Electricity and gas providers in Queensland

Compare electricity retailers and prices in Queensland October 2020

_{Disclaimer: Here are some of the best deals from retailers on our database that include either a link to the retailers website for more information or to a form from an energy broker to enquire for more information. We compared prices for based on a residential customer in Brisbane (Postcode: 4000) who consumes 4,600 kWh a year on a single rate tariff in the Energex network. We show one plan per provider and the estimated price includes conditional discounts (if any). Any plans with special eligibility requirements are excluded from this list. Your actual bill may vary, depending on your usage. Always check the provider's site before applying. Please use our engine for a specific comparison in your postcode.}

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Name	Product		Features	Reference Price	Estimated Quarterly Price	Reference Price Description	Reference Price Desc Mobile	More details
Origin Go Customer service rating Basic Plan Information	Customer service rating Basic Plan Information		No exit fee Ongoing contract with 12 months benefit period	17% less than the reference price	$313 Includes GST	With Origin Go, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,252 which is 17% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	With Origin Go, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,252 which is 17% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Total Plan Home Customer service rating Basic Plan Information	Customer service rating Basic Plan Information		No exit fee Ongoing contract with 1 Year benefit period	13% less than the reference price	$328 Includes GST	With Total Plan Home, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,312 which is 13% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	With Total Plan Home, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,312 which is 13% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Shopper Market Offer Customer service rating Basic Plan Information	Customer service rating Basic Plan Information		No exit fee No lock-in	9% less than the reference price Further 5% off the reference price for Pre-payment.	$321 Includes GST and conditional discounts	Shopper Market Offer is 9% less than the reference price for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network. If you qualify for all discounts, the lowest annual cost is $1,284 (a further 5% below the reference price). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Shopper Market Offer is 9% less than the reference price for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network. If you qualify for all discounts, the lowest annual cost is $1,284 (a further 5% below the reference price). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Enquire now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The One Plan Basic Plan Information	Basic Plan Information		No exit fee No lock-in	18% less than the reference price	$308 Includes GST	With The One Plan, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,232 which is 18% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	With The One Plan, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,232 which is 18% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Sumo Assure Advantage Residential Customer service rating Basic Plan Information	Customer service rating Basic Plan Information		No exit fee Ongoing contract with Ongoing benefit period	20% less than the reference price	$300 Includes GST	With Sumo Assure Advantage Residential, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,200 which is 20% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	With Sumo Assure Advantage Residential, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,200 which is 20% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Kogan Energy Market Offer Basic Plan Information	Basic Plan Information		No exit fee No lock-in	20% less than the reference price	$301 Includes GST	With Kogan Energy Market Offer, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,204 which is 20% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	With Kogan Energy Market Offer, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,204 which is 20% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ReAmped Handshake | Anytime Customer service rating Basic Plan Information	Customer service rating Basic Plan Information		No exit fee No lock-in	21% less than the reference price	$298 Includes GST	With ReAmped Handshake | Anytime, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,192 which is 21% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	With ReAmped Handshake | Anytime, for a residential customer who consumes 4600 kwh a year on a flat rate tariff in the Energex network, the lowest annual cost is $1,192 which is 21% less than the reference price (including any discounts). Your actual bill will differ, based on your actual usage and tariff type.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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_{Prices last checked on October 2020 and are subject to change. You can compare plans by price using our engine below. Please use our engine for a specific comparison in your postcode.}

Best energy retailers in Queensland

Although there is no 'best' retailer, to give you a general guide, we looked at complaints to the 15 largest retailers in Queensland (by customers) and ranked them by the smallest proportion of complaints to a retailers total customers. For an even wider look at the energy market, you can also check out some of our picks for the best in Australia.

_{Source: AER, Annual retail markets report 2018-19.}

Is electricity expensive in QLD?

¹Our research found that the average quarterly electricity bill in Australia is around $363. QLD came in slightly cheaper at $347 per quarter.

_{1.Average bills per state are based on Finder's Customer Sentiment Tracker. Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker takes responses from 16,000 Australians to get an average figure. The last number was last checked in August 2020. We will continue to update this data.}

You can save by switching

As of 1 September 2020, the cheapest estimated price that we found for a plan in QLD (Postcode: 4000) is $1,112 per year ($278 per quarter). If the average bill holder was to switch to the cheapest plan, they would be able to save $276 in the year.

_{2.The cheapest price available on Finder was found by searching our engine for results using the following postcodes: (4000 - Brisbane). Prices are based on a residential customer who consumes the following amount of energy per year on a single rate tariff: (4,600 kWh for QLD). Prices are subject to change.}

Is gas expensive in QLD?

¹Our research found that the average quarterly gas bill in Australia is around $213. QLD came in cheaper at $168 per quarter.

_{1.Average bills per state are based on Finder's Customer Sentiment Tracker. Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker takes responses from 16,000 Australians to get an average figure. The last number was last checked in August 2020. We will continue to update this data.}

You can save by switching

As of 1 September 2020, the cheapest estimated price that we found for a plan in QLD (Postcode: 4000) is $548 per year ($137 per quarter). If the average bill holder was to switch to the cheapest plan, they would be able to save $124 in the year.

_{2.The cheapest price available on Finder was found by searching our engine for results using the following postcode: (4000 - Brisbane). Prices are based on a 3 person household who owns a gas heater. Prices are subject to change.}

Electricity and gas providers in QLD

Business owners can also sign up for electricity with Next Business Energy.

Energy plans from some of the main providers in QLD: What's on offer?

Note: Plan information last checked on July 2020.

AGL - Residential Essentials Saver

No-frills electricity plan with variable rates and the option of monthly billing. While there are no exit fees, the benefit period lasts for the first 12 months, after which you may be placed on another plan. Pick between 10 and 100% GreenPower.

EnergyAustralia - Total Plan Home

A fixed rate plan with a guaranteed discount off your total electricity bill for the benefit period of 12 months. Pay how you like and get billed quarterly. If you opt in, your power will be 100% carbon offset after 6 months, and you can choose 10 to 100% GreenPower options.

Origin - Max Saver

A variable rate electricity plan with strict eligibility requirements. You must accept online billing and communications, pay only by direct debit, and install the Origin app to join this plan. There are no exit fees, benefits last for the first 12 months, and 25 to 100% GreenPower options are on offer.

Powershop - Shopper Market Offer

Get variable rate electricity with no connection fee when moving, monthly billing, and flexible payments. If you pre-purchase your energy in the Powershop by way of Powerpacks, you can receive extra savings on your energy bill. 100% GreenPower is available to customers.

Discover Energy - Residential Single Rate Ultimate Offer

Only available to new customers of Discovery. You get variable rate electricity, a monthly billing option, and flexible payment methods. There is no contract term, no exit fees, and no GreenPower options on offer.

What type of energy discounts do providers in QLD offer?

We went through all the power plans available to customers in south east Queensland and identified the major kinds of discounts you can access. Here's what we found:

• Bill credits. A bill credit is a certain amount of money that's applied to your power bill, usually as a sign up bonus.
• Pay on time discounts. Customers who are always on time paying their bills will get a discount off their bill. It disappears if you miss or are late with any payments.
• Guaranteed discounts. No matter what, a guaranteed discount will work to reduce your bill. You don't need to meet any special conditions.
• Direct debit discounts. Agreeing to pay by direct debit will give a percentage discount off your bill or usage charges.

Very few discounts are unlimited, with most expiring after a certain period of time known as the benefit period. In Queensland, the most common type of discount is a guaranteed discount on your total bill.

_{Last checked December 2019}

How much is the energy rebate in QLD?

If you are eligible to receive an energy rebate, it will work to reduce the total amount of your bill by a flat amount or a percentage. Eligibility generally requires you to meet a specific condition, which can be something like holding a valid concession card.

To find out what rebates you can access, see our guide to energy rebates and concessions in Australia and have a look at the Queensland section.

When are off-peak and on-peak periods in QLD?

Power use is treated differently depending on what time you're using it: in a peak, off-peak, or shoulder period. These periods don't matter on single rate plans, which charge a single flat rate for all times of the day, but on a time-of-use tariff usage rates will vary between them. Here's how they work in south east Queensland:

• Peak. 4pm - 8pm weekdays. This is when demand is highest, so you'll pay the highest prices.
• Off-peak. 10pm - 7am every day. State-wide demand is at its lowest during off-peak, so prices are low, too.
• Shoulder. All other times (7am - 4pm, 8pm - 10pm weekdays, 7am to 10pm weekends). Sits between the other two periods in terms of prices and demand.

How to read a meter in QLD

Residents of Queensland can choose to either read their meter themselves or get a technician in to do it. For a technician, you simply have to ensure that they can access the meter. If you possess a smart meter, manual readings aren't possible - they must be done online.

If you're planning to read your own meter, do a quick safety check. See that the meter and its housing are free from any damage that might have been caused by water or animals, and that no pieces are burned or melted. We describe here how to read a few common meters, but if you'd like more details or have a different meter see our guide.

• Smart meter. A smart meter measures usage in 15 to 30 minute chunks. You won't be able to read one by looking at it. Instead, go to your retailer's page and check out the usage chart there.
• Clock face meter. Write down the number on each clock face from left to right. When the dial is somewhere between two numbers, take the lower value. Don't take note of the dial labelled 1/10. Your power usage will be this meter reading minus the previous reading from your latest bill.
• Electronic meter. Hit the "display" button to show your usage. If the meter cycles through several different readings, make note of all of them.

How often will you get your bill?

Power bills must be issued at least once every 3 months by Queensland retailers. However, your retailer may choose to send it monthly instead or allow you to opt in for monthly billing. This is how three large energy retailers handle billing on their plans:

• Origin. The Origin Max Saver plan involves monthly billing by default. As part of this plan, you have to agree to receive your bills via email, and you won't get them in a paper form.
• Energy Australia. The No Frills plan has quarterly billing only, and will not bill more frequently. If you want a paper bill rather than just having one emailed to you, you'll be required to pay an extra fee.
• AGL. When you're on AGL's Residential Essential Savers Plan, your bill will come quarterly unless you specify that you'd rather have it monthly. Your bill will be sent to you by email, though you can request a paper bill for an additional fee.

How do you connect electricity in QLD?

If you're moving house, you'll need to arrange turning the power off at your previous place and getting it turned on at your new home. Here's a few approaches to get your power transferred smoothly:

• Use your previous provider. If your current energy plan suits you fine, contact your retailer and let them handle the move for you. Keep in mind that not all energy plans are available everywhere, so you may be forced to switch.
• Get your agent or landlord to do it. Landlords are sometimes responsible for the energy account at a property, depending on the specific rental situation. If your landlord is handling the power, sit down and work out the details with them, then let them figure out the switch for you, including connection fees.
• Compare online. There's no better time to upgrade your energy plan than when you're moving house anyway. You could source a better deal than what you have or just find a company that works better for you if you compare online, saving you money in the long run.

In Queensland, there are two electricity distributors: Energex in the south east and Ergon Energy everywhere else. Ergon Energy doesn't charge connection fees, so here's how much it will cost you with Energex:

How to get cheaper energy

• Examine base rates. While not the only part of a plan to watch out for, the actual amount you pay per kWh of electricity is the most important part of an energy plan. Once you've accounted for other offers and discounts, a lower usage rate generally translates into a cheaper energy bill.
• Check discounts. When you're offered a discount, it will be either conditional or guaranteed. Conditional discounts require you to meet certain conditions, while guaranteed discounts apply no matter what. Guaranteed is usually better because of this, though both last only for the limited benefit period of the plan.
• Tariff options. Time of use tariffs split the day into peak and off-peak times, with peak rates being way higher than off-peak. If your energy use is heavily weighted towards off-peak hours (morning and early afternoon), then you might benefit from a time of use tariff instead of a flat rate.
• Compare often. Variable rates change and benefit periods run out. By reviewing your energy plan at least annually - the most common benefit period for plans - you can save money by switching to new plans that offer better discounts, deals, and rates.

Switching

Your choice of retail provider can make a noticeable difference to the size of your energy bill. Once you've compared electricity and gas plans and chosen a new provider, it's relatively easy to switch. It's simply a matter of applying with the new provider and cancelling your existing plan. Your new provider should generally be able to supply your energy by the next day.

Compare energy retailers

Important notes: The estimated price we show by default is based on a single rate tariff. On your bill this might be known as a 'peak tariff', 'peak only' or an 'anytime tariff'. There are other tariff types available to customers and you may need to contact your provider if you are on these tariffs:

• Single rate with a controlled load
• Time of use
• Time of use with a controlled load

The price estimate should not be used as an official quote, but an indication of what your costs may be on the plan. It varies based on whether you provide us with your bill details. You can learn more here.

Picture: GettyImages