. Because it heats when power is cheapest, and the network manages the timing, you get a lower rate on all the electricity that circuit uses. Slab heating and pool pumps are sometimes set up the same way.
Controlled Load 1 vs Controlled Load 2
You will usually see controlled load offered as one of two options. Controlled Load 1 provides the cheapest rate but the fewest hours of supply — typically a short overnight window (often around 5 to 8 hours). It suits a well-insulated storage tank that can heat once overnight and coast through the day.
Controlled Load 2 charges a slightly higher (but still discounted) rate in return for more hours of supply, often including a daytime top-up. It suits households that use more hot water than a single overnight heat can cover, or smaller tanks that need a mid-day boost. Which one you are on is shown on your bill, and it affects both your rate and how much hot water you have available.
Is a controlled load worth it?
- Check whether you have one — look for a separate "controlled load" or "off-peak" line on your bill with its own rate and usage.
- Weigh the cheaper rate against the restriction: your hot water only heats in set windows, so a big tank or good insulation helps you never run out.
- If you have solar, consider that heating water from your own daytime solar export can sometimes beat even a controlled-load rate — the right answer depends on your feed-in tariff and usage.
- When comparing plans, make sure controlled-load rates are included in the cost. EnergySorted reads the controlled-load line straight from your bill and prices it across retailers, so you are comparing like for like rather than just the main usage rate.
Key terms
- Controlled load
- A separately metered circuit (often hot water) charged at a lower rate because the network controls when it runs.
- Controlled Load 1
- The cheapest controlled-load rate with the fewest supply hours — usually a short overnight window.
- Controlled Load 2
- A slightly higher rate with more supply hours, often including a daytime top-up.
- Storage hot water
- An electric tank that heats water and holds it — ideal for controlled load because it can heat once, off-peak, and store the heat.