K-Electric Sanctioned Load: What It Means and How to Check It
Your K-Electric sanctioned load is the electrical load, measured in kilowatts, that K-Electric has approved for your connection. It can affect your tariff category and, where applicable, the fixed charges on your bill.
What Is Sanctioned Load with K-Electric?
Sanctioned load is set when you first apply for a connection. It is based on the appliances and equipment you expect to use. K-Electric reviews your application and approves a specific kW load for your property. Your sanctioned load is shown on your K-Electric bill, including the top-right area on the back of the bill.
How Does Sanctioned Load Work?
- You request your K-Electric sanctioned load. You tell K-Electric what you expect to use, whether for a home, shop, or larger commercial space.
- K-Electric approves your load. Based on your application, K-Electric sets an approved kW load for your connection.
- You use electricity within the approved load. Your sanctioned load then affects your applicable tariff category and, where applicable, your fixed charges.
Sanctioned Load vs. Actual Consumption
These are two different things, and confusing them is common.
| Sanctioned Load | Actual Consumption | |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Approved capacity, in kW | Real electricity used, in units or kWh |
| How often it changes | Only when you apply for a change | Every single month |
| What it affects | Applicable tariff category and, where applicable, fixed charges | Your energy charges for that month |
Your actual usage can be well below your sanctioned load every month. This is common and not a problem on its own. Even when you use very little electricity, your sanctioned load may still affect applicable fixed charges.
Why Is the 5 kW Threshold Important for K-Electric Customers?
The 5 kW threshold is important for residential customers. K-Electric applies Time of Use, or TOU, billing to residential connections at 5 kW or above, under the applicable rules.
Under TOU billing, electricity consumption is divided into peak and off-peak periods, with different rates applying to each. Residential customers below 5 kW generally remain under ordinary slab billing.
If your K-Electric bill shows separate peak and off-peak consumption, your connection is already being billed under TOU.
How Your K-Electric Sanctioned Load Affects Your Bill
| Aspect | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Fixed charges | For applicable tariff categories, fixed charges can be based on sanctioned load |
| Billing category | Sanctioned load can affect whether a residential customer falls under slab or TOU billing |
| Meter and connection | Load requirements can affect the applicable connection and meter arrangement |
| Changing it | Customers can contact K-Electric about increasing or reducing their K-Electric sanctioned load |
For residential TOU customers, fixed charges can depend on your sanctioned load and recorded maximum demand under the applicable tariff. The exact calculation and rate can change, so confirm the current tariff before estimating your bill. Your applicable tariff and electricity rates determine how much you pay for consumption. See our K-Electric unit price guide for current tariff information.
If your sanctioned load is higher than your actual requirements, it may affect your applicable fixed charges or billing category. The exact impact depends on your specific tariff and billing arrangement.
How to Check Your Sanctioned Load
Your sanctioned load is shown on your K-Electric bill. If you cannot find it there, you can also:
- Check your latest K-Electric duplicate bill for the exact figure.
- Contact K-Electric’s helpline at 118 with your account number ready.
- Visit your nearest K-Electric customer service center in person.
How to Change Your Sanctioned Load
If your electricity requirements have increased, for example after adding high-load appliances, you may need to request a load enhancement from K-Electric. If your requirements have consistently decreased, you can contact K-Electric about a load reduction instead. Contact K-Electric directly to confirm the current application process, required documents, and any applicable charges.
