Looking for a better energy deal? Compare energy plans and providers in Queensland.
Queensland has many choices for electricity and gas plans, with over 14 electricity providers and two gas providers. However, only residents in South East Queensland have access to a fully deregulated market. Customers in regional Queensland may not be able to switch from the sole provider, Ergon Energy.
Pensioners and seniors in Queensland may be eligible for the state's electricity rebate.
Search and compare energy providers in Queensland
How can I switch providers in Queensland?
Queensland's energy market is de-regulated for customers in South East Queensland, where the majority of the state's residents live. For these customers, switching providers is simple. There are a few things to consider when shopping around for a better energy deal:
- Switching fees. By law, providers in Queensland cannot charge more than $20 for switching to a new provider.
- Tariffs. Always compare your current tariffs with any new plan you're looking at. Note which tariffs are fixed and which are variable. Note that only regional customers in Queensland pay the fixed, regulated retail electricity tariff set by the government.
- Contract terms. When energy shopping, be sure to check the contract terms carefully. Some providers will automatically roll over your contract when it expires, which can be convenient, but may come with different costs.
- Cooling-off period. Make sure that your plan includes a 10-day cooling-off period.
In Queensland all energy providers must notify you 10 days in advance if they are increasing prices. Providers must also tell you which flexible payment options are available before you sign a contract.
Will Queensland electricity prices increase this year?
Electricity prices will rise across the country over the next few years. This also applies to Queensland, where the government deregulated electricity prices for a majority of consumers in July 2016. In 2016, Queensland actually saw a 1.5% drop in electricity prices due in part to a decrease in the solar bonus scheme. However, prices are set to jump by 4.2% in 2018/19, as wholesale and retail electricity prices rise.
Regional Queenslanders often face higher electricity bills, but are subsidised by the state government.
What sort of energy deals and plans can I get in Queensland?
Switching providers can save you money: that's why consumers switch. Every home, family and individual will have different energy needs, making it worthwhile to shop around and compare policies carefully. Whatever your needs, here are key issues to look out for.
- Discounts. In a free market, energy providers offer serious discounts to attract customers. When switching, look for discounts that will last. A discount in the first month isn't worth much if prices remain higher later. Also consider your situation. If paying on time is not a problem, consider a policy with pay on time discounts.
- Choice. Many providers offer a variety of plans, and some might be better than others. If you use a lot of energy during off-peak hours, a policy with off-peak pricing is probably a good idea.
- Bundling. Does your provider offer electricity and gas? See if they offer a discount for combining the two.
- Flexible payment and late fees. Check to see how your provider lets you pay your bills. It might be possible to pay your bills in advance, or in flexible instalments. For some customers flexibility can often mean the difference between paying an energy bill on time or paying late and incurring a fee.
- Monitoring. Some providers let you track your energy usage using a smartphone app. Knowing more about your energy spending habits can help you make better decisions about your energy usage and save you money.
More questions about Queensland gas and electricity providers
What are tariffs?
Energy providers charge their consumers for energy use using tariffs. There are various types of tariffs, including:
- Fixed. This is the daily charge for supplying energy to a house.
- Variable. The charge for the actual amount of energy you use.
Tariffs for regional Queensland customers are set by the government.
There are many other types of tariff. Find a more detailed explanation here.
What rebates are available in Queensland?
Pensioners and seniors in Queensland are eligible for the electricity rebate and the reticulated natural gas rebate.
Low income customers experience an unforeseen crisis may be eligible for the home energy emergency assistance scheme.
Customers using life support systems are eligible for the electricity life support concession.
What is GreenPower?
GreenPower is a government scheme that allows consumers to purchase renewable energy through their provider. It is a way of displacing dirtier forms of energy and supporting renewable energy. Providers offering GreenPower must be accredited by the Australian government. Read finder's GreenPower guide here.
What happens when I move states?
If you're moving to a different state your energy options may be quite different. If you're moving to a de-regulated energy market like NSW or Victoria you will have more options. But if you're moving to states with limited competition, like Tasmania, or states with government providers, like Western Australia, you may not have any choice at all.
Regardless of where you move, always notify your energy provider a few days beforehand.
What's the difference between an energy distributor and an energy provider?
Energy distributors maintain the grids and energy networks. They do not sell energy directly to consumers.
Energy providers buy energy from the distributors and sell it on to consumers.
What is a cooling-off period?
A cooling-off period is the time during which a customer can cancel an energy contract without any fee or penalty. In most cases the cooling-off period is 10 days.
What is a no lock-in contract?
No lock-in contracts allow you to switch providers freely without incurring a penalty or fee.
All energy providers get their energy from the same grids, and most of this energy is not carbon neutral. However, some providers will offset the carbon emissions from their energy. Some providers include this as standard, or offer it at no extra cost to the consumer.
Please ,can you tell me the best (cheapest) retailer in the Brisbane area for average use in a domestic situation.Thank You.
Hi Willie,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, we are unable to tell whose the best or cheapest retailer in your area because pricing depends on many factors including energy feature and consumption. An energy broker may be able to assist you in choosing the right provider for your needs. They can compare your energy use, your location, and various retailers to pair your house with the ideal retailer and plan.
You can reach out to an energy broker through this page.
Cheers,
Anndy
Hello with my current power plan I receive 10% off usage fee discount and our recent bill was about $ 200 quarterly
and Gas we receive 7% off usage discount at the moment and we pay about $140 quarterly
Do you have any better deal?
Thanks
Rad
Hi Rad,
Thanks for contacting us.
Just to confirm we are finder.com.au – a comparison site and provide general advice only. If you would like to find out more, you can fill out the form on this page and a representative will be in contact.
Regards,
Clarizza