The key feature to look for is remote monitoring of power consumption. Distribution hardware that includes this feature, typically known as intelligent or smart units, provides detailed information on the power usage of connected devices. This feature is crucial for proactive load balancing and prevents potential overloads by enabling the network engineer to remotely monitor and manage the power distribution effectively. Basic units lacking in remote monitoring cannot offer insights into power usage, while a UPS's main function is to provide battery backup during power outages, rather than detailed monitoring. Units with network-based IP control systems may allow for remote power cycling but do not inherently provide detailed consumption data necessary for load management.