Find out your energy options in Queensland and compare plans now.
Queensland residents have a number of choices when it comes to gas and electricity providers, though this will vary depending on the part of the state you live.
See how they differ and compare providers below.
Essential facts about Queensland energy plans
- You have a choice of more than 25 electricity providers, but only 3 gas providers
- Pensioners and seniors in Queensland may be eligible for the state's electricity rebate
- Only part of the state's energy market is deregulated, so options will vary depending on your location
- There may be additional costs to be aware of when switching
Search and compare energy providers in Queensland
How does the Queensland energy market work?
The Queensland energy market is relatively complex compared to other states, with only the market in the south east region deregulated. Consumers in regional and country Queensland will likely only have one provider, with energy prices in this area regulated by the state government.
Electricity
Distributors
The Queensland energy market is deregulated in the south east, including Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and regulated in regional areas. There are two electricity distributors that each cover one of these regions. These are:
- Energex: South East Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
- Ergon Energy: Country and regional Queensland.
Retailers
There are currently over 25 electricity providers in Queensland, though customers in regional areas may only have the option of the one provider, due to the state's split regulatory market.
Ergon Energy is the only provider available in country and regional Queensland, but the state government is responsible for regulating prices.
South East Queensland has the option of the following providers:
- 1st Energy
- AGL
- Alinta
- amaysim/Click
- Diamond Energy
- Energy Locals
- EnergyAustralia
- Ergon Energy
- Flow Systems
- Locality Planning Energy
- Lumo
- M2 (Dodo)
- Metered Energy
- Mojo Power
- Momentum Energy
- Next Business Energy
- OC Energy
- Origin
- People Energy
- Powerdirect
- Powershop
- Qenergy
- Red Energy
- Sanctuary Energy
- Savant Energy Power Networks
- Simply Energy
Gas
Distributors
There are also two main gas distributors operating in Queensland, though in some areas, the local council owns and operates the gas network. The main providers are:
- Allgas Energy: South of the Brisbane River, South Coast, Toowoomba and Oakey.
- Australian Gas Networks.
Retailers
Unlike the electricity market, there are only a handful of gas providers in Australia. These are:
- AGL
- Metered Energy
- Origin
- Red Energy
How do I compare energy plans and deals in Queensland?
Switching providers can save you money, which is why many 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 it offers 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.
How can I switch providers in Queensland?
Queensland's energy market is deregulated 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're increasing prices. Providers must also tell you which flexible payment options are available before you sign a contract.
Will Queensland electricity prices increase?
Electricity prices will rise across the country over the next few years. This also applies to Queensland, where the government deregulated electricity prices for the 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.
I am moving to Dalby Qld in July. Will be a brand new account for electricity. Any advice on electricity provider’s here.
I will opt for off peak hot water.
Any advice on where to start before will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Cheers V.
Hi Veronica,
Thanks for your question.
There are some options for you on this page for electricity providers available in Queensland. On that page, just click on “Queensland” tab to view the list of providers and then “Enquire now” if you want to get a call from a broker or “Go to site” button if you like to check the provider’s page. Best to get in touch with them directly so you can discuss your options.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
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