Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
What is a controlled load?
Worried about boiling that kettle or the cost of that extra hot shower? Don’t be – that’s why we have controlled load tariffs. Here’s everything you need to know.
Not every device is energy efficient. Air fryers, kettles, air conditioners, dryers: all of these things use enormous amounts of energy over short periods of time, which can drive up your energy bill.
But there's a way you can save money while still warming your home or boiling that cup of tea. Controlled load tariffs are an option available with some energy plans that are designed to limit the power cost of energy-hungry appliances like water heaters.
What is a controlled load, and how does the controlled load tariff work?
Controlled load is a tariff available in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania that lets you have your electricity usage for certain devices — like heating systems, swimming pools or some form of irrigation — metered separately from the rest of your property. Exactly what appliances you can nominate for a controlled load tariff will depend on your provider and individual energy circumstances.
For devices on a controlled load tariff, this is how it works:
Your supplier will provide power to the controlled load circuit — which your nominated appliances draw power from — at certain times of day.
The power used will be billed at a lower rate than your regular energy usage.
You might also be billed for a "service charge" of a few cents every day, depending on your network.
Why compare energy plans with Finder?
We don't charge extra. Prices shown on Finder are the same as those you get directly from energy providers.
We update our plans from providers daily so you can make an informed decision.
We've helped over 1.39 million people compare energy plans in the last 3 years.
Are controlled load tariffs the same everywhere in Australia?
The kinds of controlled load tariffs available will vary depending on where you are in Australia. In New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, customers can choose between 2 types of controlled load tariffs. Only 1 controlled load tariff is available in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Western Australia customers do not have a state-wide option, but some individual providers do have plans for water heating systems that provide cheaper power for separate circuits, like a controlled load tariff would.
Controlled load tariffs can also have different names, depending on the state you're in:
In NSW, they're called Controlled Load 1 and Controlled Load 2
In Queensland, they're called Tariff 31 and Tariff 33
Victoria calls them controlled load tariffs or a dedicated circuit charge
In ACT and South Australia, it's simply referred to as a controlled load
Some users in Tasmania may also still be charged under Tariff 61, an older controlled load tariff that kicks in during the afternoons, but the tariff is no longer available to new customers.
How can I tell if I'm on a controlled load tariff already? If not, how can I get connected?
Your existing energy plan — particularly for those in NSW and Queensland — may already include you on a controlled load tariff. But if you're not sure, or you're about to install a device that you think may benefit from the cheaper power, it's always best to call and check.
Call your retailer first. Your retailer will be able to advise if you're taking advantage of a controlled load tariff, and if not, they can guide you through the process of including one in your bill.
Check your metering. Controlled load tariffs often require that nominated devices have their own power meter. Your retailer can walk you through this process if you need to attach a dedicated meter to any existing or new devices.
It's also worth comparing your current energy plan to see if you can get a better deal on your controlled load tariff. Any major heating device — be it for your pool, living room or water — is a huge factor in your overall power bill, so use our comparison tool to make sure you're getting a good deal.
Are there any downsides to using a controlled load tariff?
The main catch of a controlled load tariff is that the plans are designed to only provide power to the nominated circuits, or devices, for a small amount of time each day. There may also be an initial cost in changing your metering set-up to support a controlled load tariff, although the long-term benefits of cheaper power for that device are typically worth it.
What's the difference between controlled load 1 and controlled load 2?
While each retailer will have their own advantages and disadvantages, the main difference for those with access to multiple controlled load tariffs is time and money.
Controlled load 1 tariffs are usually cheaper, but will only provide power for a short period, typically in off-peak periods. Controlled load 2 tariffs are more flexible about their hours, but you pay a slightly higher rate. In the ACT, for instance, a controlled load night tariff will cost around 15.510¢/kWh for anywhere between 6–8 hours of energy usage between 11pm and 7am. The controlled load day and night tariff, meanwhile, will power the nominated circuit or device for 13 hours a day, from 10pm–7am, and from 9am–5pm for 18.282¢/kWh.
Keep in mind retailers may have different terminology for their controlled load tariffs, and that terminology will also vary depending on where you live.
Tariff
Controlled Load 1/Tariff 31
Controlled Load 2/Tariff 33
Power available
A short stretch, usually overnight, e.g., 6 hours overnight on the Ausgrid network.
A longer period, usually split into night and day segments, e.g., 6 hours or more overnight plus 4 hours or more between 7am and 5pm on the Ausgrid network.
Usage rates
Significantly lower than general usage.
Slightly higher than Controlled Load 1.
Can it include separate supply charge?
Yes.
Yes.
Most useful for
Customers with large water tanks that can store heat all day.
Flexibility and customers with small water tanks that can benefit from heat during the day, too.
What is a tariff 33 controlled load and how does it differ from a tariff 31 controlled load?
Tariff 33 is the Queensland equivalent of a Controlled Load 2. It offers a longer minimum period over which electricity is available for your controlled load circuit, but charges higher usage rates than Tariff 31 (the equivalent of a Controlled Load 1 tariff).
How much money can I save with a controlled load tariff?
If you're not on a controlled load tariff already, you should strongly consider it. Every house has at least 1 major heating device — typically your hot water — and the larger that appliance is, the more money you can save.
Exactly how much money you can save is down to several variables. Distribution networks and tariffs vary from state to state, and then there's your individual usage to consider. You can also get a better deal on your existing set-up simply by taking advantage of new customer discounts.
But controlled load tariffs might not be ideal depending on when you use your appliances. The cost of adjusting your metering set-up (along with hiring a potential electrician) might not be worth it for those who are renting, while instant or continuous flow hot water systems might be better suited to more flexible energy plans.
Why compare energy with Finder?
We know our stuff. Our experts review hundreds of plans each month. It's hard work, but we love it.
You can rely on us. We update plan data on dozens of providers daily, and we're constantly fact-checking.
We're here to help. We've helped millions of Aussies find cheaper energy. That's pretty powerful.
Learn more about energy
Our energy guides can help you compare and understand what plan is best for you.
Best energy plans:
5 plans selected by our experts, assessed and updated regularly
Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio
Mariam's expertise
Mariam has written 251 Finder guides across topics including:
Residents of the ACT have several electricity and gas providers to choose from.
Feedback
How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.