Apparatus for supplying electrical energy to a consumer

The apparatus for supplying at least one consumer with electrical energy or for providing electrical power for at least one consumer from an on-board motor vehicle electrical system is provided with a control circuit, which is designed as an IC and has an input by means of which electrical energy can be supplied to the control circuit from the on-board motor vehicle electrical system, and having at least a first output and a second output, wherein a consumer can be supplied with electrical energy from the on-board motor vehicle electrical system by the control circuit by means of each of said two outputs, or the control circuit can provide electrical power for a consumer by means of said outputs, at least one external resistor, which is arranged outside the IC, for emitting possible lost electrical power outside the IC, wherein firstly the external resistor is connected to the second output of the control circuit, and secondly the consumer can be connected to the external resistor. The setpoint value for the electrical power of the consumer, which electrical power can be controlled by the control circuit, can be specified. Distributing the electrical energy for the consumer or the electrical power which is provided for said consumer between the at least two outputs of the control circuit can be controlled by said control circuit depending on at least one distribution parameter. Said distribution parameter can be supplied to the control circuit or determined in the control circuit.