EXPLORE KNOWLEDGE BASE
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CERI Knowledge Base
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About the CERI knowledge base
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Introduction to Australia’s electricity markets
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Australian consumer insights
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CER technical and interoperability standards
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Connecting a customer to an electricity network
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Connecting a generator to a distribution network
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Utility interconnection (CSIP-AUS)
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Dynamic network export and generation control schemes
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Network load control schemes
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Network tariffs and network support services
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Participating in the National Electricity Market
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Participating in a frequency control market
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Participating in the RERT
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Participating in the Wholesale Electricity Market (Western Australia)
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Participating in the I-NTEM (NT)
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Cyber security and data privacy arrangements
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Consumer protection frameworks
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Load control requirements for EVSE in Queensland
Last Updated on 23 July 2026
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As of February 2024, any single-phase EV charger rated above 20 A (approximately 4.6 kW) and up to 35A (approximately 8.4 kW) in Queensland must include an active load management mechanism that allows the DNSP to manage the charger’s load during peak demand.
These requirements are intended to ensure higher capacity chargers can be limited to manage network loading conditions at peak loading times. These requirements are documented in the Queensland Electricity Connection Manual.
What network-approved control methods are available?
The QECM recognises three main control methods for applicable single-phase EVSE installations.
- Controlled tariff with network device: Involves wiring the EVSE to load control circuit with a DNSP-controlled relay. The DNSP sends ripple control signals to a “load control receiver” which de-energises the circuit. Under this arrangement the EVSE receives power only during specified hours (a minimum of 8 hours per day), but the customer has no control of when this occurs. This effectively treats the EVSE like a hot-water system or pool pump. This option is simple and reliable (leveraging existing control infrastructure), but it means the EVSE will not have supply during certain peak periods every day by design.
- Basic active management via network device: As with approach 1, this arrangement has a one-way remotely controlled “Load Control Receiver” device (owned by the DNSP) installed in the customer’s switchboard. This solution keeps the EVSE on the primary tariff, enabling self-consumption of rooftop solar when supply to the EVSE is not interrupted. During peak network stress, the DNSP can send a signal to temporarily disconnect power to the charger. Supply is automatically restored after the event (or after a maximum of 4 hours, whichever comes first).
- Dynamic EVSE: This involves establishing two-way CSIP-AUS-based communication between the EVSE (or a controller managing the EVSE, see section Utility Interconnection (CSIP-AUS)) and Energy Queensland’s utility server. Once connected, the load management system must manage its power draw with the limits set by the DNSP. A minimum import of 1.5 kW is guaranteed, while the upper limit can vary, depending on available network capacity (capped around 15 kW for single-phase). This option has the charger to be on the primary tariff (allowing for self-consumption of solar when available) while still operating within network limits. This solution is a more sophisticated solution, adjusting charger load in increments rather than simple on/off.
The above control requirements apply to single-phase installations. If a charger is connected across three phases, The QECM allows higher capacity (up to ~22 kW or 32 A per phase) without special control, provided loading is balanced across phases. In practice, a 22 kW three-phase charger can be installed on a residential supply without a load control scheme, since the load is spread and within standard multi-phase limits.
Installation and commissioning requirements
Installers must ensure any EVSE over 20 A is wired with an approved network control method at time of installation. For the basic or controlled-tariff options (1 & 2), this means including a DNSP-supplied network device in the switchboard dedicated to the EV circuit. The EVSE circuit is then wired through this device.
The QECM requires that the chosen control method be noted on the Electrical Work Request. For instance, installers should indicate if the EV circuit is on a controlled tariff or if a load control device is installed for active management. Energex/ Ergon Energy will verify the setup (and may inspect that the site has been wired in line with their requirements). Non-compliant installations (e.g. a 32 A charger put on a primary circuit without any control) risk being denied connection or requiring rectification after installation.