Controlled load: cheaper power for hot water
A controlled load is a separately metered circuit — usually for your electric hot water system — that your distributor can switch on only during off-peak hours. In exchange, you get a much cheaper rate.
How it works
A controlled load is physically separate from your main electricity supply. Your distributor installs a second meter (or a second register on your smart meter) and controls when that circuit is powered on — typically overnight, during the cheapest hours.
Your main meter
Powers everything else in your house — lights, appliances, AC. Charged at your normal tariff rate (flat or time-of-use).
Controlled load meter
Powers only the hot water system (or other eligible appliance). Only runs during off-peak hours. Charged at a significantly lower rate — often 15–20c/kWh vs 28–35c/kWh on the main meter.
CL1 vs CL2
You may see “CL1” and “CL2” on your bill. These refer to different controlled load windows:
| Type | Typical hours | Typical rate |
|---|---|---|
| CL1 (overnight only) | ~10pm – 7am (8 hours) | ~15–18c/kWh |
| CL2 (extended hours) | ~10pm – 7am + midday boost (~18 hours) | ~18–22c/kWh |
CL1 is cheaper per kWh but has fewer hours — your hot water might not fully reheat in time for heavy-use households. CL2 costs a little more but gives a midday boost, which is better if your household uses a lot of hot water.
What can go on a controlled load?
The most common appliance is an electric storage hot water system — the kind with a big tank and a heating element. Other eligible loads sometimes include:
- Slab heating / underfloor heating
- Pool pumps (in some distributor areas)
- Electric storage heaters
Not for heat pumps
Do I have a controlled load?
Check your bill for line items labelled “Controlled load”, “CL1”, “CL2”, or “Off-peak hot water”. If you see one, you already have a controlled load circuit. If not, and you have electric storage hot water, ask your distributor whether one can be installed — it’s usually worth the lower rate.
The savings
A typical electric hot water system uses 10–15 kWh per day. On a controlled load at 17c/kWh instead of the main meter at 30c/kWh, that’s a saving of roughly $1.30–$1.95 per day — up to $700 per year just for having the circuit wired up.