1. What is Controlled Load?

A Controlled Load relates to a specific type of Electricity Tariff or Rate structure where a portion of electricity usage is charged at a lower rate during off-peak times. Such tariffs are designed to encourage consumers to shift their electricity usage to times when demand on the electricity grid is lower, thereby helping to balance out the load on the grid.

Specific appliances can be added to the Controlled Load which is typically a separate circuit to the standard household load and is metered separately.  The most common appliance connected to the Controlled Load circuit is electric hot water heaters but other appliances such as pool pumps and underfloor heaters can also be connected to Controlled Load circuits.   Whilst power to Controlled Load circuits is cut outside of the Controlled Load time periods, power can be restored using a boost button on the electricity meter (please note that pushing the boost button may increase electricity charges for your Controlled Load circuit).  This allows, for example, for additional hot water heating should it be required outside of the Controlled Load time period.  

Controlled Load times have traditionally been limited to overnight periods when prices are low and demand is low but with the increasing adoption of solar PV, electricity demand has dropped in the middle of the day and so new Controlled Load times are being introduced during the middle of the day.

The key idea behind Controlled Load tariffs is to use electricity in a way that minimizes strain on the grid during peak times, thus promoting more efficient use of energy resources. The operating time envelopes for Controlled Load are set by your Electricity Network Provider also known as the distributor^.

^If you do not know who your electricity distributor is, check the Get in Touch section in the top right-hand corner of page 1 of your ENGIE bill.

2. What is a Controlled Load Tariff?

Controlled Loads are typically charged at a lower rate or tariff than the standard household load during the off-peak hours during which the Controlled Load is available.

Controlled Load tariffs are designed to be used by certain appliances (such as hot water systems, pool pumps or underfloor heating) during times when demand on the grid is lower. This benefits both consumers, who may see reduced electricity bills, and utilities, which can better manage electricity generation and distribution.  Controlled load tariff times can differ across distribution areas depending on your location.

3. What is Dynamic Controlled Load?

Controlled Load appliances have traditionally energised overnight, however due to an abundance of renewable energy being generated during the middle of the day, this is changing.  Some of the Controlled Load can now be shifted to take advantage of increased renewable energy generation during the middle of the day, in particular solar energy.

These new Controlled Load periods are being defined by the electricity distributors. The new extended Controlled Load periods provide an opportunity to dynamically shift electricity loads to periods of high solar generation. This provides multiple benefits such as ensuring a more stable grid, and in some cases providing more time for appliances to energise. To maximise the benefits of this load shifting, weather and wholesale electricity price forecasts are used to optimise the shifting of load. 

4. How does Dynamic Controlled Load affect me if I am on a Controlled Load tariff?

Under dynamic Controlled Load scheduling, there will be no changes to your current Controlled Load energy rates, and you will continue to get at least the same amount of water heating as you have traditionally received in the past whilst helping us to optimise the use of Renewable Energy on the Network thereby improving grid stability

5. What are the benefits to me?

• Controlled Load and Savings on your electricity bill

Controlled Load Tariffs are usually at a lower rate than your standard electricity rates. They are designed for appliances which draw large amounts of energy at the same time every day (like hot water systems and pool pumps), Shifting electrical hot water systems and other large appliances to Controlled Load tariffs can result in savings on your energy bill. 

• Dynamic Controlled Load and Renewable Energy

Traditionally, Controlled Load Appliances were powered up overnight, however due to an abundance of renewable energy being generated during the middle of the day some of the load from your Controlled Load appliances can now be supplied to optimise the use of renewable energy across the network and improve grid stability.

6. Will I notice any change to my energy usage?

There will be no changes to your current Controlled Load energy rates, and you will continue to get at least the same amount of water heating that you have traditionally received in the past  whilst helping us to optimise the use of Renewable Energy on the Network and improving grid stability.

7. Do I need to have a smart meter to access Dynamic Controlled Load?

Yes a smart meter is required to allow us to dynamically control your Controlled Load.  

8. How do I get a smart meter?

You can request a smart meter by contacting us. If you are an ENGIE customer and do not have a smart meter at your home or property, you may be eligible for a meter upgrade. To request a smart meter install, complete this form.

Our meter provision partner, Intellihub, will install your smart meter on our behalf.  The installation takes around 30 – 60 minutes. You do not need to be home, but we do need clear and safe access to your existing meter. You will get an installation time and date and can even request changes to suit your schedule. Before the technician’s arrival, you will get a reminder notice and information about your technician, their exact location and expected arrival time. 

Your technician will provide photo evidence of the completed work, and you will get the chance to rate their work – helping Intellihub to continually improve their service. 

Learn about smart meters. 

9. What are the benefits a smart meter?

The advantages of smart meters are:

• Accurate Billing

Smart meters provide real-time data on your energy usage, reducing the likelihood of receiving estimated bills.

• Remote Reading 

Utility companies can read smart meters remotely, improving efficiency and reducing the need for meter readers to access your property. 

• Access to ENGIE Tracker

One of ENGIE's tools to help you monitor your usage. Tracker works with your smart meter to monitor how much electricity your household uses daily. It then sends you weekly usage updates, straight to your inbox! For example, with Tracker’s weekly email updates, you can see: 

1. Your usage so far
2. The biggest day of the week
3. Your average weekly spend
4. How many days are left in the billing period. 

10. Do I have to change my plan when I get a smart meter?

No, you do not have to change your plan when upgrading to a smart meter. 

11. I ran out of Hot Water, what can I do?

The operating times for Controlled Load appliances are based on previous usage patterns, whilst shifting some of the load to times of lower demand. However, should more hot water heating be required outside of the Controlled Load period, then a hot water boost button is provided on the meter This button enables you to access more energy for hot water heating outside of the usual controlled load time periods.  Please note, however, that pushing the boost button may result in higher electricity charges for your Controlled Load circuit.

12. I am a renter, does this apply to me?

Yes, Controlled Load Tariffs are available for both renters and home owners.

13. How do I know if I have Controlled Load Tariff already?

As an ENGIE customer on a Controlled Load tariff (referred to on some bills as "Ancillary" or “CL”), you will see a separate line on your electricity bill dedicated to Controlled Load usage and rate. 
You can always contact us to find out more.

14. How do I know if I have a smart meter already?

• Smart meters have a digital face with numbers or digits that represent your current read data and electricity consumption. 
• Basic or analogue meters have a dial that spins around, recording your consumption in kWh.

Find out more about the distinct types of meters.