A load control system includes a controller that modifies an alternating current (AC) signal at a controller input to provide, on a cycle-by-cycle basis, an encoded AC signal that exhibits a unique AC signature at a controller output. The unique AC signature is associated with a particular user-selectable load characteristic. The load control system also includes a load circuit that receives the encoded AC signal. The load circuit includes a decoder that decodes the encoded AC signal to determine the unique AC signature of the encoded AC signal. In response to determining the unique AC signature of the encoded AC signal, the load circuit changes a load characteristic of the load circuit to exhibit the particular user-selectable load characteristic associated with the unique AC signature.