Compare Electricity Providers Queensland

Is the Queensland electricity market regulated?

Well, yes and no.

Retail electricity prices were deregulated in South East Queensland (SEQ) on 1 July 2016. This gave retailers in the region, which includes Brisbane and Gold Coast, the power to set their own prices, and customers the flexibility to pick and choose the provider that suits their needs.

More choice means more competitive pricing, giving SEQ customers access to lower rates and a greater range of products and services. Customers now have the opportunity to find the most suitable electricity provider in SEQ for their own circumstances.

The Queensland Government still regulates electricity prices for the rest of the state.

Queensland Government rebates and concessions

If you need extra assistance to cover the cost of your energy charges, you may be able to apply for a government Electricity Rebate of up to $329.96, and a Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate of up to $69.73.

To be eligible for these rebates, you must hold one of the following cards:

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

To apply for the energy rebates, contact your retailer and ask them to send you an application form. Make sure you have copies of your bills and concession card handy to verify your eligibility.

The rebates, once applied, will be automatically deducted from your bill.

Low-income households who have suffered a short-term financial crisis or unforeseen emergency that prevents them from paying their energy bills may be able to apply for the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme. This emergency assistance concession will pay up to $720 in any 12-month period for a maximum of two years in a row.

To be eligible for the scheme, you must:

• Hold a concession card in the same name as appears on your energy bill, or
• Be part of your energy provider’s hardship program or payment plan, or
• Have an income less than the Australian Government’s maximum income rate for part-age pensioners.

Contact your energy retailer for full details, including what qualifies as an emergency situation, or to apply for the scheme.

Energy in Queensland – what’s changing

Like the other states and territories, Queensland is working towards a more sustainable future, with advances in renewable technologies, such as next-generation organic solar cells and geothermal energy.

The Queensland Government has also set up a number of initiatives to help promote further investment into renewable energy developments, reduce greenhouse emissions, and ease cost-of-living pressures on Queensland families.

One such initiative is the “one million rooftops” solar target by 2020. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing, and the government hopes to take advantage of our abundant ultraviolet supply by encouraging the installation of solar panels on more households, businesses, community buildings and even large commercial or industrial sites.

Not only is solar power better for the environment, it also cuts down on energy costs, as solar is typically cheaper than grid-supplied electricity.

Meanwhile, the cost of solar batteries is reducing rapidly. Queenslanders with solar panels and a battery storage system can hold onto excess solar energy and use it at night or as back-up power during extreme weather events. They can also sell solar back into the grid as needed, helping to reduce their bill.

So while it’s hard to say exactly what effect these initiatives will have on energy prices, it looks like we’re heading toward a cleaner, more affordable future.

How can iSelect help you save on energy?

Queenslanders might be known for their easygoing attitudes, but when it comes to gas and electricity rates, it pays to be picky.

If you call South East Queensland home, finding a better energy plan could result in big savings.

It might sound like a chore, but you’d be surprised how quick and easy it is to find a great deal – especially when you let iSelect do the hard work for you.

Let us find you a plan to match your needs and budget by comparing plans we offer from our range of energy providers across South East Queensland. That way, all you have to do is choose the one that suits your needs.

Rest assured that switching providers is simple and painless, and your power supply won’t be disrupted during the changeover.

Best of all, we won’t charge you a cent for our service.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop paying too much for electricity and make the switch today.

Finding an electricity plan from our range of energy providers* is quick and easy with iSelect. Simply enter your postcode and start your energy comparison.