A method for execution by a dispersed storage and task (DST) execution unit includes receiving a request for rebuilding dispersed error encoded data slices and determining a rate for rebuilding the data slices. The method continues by the DST receiving one or more requests for dispersed error encoded data slices not associated with rebuilding and modifying the rate of processing for the one or more requests for dispersed error encoded data slices not associated with rebuilding dispersed error encoded data slices in accordance with the rate for rebuilding dispersed error encoded data slices. When the sending rebuilding dispersed error encoded data slices has concluded the method continues by reverting the rate of processing of requests for dispersed error encoded data slices to the previous rate.