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Top 5 things to know about energy in QLD

Not everywhere is competitive

Regional Queensland is a regulated market – meaning you typically can’t choose your energy retailer.

Learn more

Concessions and rebates

You might be eligible for concessions on your electricity and gas bills, especially if you’re a concession card holder.

Rates and tariffs can vary

Energy rates and tariff types vary between providers, plans and what you’re eligible for.

Learn more

Different prices for different regions

Electricity prices can vary depending on your distributor and the area you live in.

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No disruption to your supply

Switching providers does not disrupt your energy supply and can take as little as two business days to be transferred to your new electricity provider.

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A guide to energy in QLD

Last updated 21/02/24

Tiana Lee-Collins
Written by Tiana Lee-Collins

Meredith O'Brien, Head of Energy
Reviewed by Meredith O’Brien

Expert tips for choosing the right energy for you

Get the top tips on choosing the right Queensland energy plan with our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien.

Keep your details handy

Have your electricity and/or gas bill details handy so you can input the details into our comparison tool. This will provide an estimate based on your historical usage and will factor additional electricity tariffs, if these apply to your property.

Consider your solar power usage

If you have solar but don’t have a battery, think about how much electricity you use at night. This may cost more than your solar feed-in tariff (FIT), so consider the balance between usage charges and your solar FIT.

Compare regularly

At least once a year is best, as rates and providers can change and discount or perks typically expire after 12 months.

Find out more about energy

Senior couple comparing energy plans in Queensland

Electricity prices in regional Queensland are regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) – meaning you can’t choose your electricity retailer.

The basics of QLD energy plans

Why compare electricity and gas plans in Queensland?

If it’s been a while since you’ve compared electricity or gas plans in South East Queensland, you could be paying too much for energy.

Here are just a few reasons to compare QLD energy providers:

  • Take advantage of market offers. SE Queenslanders can compare market offers, which can include discounts or cheaper usage rates on your electricity or gas. This can lead to a significant saving for some households.
  • Save with time of use tariffs. Smart meters are available in QLD, which allows some customers to opt for a time of use tariff. These account for the time of day you’re using electricity and may charge you less during quiet, low-demand periods.
  • Enjoy an energy discount. If you haven’t compared energy plans in a while or you moved house and never signed up for a plan, your discounts or incentives may have expired or you may be on a plan that never offered them, such as your retailer’s default or standing offer.

The easiest way to see if there’s a better (and potentially cheaper) energy plan for your home is to compare. You can get started today with our free energy comparison service!

How does the electricity market work in Queensland?

The energy market in Queensland works differently depending on where you live.

South East Queensland (SEQ)

If you live in SEQ, the most important things to know about the energy market are:

  • You may be in the deregulated zone, meaning you have the option to choose between competitive market offers.
  • The Default Market Offer (DMO) guides these market offers and acts as a benchmark reference price for all other electricity market offers.
  • A standing offer is the offer you’re automatically put on if you’ve moved into a new premises but haven’t yet contacted a retailer to supply your energy.
  • A standing offer is usually not as competitive as a market offer, as it will be the most expensive plan a retailer can charge you.

The DMO also applies in New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT. Meanwhile, Victoria has its own version of the DMO, known as the Victorian Default Offer.

Regional Queensland

If you live in regional Queensland, energy works differently. It’s important to understand that:

  • Electricity prices in regional Queensland are regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) – meaning you can’t choose your electricity retailer.
  • Electricity is regulated because it costs a lot more for providers to service regional areas, so regulating prices ensures customers won’t be overcharged.
  • Regional Queenslanders may have some options with gas market offers.

How does the gas market work in Queensland?

There are two types of gas available in Queensland:

Not all homes in QLD have access to gas by pipeline (reticulated natural gas); if you’re not eligible, you can use LPG. With LPG, you’ll have to order bottles when you run out. Bottles are usually 45kg each and a licensed gas fitter will deliver them to your home.

We don’t currently offer LPG through our comparison service. However, you can compare providers and plans for natural gas through our gas comparison service. It’s easy to compare the prices and rates and, best of all, it’s free!

Energy providers and distributors

Queensland energy distributors

Distributors supply energy to your home, while your QLD energy provider will send you your bill. QLD electricity distributors are:

  • Energex (SEQ)
  • Ergon Energy (regional QLD)
  • Essential Energy (parts of southern QLD)

QLD gas distributors are:

  • AllGas Energy
  • Australian Gas Networks

Electricity providers in QLD

You can see which electricity providers in QLD retail energy by reviewing the list below.

N.B. Compare the Market does not compare energy products from all retailers on this list as we do not compare all brands in the market, or all products offered by all brands. Information about the partners we currently compare is available here.

  • 1st Energy
  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU Energy
  • Diamond Energy
  • Dodo Power and Gas
  • Energy Locals
  • EnergyAustralia
  • GloBird Energy
  • Kogan Energy
  • Momentum Energy
  • Nectr
  • Origin Energy
  • OVO Energy
  • Powershop
  • Radian Energy
  • ReAmped Energy
  • Red Energy
  • Simply Energy
  • Sumo
  • Tango Energy

The information provided above is based in the postcodes of 4000, 4217 and 4558 and is accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Electricity and gas providers in QLD

The following providers can offer both electricity and gas. Please note that providers may or may not offer a combined package and billing may fall on separate dates and separate agreements/contracts. This list may not include all providers due to the limited postcodes used (4000, 4217 and 4558).

Here’s a list of electricity and gas providers in QLD:

  • AGL
  • Alinta Energy
  • CovaU
  • GloBird Energy
  • Origin Energy
  • Red Energy

The information provided above is accurate as of 27 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Cheapest electricity in different cities

Cheapest electricity in Brisbane

If you live in Brisbane, the table below can help you compare Queensland electricity providers to find the cheapest electricity plan that suits your needs.

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flat Rate)-Energex$1,370$1,420NoneNoneSingle rate
SumoSumo Assure Advantage Residential$1,390$1,390OngoingOngoingSingle rate
NectrNectr 100% Clean$1,390$1,44012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Neutral$1,460$1,460NoneNoneSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,470$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Alinta EnergyHomeDeal – Single Rate$1,490$1,490NoneNoneSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,540$1,54012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Diamond EnergyEveryday Renewable Saver$1,550$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
1st EnergyStanding Offer – Time of Use$1,550$1,550NoneNoneTime of use
Energy LocalsOnline Member$1,560$1,560NoneNoneTime of use
Red EnergyRed BCNA Saver$1,580$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,580$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
CovaU EnergyDefault Market Offer- Residential Energex Single$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango Energy Standing Offer$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Basics$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyStanding Offer_8400$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Simply EnergyQLD Simply Standing Offer$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustraliaBasic Home$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Dodo Power and GasResidential Standing (Default Market Offer)$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Radian Energy The Simple Switch 100% Net-Zero$2,800$2,800NoneNoneSingle rate

The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two to three adults with no solar panels or pool and in the postcode of 4000 and are accurate as of 1 February 2023 Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Plans and prices are subject to change and may have conditions or eligibility requirements.

Cheapest electricity on the Gold Coast

If you live on the Gold Coast, see our list of cheapest prices and compare Queensland electricity providers on the Gold Coast to search for an electricity deal for you.

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flat Rate)-Energex$1,370$1,420NoneNoneSingle rate
SumoSumo Assure Advantage Residential$1,390$1,390OngoingOngoingSingle rate
NectrNectr 100% Clean$1,390$1,44012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Neutral$1,460$1,460NoneNoneSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,470$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Alinta EnergyHomeDeal – Single Rate$1,490$1,490NoneNoneSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,540$1,54012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Diamond Energy Everyday Renewable Saver$1,550$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
1st Energy Standing Offer – Time of Use$1,550$1,550NoneNoneTime of use
Energy LocalsOnline Member$1,560$1,560NoneNoneTime of use
Red EnergyRed BCNA Saver$1,580$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,580$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
CovaU EnergyDefault Market Offer – Residential Energex Single$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango Energy Standing Offer$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Basics$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyStanding Offer_8400$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Simply EnergyQLD Simply Standing Offer$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustralia Basic Home$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Dodo Power and GasResidential Standing (Default Market Offer)$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Radian Energy The Simple Switch 100% Net-Zero$2,800$2,800NoneNoneSingle rate

The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two to three adults with no solar panels or pool and in the postcode of 4217 and are accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Plans and prices are subject to change and may have conditions or eligibility requirements.

Cheapest electricity on the Sunshine Coast

If you are living on the Sunshine Coast, you can compare a range of electricity providers. See our list of cheapest electricity prices below.

Provider/RetailerPlan NameAnnual Cost (inc. discounts)Annual Cost (excl. discounts)Discount Benefit PeriodContract TermTariff
GloBird EnergyGLOSAVE Residential (Flat Rate)-Energex$1,370$1,420NoneNoneSingle rate
SumoSumo Assure Advantage Residential$1,390$1,390OngoingOngoingSingle rate
NectrNectr 100% Clean$1,390$1,44012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
PowershopPowershop 100% Carbon Neutral$1,460$1,460NoneNoneSingle rate
OVO EnergyThe One Plan$1,470$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Alinta EnergyHomeDeal – Single Rate$1,490$1,490NoneNoneSingle rate
Origin EnergyOrigin Go Variable$1,540$1,54012 monthsOngoingSingle rate
Diamond EnergyEveryday Renewable Saver$1,550$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
1st Energy Standing Offer – Time of Use$1,550$1,550NoneNoneTime of use
Energy LocalsOnline Member$1,560$1,560NoneNoneTime of use
Red EnergyRed BCNA Saver$1,580$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
ReAmped EnergyReAmped Standard | Anytime$1,580$1,580NoneNoneSingle rate
CovaU EnergyDefault Market Offer – Residential Energex Single$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Tango EnergyStanding Offer$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
AGLResidential Basics$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Momentum EnergyStanding Offer_8400$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Simply EnergyQLD Simply Standing Offer$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
EnergyAustralia Basic Home$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Dodo Power and GasResidential Standing (Default Market Offer)$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Kogan EnergyKogan Energy Basic$1,590$1,590NoneNoneSingle rate
Radian Energy The Simple Switch 100% Net-Zero$2,800$2,800NoneNoneSingle rate

The prices and information provided above are based on a house with two to three adults with no solar panels or pool and in the postcode of 4558 and are accurate as of 1 February 2023. Data sourced from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Plans and prices are subject to change and may have conditions or eligibility requirements.

Energy charges, tariffs and rebates

How are energy costs calculated in Queensland?

In Queensland, energy costs are calculated using two different charges:

  • A fixed daily supply charge (cents per day) to maintain infrastructure and supply power to your home.
  • A usage rate based on kilowatts per hour (kWh) for electricity and megajoules (MJ) for natural gas.

Usage rates may be charged at a single standard rate. If you have a smart meter, though, you may be able to take advantage of variable rates (i.e. time-of-use tariffs), which charge you depending on what time of the day you use your energy. Or you could combine your single rate tariff with a controlled load tariff for your high energy-usage appliances.

Types of tariffs in QLD

Where you live in Queensland determines which tariffs are available to you. If you live in regional QLD, you may have a limited choice of tariffs, while those in South East Queensland may have more options. However, keep in mind that the names may vary between QLD electricity providers.

Residential electricity tariffs in Queensland
Tariff 11 – Single rate tariffThis is a flat rate tariff where you’ll pay the same price for each unit of electricity used. It’s the most common, especially for regional QLD customers.
Tariff 12 – Time of use (TOU) tariffThis tariff is calculated on how much energy is used at certain times. It includes high usage charges during peak times and lower charges at off-peak or shoulder times, as well as a daily supply charge.

You’ll need a smart meter to measure usage for this tariff.

Tariff 14 – Demand tariffThis tariff includes a lower daily supply and usage charges, but will include demand charges for peak periods, usually in summer. Demand charges are based on how much power is used or how fast you use electricity in high demand usage periods. You’ll need a smart meter to access this tariff.
Tariff 31/33 – Controlled load tariff (also known as dedicated circuit, night rate, super economy)With controlled load tariffs, appliances like pool pumps and hot water systems are metered. Tariff 31 guarantees supply for 8 hours per day, while Tariff 33 supplies electricity for 18 hours per day.

Regional customers must first be on Tariff 11, 12 or 14 to access one of these tariffs.

Solar feed-in tariffIf you have a solar power system installed, any unused energy you produce can be converted and fed into the electricity grid. For eligible households, this may be available through a solar feed-in tariff.

What is the average electricity bill in Queensland?

Compare the Market’s survey of 1,003 Australian adults on any tariff in April 2023 found that the average quarterly electricity bill for Queenslanders is $336.60.1 This is higher than the national average quarterly electricity bill of $308.40, as southern states like NSW or VIC use more gas for heating, cooking and hot water. Keep in mind that the number of people in your home, energy habits, tariffs and provider may affect your bill. Energy bills tend to vary significantly between households.

How much could Queenslanders save on their average electricity bill?

If you’re a residential customer in South East Queensland, there may be opportunities to save by switching to a new electricity plan. According to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), you could save significantly by switching from the DMO to the lowest market offer available.2

Of course, the actual amount you could save can vary, so always ensure you understand the terms of the plans you’re comparing.

You can compare electricity providers in QLD to search for a great value plan that suits your budget and energy needs.

Concessions and rebates

The Queensland Government offers electricity and gas rebates to help eligible residents lower their overall cost of living. Most rebates are available to those who have at least one of the below:

  • Queensland Seniors Card
  • Services Australia Pensioner Concession Card
  • Services Australia Health Care Card
  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card (and receive the War Widow/er Pension or special rate TPI Pension).

Queensland also offers an annual cost of living rebate for all households that’s applied to your electricity bill. Find a full list of QLD concessions and rebates here.

Sources

1 Compare the Market commissioned PureProfile to survey 1,003 Australian adults in April 2023. Only results with a minimum of thirty responses are considered.

2 Australian Energy Regular. Default market offer prices 2023-24. Published May 2023. Accessed August 2023.

Meredith O'Brien, Head of Energy

Meet our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien

As the Head of Energy at Compare the Market, Meredith O’Brien believes education is key to helping people get the most out of their energy plans, so if you’re in South East QLD, consider comparing today.

Meredith has six years within the energy industry, following 15 years of experience in financial services and is currently studying a Master of Business Administration. Meredith is a dedicated customer advocate who is passionate about empowering Australians to find the right products to suit their needs by removing the confusion from comparing.

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