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Compare Electricity Providers Queensland
Compare Electricity Providers Queensland
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Laura Crowden
Reviewed by
Dean IpavizSee our range of Energy Providers
iSelect does not compare all providers in the market or all plans offered by our partners in your area. Not all plans or special offers are available to all customers and some may only be available over the phone or on the website. Learn more.
How do electricity plans work in QLD?
When it comes to electricity in QLD, where you live plays an important role in how your electricity works.
If you’re in Southeast Queensland (SEQ) your electricity market has been deregulated since 2016, which means you can shop around and pick your own electricity retailer and the plans and prices they’ve set.
But what if you live out west or up in the tropics? Don’t sweat it (figuratively at least), your electricity prices are regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority. So, no matter where you live, you won’t be paying through the roof. Thanks to the Uniform Tariff Policy, electricity costs stay comparable statewide, even in harder-to-supply areas.
You’ll still be able to choose between market offer plans (the ones advertised with eye-catching prices) or a regulated price. But for Queenslanders outside of the South East options can be a bit more limited.
How is my electricity billed?
Electricity bills in Queensland are divided into two main charges. The daily supply charge is a flat fee you pay to keep electricity connected to your property. While the usage charge is based on how much (kilowatt-hours/kWh) electricity you consume. Some plans might come with different rates for times of day, like peak, shoulder, or off-peak too.
For homes with solar panels, the bill will also include credits for any solar energy you put back into the grid. While the bill won’t split out how much of the power generated vs what you’ve used, you can see that with a solar inverter or app.
Mastering these details might feel like a hassle, but much like nabbing the best picnic spot at Riverfire, it’s something that can pay off when it comes around next time.
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Compare electricity in QLD explained
Queensland’s energy market can feel like a bit of a maze, especially with its mix of regulated and deregulated areas. But don’t worry with this short video you get the basics down, so comparing will make a lot more sense.
Laura Crowden
ISELECT SPOKESPERSON
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How much does electricity cost in QLD?
In Southeast Queensland, electricity pricing is deregulated, which means retailers have more flexibility to set their plans. They’re all competing for your business, so you’ll notice some variation. To make sense of the scribbles on your energy bill, the simplest way to get a feel for electricity costs is by comparing to the Default Market Offer (DMO).
The DMO is a price set by the Australian Energy Regulator for electricity on standing offer contracts in SEQ, including supply costs, while not overcharging you. Standing offer contracts are basically default plans for folks who can’t or don’t want to shop around for a deal.
But in regional Queensland, you’ll be on another playing field. Since the market is still regulated in the rest of QLD, your cost won’t move around as much as in the deregulated market (although you’ll still see some impact from wholesale costs).
Click across on the graphs on the right side to see the DMO price for South East Queensland residents from 2019–25 and regulated retail electricity prices for regional Queensland from 2019-25.
If that jump from 2022–23 to 2023–24 sets your heart racing more than learning it’s Irukandji jellyfish season while your chest-deep in the surf, take a breath. It’s all due to that pesky global energy crisis and the subsequent rise in wholesale costs. Just remember the DMO isn’t your only option in SEQ. You could find an electricity retailer offering contracts significantly cheaper than the DMO, so shopping around could mean savings.
Helpful tip
Don’t hesitate to take advantage of all that sunshine in the Sunshine State! Solar panels and a storage system can help you suck up UV rays during the day to power your home at night. This means you might end up saving on your bill by taking less electricity from the grid.
Be mindful not to overcapitalise on your solar spend as you always want to factor in your payoff period especially if you’re not adding any storage in the form of a battery. Your installer should be able to guide you on what the right mix of generation and storage is.
Dean Ipaviz
Sustainability Expert and Presenter
How do I choose an electricity provider in QLD?
It’s time to put your new bill knowledge to good use. Reviewing and comparing your electricity plan, with some basic understanding of tariffs, could help you find a deal that’s better for your lifestyle and budget. Here’s how to get started:
Review your current plan and bills
Your electricity bill is the key to understanding what you’re currently paying. Each bill shows a daily supply charge, which essentially your ticket to Queensland’s electricity grid. You’ll pay this daily regardless of how much electricity you use. The usage charge, on the other hand, depends on how much power you use. It’s like the levels in a game, with the cost varying depending on the specific rules of your plan’s tariff.
Fees can also play a role in your overall bill cost, including establishment, exit fees, late payment, disconnection, and reconnection fees, so it’s worth understanding what fees are included.
Plan features and discounts
When comparing electricity plans, it’s not just about the overall price. The details matter too. Some plans offer variable rates, which can fluctuate and potentially save you money. Others stick to fixed rates, providing stability in a market where prices can jump around.
Discounts might also be available for paying on time, opting for paperless bills or setting up a direct debit. Just be sure to read the fine print to make sure you can get these benefits.
Check regional availability
Just remember the regional Queensland market is regulated, so your choices could be a little more limited. But you can still pick between market offers (advertised deals) or regulated rates.
Understand your electricity tariffs
Tariffs set the rules for how you’re charged for electricity.
A flat rate tariff, also known as Tariff 11, is straightforward – you’ll pay the same flat rate for electricity no matter the time of day or how much you use.
Time-of-use tariffs, or Tariffs 12B or 12C, change depending on when you use electricity, with higher rates during peak hours such as early evening and lower rates during off-peak times. So you could save money by using less electricity in those expensive peak times, and shifting more of your usage to cheaper off-peak or shoulder periods.
Demand tariffs, or Tariffs 14A or 14B, focus on how intensely you use electricity rather than just how much. For example, if you’re on a demand tariff then cooking a big family roast with all the stops will cost you more than slaphappy leftovers.
Controlled Load tariffs, such as Tariffs 31 or 33, are designed for energy-hungry appliances like pool pumps or underfloor heating. These tariffs provide electricity at specific times of the day, often at lower rates.
For those with solar panels, the solar feed-in tariff lets you earn money for putting leftover electricity you don’t use back into the main grid. These are known as market feed-in tariff for Southeast Queensland and the regional feed-in tariff for other areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which electricity suppliers are in QLD?
Looking for an electricity provider in Queensland? With over private 20 retailers in the state, there’s no shortage of options to find a great fit for you.
Some of the electricity retailers in QLD compared by iSelect include:
There are some other electricity retailers in QLD including:
- 1st Energy
- Alinta Energy
- Amber Electric
- Ampol Energy
- CovaU
- Diamond Energy
- Dodo Energy
- Energy Locals
- Future X Power
- Globird Energy
- Kogan Energy
- Locality Planning Energy
- Momentum Energy
- Nectr
- Next Business Energy
- OVO Energy
- Pacific Blue Retail
- Powershop
- Sumo
- Tango Energy
Government electricity providers include:
- Ergon Energy
- Energex
Just remember that iSelect can only help you compare with some of these providers, not all of them.
Who is my energy distributor?
Unlike some states with a handful of energy distributors, Queensland keeps it simple with just two: Energex or Ergon Energy.
Energex powers Brisbane and its surrounding areas. From Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast to the edge of Tweed Heads on the Gold Coast, and as far west as Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley.
Ergon Energy handles just about everywhere else, covering around 97% of Queensland. From coastal towns to rural outback areas, they keep the lights on no matter how far away you are.
What electricity rebates or concessions are available in QLD?
Whether you’re relaxing on the border or cooling your heels way past the Tropic of Capricorn, there are a few electricity rebates and concessions all Queenslanders should know about to help keep those electricity bills in check.
Electricity Rebate
This rebate could save you up to $372.20 each year on your electricity.1Queensland Government – Electricity and gas rebates Of course, you need to be eligible, so that means having any of the below:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card (while also getting the War Widow/er Pension or special rate TPI Pension)
- Queensland Seniors Card
- Services Australia Health Care Card
- Asylum seeker status (you’ll need to have your ImmiCard details handy)
But it’s not quite as simple as flashing your concession card. You also need to be the account holder on your home’s electricity bill, and your living situation has to tick a few boxes. No shortcuts, but worth the effort!
Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme
Queensland weather can be brutal to bear at the best of times. It can be even worse if you have a chronic medical condition that does not appreciate the heat and humidity. That’s where the Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme could help you save up to $502.98 annually to help out with the extra electricity costs to keep your home comfortable.2Queensland Government – Medical cooling and heating electricity concession scheme
To qualify you need to have:
- a qualifying medical condition (like multiple sclerosis or autonomic system dysfunction)
- a concession card, like a Services Australia Health Care Card
- be the account holder or one paying the electricity bill
Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme
If you’re going through a short-term financial crisis, this scheme can help to keep the lights on in a short-term financial bind.3For more info see Queensland Government – Home energy emergency assistance scheme If you’re eligible you can get up to $720 every two years for electricity and gas bills.4As above
To be eligible you need:
- a lower income or a current concession card
- your unforeseen emergency or financial crisis needs to fit within certain parameters
While it’s not as frequent as other rebates if you’re struggling to make ends meet, it could give you some breathing space to help you get back on your feet.
Cost of Living Rebate
With the cost-of-living crisis still ongoing for 2024–25, the Queensland Government is helping lighten the load with a lump sum rebate of $1,000 toward your electricity bills. Even better, this rebate is applied to your bills automatically, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork.
Will the new emissions targets affect electricity in QLD?
The Queensland Government’s emissions target for the Sunshine State aims to reduce emissions by 75% by 2035 and net zero by 2050. But what does that mean for your home and electricity bill? In short, a big shift (for the better) in how your power is generated.
Back in 2022, coal was how QLD generated 62.3% of its power, with renewables trailing along at 22.2%.5Energy.gov.au – Australian electricity generation – fuel mix calendar year 2023 Fast forward to June 2024, and renewables are up to 27.4% – with more targets ahead.6Department of Energy and Public Works – Queensland’s renewable energy target
The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is aiming for 70% renewable energy by 2032 and 80% come 2035,7As above with rooftop solar leading the way in Queensland homes and businesses. If you’re one of the 850,000 properties with rooftop solar you might even be pocketing some cashback with a solar feed-in tariff.8As above
Even if renewables aren’t on your radar yet, this shift could still help you out. When renewables are favoured more than other electricity generation methods (like coal or gas), they can help to drop wholesale electricity prices. Embracing renewables can also help take the sting out of global energy price hikes, like those of the global energy crisis, making the grid a little more stable for everyone.
How do I manage my electricity plan when moving house?
Packing up for a move? Amongst all the boxes and bubble wrap, sorting out your electricity is one thing you don’t want to forget.
About a week before your move, give your energy provider a heads-up to close your account. But if you’re sticking with your current provider, just make sure to give them your new address and move-out date. They’ll organise a final meter reading and any disconnection fees that might apply. Just keep in mind that moving house is a perfect opportunity to shop around, as your current provider might not be the best value option for your new home.
Want power ready in your new home from day one? (or even a day before). Just arrange your connection ahead of your move-in day. Some providers might charge a connection fee to get things up and running, so make sure to check the details first. If your property needs an electricity connection give yourself some extra time so your provider can get you connected.
For renters, you’ll need to close your account at your old place giving your provider your new address and a final meter reading date. When it comes to moving into your new place, if you’ve got a standard agreement with your landlord then you’ll be in charge of paying the bills. This means you’ll also need to open a new account (or transfer it over) yourself.
How can I save money on my electricity bill?
Saving on your electricity bill isn’t just about turning the lights off or using energy-efficient appliances (though they do help). Even the best energy-saving habits won’t save you from overpaying if your plan’s not the right fit for your circumstances.
That’s where iSelect comes in. Compare from a range of plans and providers across Queensland to make sure you’re not spending more than you need to be. Jump online or chat with one of our comparison experts for free on 1800 664 532.
Get started on comparing energy plans today!
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iSelect does not compare all energy providers or plans in the market. The availability of plans may change from time to time, depending on who iSelect’s providers are and what plans they make available to iSelect. Not all plans made available from iSelect providers may be compared by iSelect either due to commercial arrangements, area or availability, so not all plans or providers compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Some plans and special offers are available only from iSelect’s contact centre or website. Energy plans are available only for properties located in eligible areas of Victoria, New South Wales, South East Queensland, South Australia and ACT. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.