What is the Controlled Load on Your Electricity Bill in Australia

A controlled load is a separate electricity tariff for an eligible appliance connected to a dedicated circuit. It is most commonly used for electric storage hot water, although some networks also allow pool pumps, slab heating, air conditioners or dedicated EV chargers.

Electricity used by the circuit is recorded separately from general household consumption, either through a separate meter or a separate register within the same meter.

The controlled-load rate is usually lower because the distributor can restrict supply to selected periods. Operating hours, eligible appliances, tariff names and rates vary by distributor, retailer, meter and location.

This guide explains how controlled loads work, how to identify one on your bill and how they compare with time-of-use tariffs and home battery storage.

Key Takeaways

• A controlled load applies only to eligible appliances on a dedicated circuit.

• There is no single Australian controlled-load operating window.

• Bill labels may include Controlled Load 1 or 2, Off-Peak Hot Water, Queensland Tariff 31 or 33, or Tasmania Tariff 61 or 63.

• CL1 and CL2 conditions vary by network and retailer.

• A home battery stores energy for later use but does not extend a controlled-load tariff to the whole home.

• Adding or modifying a controlled-load circuit may require a licensed electrician.

How Does a Controlled Load Work?

According to Energy Made Easy’s controlled-load guidance, an eligible appliance is connected to a dedicated circuit and charged under a separate tariff. Its usage may be recorded by a separate meter or a separate register within a modern meter.

The distributor determines when the circuit can receive electricity. Depending on the network and meter, the circuit may follow a programmed schedule, be managed remotely through metering equipment or use an older timing device.

Controlled loads traditionally operated mainly overnight. Some networks now include daytime supply periods to make use of abundant rooftop-solar generation.

Because the distributor can restrict supply outside high-demand periods, retailers may offer a lower usage rate for electricity recorded on the circuit. Some plans also include an additional daily charge, so compare the complete tariff rather than only the price per kilowatt-hour.

Appliances Suited to Controlled Loads

Eligible appliances vary by network, retailer and wiring arrangement. Common examples include:

• Electric storage hot-water systems

• Pool pumps

• Slab or underfloor heating

• Solar hot-water boosters

• Selected air conditioners

• Dedicated EV chargers

The appliance generally needs to be permanently connected to the controlled-load circuit. Normal household power points continue to use the home’s general electricity tariff.

Electric Storage Hot Water

A storage hot-water system is well suited to controlled-load pricing because the tank stores thermal energy. The element heats the water while the circuit is available, and the insulated tank retains it for later use.

The most suitable tariff depends on household water use, tank size, element rating, supply hours and whether a boost function is available.

For example, Ausgrid’s controlled-load guidance describes:

• Controlled Load 1 for electric hot-water systems of approximately 250–630 litres

• Controlled Load 2 for systems of approximately 100–250 litres

These ranges apply to Ausgrid and are not national rules.

Pool pumps, slab heating, air conditioners and EV chargers may also qualify under certain network arrangements. Confirm appliance eligibility with the retailer and distributor before arranging electrical work.

Network-Specific Controlled-Load Examples

Controlled Load 1 and Controlled Load 2 are common labels, but their conditions are not identical across Australia.

Supply times and appliance requirements can change. Check the Basic Plan Information Document, retailer terms and distributor guidance for your address.

How to Identify a Controlled Load on Your Bill

Look in the bill’s usage-charge or tariff section for labels such as:

Names and bill layouts vary by retailer. Contact the retailer if the tariff is unclear.

Controlled Load vs Time-of-Use Tariff

A household may have both a time-of-use tariff for general consumption and a controlled-load tariff for an eligible appliance.

Estimating Controlled-Load Savings

Consider:

• Annual appliance consumption

• General and controlled-load usage rates

• Additional daily charges

• Electrical or metering costs

• Whether the supply window suits the appliance

Use:

Annual controlled-load saving ≈ appliance kWh × (general rate − controlled-load rate) − added fees

For example:

• Hot-water use: 3,000kWh per year

• General rate: 32c/kWh

• Controlled-load rate: 20c/kWh

• Additional fees: $60 per year

3,000kWh × ($0.32 − $0.20) − $60 = $300 estimated annual saving

Use the actual rates and fees from your electricity plan.

Adding or Changing a Controlled-Load Circuit

Contact your electricity retailer first to confirm:

• Whether the property already has a controlled-load tariff

• Whether the meter supports it

• Whether the appliance is eligible

• Whether a tariff or meter change is required

• What fees apply

A licensed electrician may need to install or modify the dedicated circuit. Ausgrid advises customers to contact their retailer first and notes that electrical work may be required.

Controlled Load vs Home Battery Storage

A controlled load and a home battery perform different functions.

A controlled load offers a separate rate for an eligible appliance on a dedicated circuit. It does not provide lower-priced electricity to general household appliances.

A home battery stores rooftop-solar energy or, where the tariff and installation permit it, lower-priced grid electricity for later use. It may reduce grid imports or supply selected backup circuits when configured for blackout protection.

Battery value depends on:

• Solar generation

• Electricity tariffs

• Consumption patterns

• Usable capacity and efficiency

• Installation costs

• Export rates

• Backup configuration

• Battery degradation

A home battery does not require controlled-load hot water. A household may use either option or both.

BLUETTI Home Battery Systems

BLUETTI EP760

The BLUETTI EP760 is an installed single-phase home battery system combining an EP760 hybrid inverter with modular B500 batteries.

Each B500 contributes 4.96kWh.

BLUETTI states that the maximum 7,600W output configuration can cover more than 95% of typical household energy needs. This does not guarantee that every appliance can operate simultaneously.

Actual appliance support depends on the selected output configuration, appliance starting and running power, backup circuits, available battery energy and system design. A qualified installer should complete a household load assessment.

BLUETTI EP2000

The BLUETTI EP2000 is an installed three-phase system using an EP2000 hybrid inverter, an HV800 battery controller and two to seven B700 modules.

Each B700 provides 7,372.8Wh, giving a storage range of approximately 14.7–51.6kWh.

Up to three EP2000 systems can be connected in parallel for up to 60kW of rated output and 154.8kWh of storage, subject to system design and installation.

Support for simultaneous loads such as EV charging, pool pumps and air conditioning depends on total demand, starting power, phase balance, battery configuration and PV input.

Battery-System Considerations

Before selecting a home battery, consider:

• Usable capacity

• Conversion losses

• Inverter output

• Backup-circuit design

• Installation and switchboard work

• Solar compatibility

• Tariff suitability

• Warranty and degradation

• Expected savings

Whole-home backup is not automatic. Some systems back up only selected essential circuits.

Cheaper Home Batteries Program

The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides an upfront discount on eligible batteries connected to new or existing rooftop solar.

Eligible systems generally require:

• A nominal capacity of 5–100kWh

• Connection to an eligible solar PV system

• An approved product and compliant installation

STCs can be claimed for the first 50kWh of usable capacity.

For installations from 1 May 2026, the incentive is tiered:

• 0–14kWh: 100% of the applicable STC factor

• Above 14–28kWh: 60%

• Above 28–50kWh: 15%

The final discount depends on installation date, usable capacity, STC factor and certificate value. Ask the installer to show the eligible capacity, estimated STCs, applied discount and all installation or backup costs in the quote.

Choosing the Right Energy Strategy

Start by checking the controlled-load label, rate, daily charge and annual appliance usage on your bill. Then confirm the distributor’s supply window and appliance requirements.

A controlled load may reduce the cost of operating one eligible appliance. A home battery provides broader energy management by storing solar or grid electricity for later use.

The better option depends on the home’s wiring, tariff, appliance loads, solar generation, budget and backup requirements.

FAQ

How do I identify a controlled load on my electricity bill?

Look for terms such as:

• Controlled Load 1 or 2

• CL1 or CL2

• Off-Peak Hot Water

• Dedicated Circuit Consumption

• Queensland Tariff 31 or 33

• Tasmania Tariff 61 or 63

Contact the retailer if the label is unclear.

Can standard appliances use a controlled-load rate?

Not through normal household power points. The rate applies only to eligible appliances connected to the approved dedicated circuit.

Depending on the network, these may include electric hot water, pool pumps, slab heating, selected air conditioners or dedicated EV chargers.

Can an off-peak hot-water system run out during the day?

Yes. It depends on tank capacity, household water use, supply hours, element capacity and whether a boost function is available.

A larger tank or longer controlled-load window may suit households with higher hot-water demand.

What is the difference between Controlled Load 1 and Controlled Load 2?

Where both are available, CL1 generally provides fewer supply hours and may have a lower usage rate. CL2 generally provides a longer supply window and may cost more per kilowatt-hour.

Actual hours and prices depend on the distributor and retailer.

Is a home battery better than a controlled-load tariff?

They serve different purposes.

A controlled load may reduce the cost of one eligible appliance. A home battery stores electricity for later use and may support several circuits or backup loads, depending on its design.

Some households may benefit from using both.