Control systems and a method for controlling a load point of a gas turbine engine are provided. A control system includes a controller that receives a temperature signal and a pressure signal associated with exhaust gases from the gas turbine engine. The controller is further configured to generate the fuel control signal. The controller is further configured to generate an actuator control signal such that flow restriction member is moved from the first operational position to the second operational position to restrict the flow path such that the exhaust gases have a temperature level within a desired turndown temperature range, the pressure level in the exhaust gases is less than a threshold pressure level, and the load point of the gas turbine engine is adjusted to toward a target load point.