Understanding Curtailment & Load Balancing for EV Chargers: What It Means for You

As more homes and businesses switch to electric vehicles, the UK’s electrical grid is facing new challenges—and evolving quickly to meet them. One of the terms you might have heard during your EV charger installation journey is “curtailment” or “load balancing.” But what does it really mean, and why does it matter?

In this post, we’ll break down the concept of curtailment, explain why it’s important for your EV charger setup, and show how Conduct Electrical ensures your system stays safe, efficient, and future-proof.

What Is Curtailment?

Curtailment refers to a process where the power going to your EV charger is automatically limited or adjusted to prevent overloading your home or local grid. It’s a smart safety feature, and it’s becoming increasingly common as the UK works to balance growing demand with limited supply.

Imagine you’ve got an EV charger running, your oven is on, the washing machine’s going, and it’s a chilly evening—heating is running full blast. Your electricity usage spikes. Without curtailment, your supply might trip or overload. But with a smart EV charger, curtailment helps regulate and reduce the charge rate temporarily, preventing issues while keeping your home powered.

Why Is Load Balancing Needed?

With more households installing EV chargers, the demand on local grid connections is rising. In many areas, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are now requiring EV chargers to include smart features that can:

• Limit power draw during peak usage times.

• Balance the load between your EV charger and the rest of your home.

• Prevent electrical overload or costly infrastructure upgrades.

In some cases, your DNO might place a restriction (e.g. 60 amps) on your property’s overall load. If charging your EV risks exceeding that threshold, your system must automatically adjust—this is where load balancing comes in.

Types of Load Balancing

There are generally two types of load balancing for EV chargers:

1. Static Load Balancing
   The charge rate is capped at a safe level based on your DNO’s limit. Simple but less flexible.

2. Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB)
   This is where smart chargers shine. DLB actively monitors your home’s energy usage in real time and adjusts the charge rate accordingly. It ensures you always get the maximum charging power available without exceeding limits.

At Conduct Electrical, we recommend dynamic load balancing for most installations—it’s smarter, safer, and ensures the best charging experience.

Are You Affected by Curtailment?

If you’re installing a new EV charger, especially in a home with high energy usage or in areas with older grid infrastructure, you may be subject to curtailment requirements. Your installer must:

• Assess your property’s main fuse and max capacity.

• Submit an application to your local DNO.

• Install chargers compliant with curtailment protocols (like those from Myenergi, Ohme, or Hypervolt).

Don’t worry—at Conduct Electrical, we handle the technical side for you, including DNO communication and all necessary load assessments. We ensure your installation is fully compliant and optimized.

The Future of EV Charging Is Smart

Curtailment and load balancing aren’t just regulatory hurdles—they’re part of building a smarter, more resilient energy grid. They allow more people to adopt EVs without needing massive infrastructure upgrades, and they make your home safer and more energy-efficient.

Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or landlord, understanding how your EV charger fits into the bigger energy picture helps you make better decisions—and ensures you’re future-ready.

Want to Know More?

Our team at Conduct Electrical is here to help you navigate all aspects of EV charging—from product selection to curtailment and DNO applications. Contact us today for a free consultation or browse our EV charger installation packages