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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Network load control schemes
Last Updated on 5 March 2026
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Several Australian jurisdictions have product, installation, and reporting requirements for equipment such as electric water heaters, HVAC systems, and unidirectional EVSE (bidirectional EVSE/EV systems are classified separately as a micro EG). In some cases, these include requirements for DNSP remote management, curtailment, or scheduling.
Australia has several legacy and emerging network load control programs/requirements that are operated by Network Operators for designated equipment types. This has relevance for OEMs of these products as well as parties seeking to integrate with these devices and/or seeking to use these assets for participation in an electricity market.
Load control mechanisms include:
- Ripple control: Ripple control is a grid management technology that uses high-frequency signals superimposed on the standard power supply to remotely disconnect electrical loads like water heaters, helping manage peak demand and grid stability.
- DRED control: This involves using DREDs to manage electrical appliances like air conditioners and pool pumps by responding to remote signals to reduce or curtail electricity usage. In some cases, DRED responses are signalled by ripple control technology to deliver an end-to-end capability.
- Load control via CSIP-AUS: Load control via CSIP-AUS currently includes dynamic EVSE management, requiring EVSE to conform to load or import limits communicated via CSIP-AUS.
- Load control for EVSE in Queensland: In Queensland, any single-phase EV charger rated above 20 A must include an active load management mechanism.
- Load control for EVSE in South Australia: In South Australia, all new hard-wired EVSE must include remote demand response capabilities, such as OCPP 1.6J (or higher) or ANSI/CTA-2045-B 5.
This article summarises the key requirements for network load control schemes and adjacent regulations that relate to these requirements including relevant technical and functional specifications.