Compare energy plans in QLD

Energy providers we compare in Brisbane and QLD

Cheapest electricity providers in Brisbane and QLD

These are the cheapest electricity plans in our database for August 2026.

The estimated annual costs are based on a household on the Energex network using 4,600kWh of electricity a year on a single-rate tariff.

Your actual costs will depend on the plan you choose and how much electricity you use.

Cheapest gas providers in Brisbane and QLD

These are the cheapest gas plans in our database for August 2026.

The estimated annual costs are based on a typical household on the Allgas Energy network that uses 8000MJ a year.

South east QLD vs regional QLD: can you actually switch?

Queensland's energy market is really two markets, and which one you're in decides whether comparing plans is worth your time.

• South East Queensland (the Energex network) covers Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. It's a competitive market where more than 20 retailers set their own prices. Households can easily compare and switch providers.
• Regional Queensland (the Ergon Energy network) covers the rest of the state. Prices are regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority, which sets 'notified prices' each July. Ergon is the retailer for almost everyone. You generally can't switch providers for a cheaper rate.

But there's an important exception. The split above applies to electricity.

Gas prices are deregulated across the whole state, so if your home has mains gas, which is available in South East Queensland and several regional centres, you can choose your gas retailer wherever you live.

The exceptions are Roma and Dalby, where the local councils run the gas networks.

With this in mind, if we're talking about comparing and choosing an energy provider in the state, it's mainly for those living in South East Queensland.

How do I choose an energy provider in QLD?

There are a few details worth checking before you sign up to a plan:

• Price vs the reference price. Every electricity plan must show how it compares to the reference price, the annual benchmark set by the Australian Energy Regulator each July. It's the quickest way to compare plans like-for-like. We explain how it works further down the page.
• Usage rates and supply charges. The usage rate is what you pay for each unit of energy (cents per kWh for electricity, cents per MJ for gas), while the supply charge is a fixed daily cost for staying connected. A low supply charge matters more in a low-usage household, and a low usage rate matters more in a high-usage one.
• Sign-up deals and perks. Bill credits, rewards points and bundling discounts are nice to have, but check that they don't come with higher rates attached. Work out what you'd actually pay over a full year, especially after you include conditional discounts.
• The fine print. Each plan has a Basic Plan Information Document listing any conditional discounts, extra fees and rules around rate changes. It's worth a read before you commit.

Energy plans and tariffs in QLD explained

Your tariff is the other piece of the puzzle. It determines how you're charged for the energy you use.

Electricity tariffs in QLD

• Single rate: You're charged one usage rate no matter what time of day it is.

• Time of Use: Your usage rates change based on peak and off-peak hours, sometimes with a 'shoulder' rate in between. You'll need a smart meter for this type of tariff.

• Demand: An extra charge on top of your usage rate, based on the highest amount of power you draw from the grid during peak times. It can be calculated daily, monthly or seasonally depending on the plan.

• Controlled load: A separate, cheaper rate for appliances on their own meter or circuit, such as electric hot water systems or pool pumps.

• Solar feed-in tariff: The rate you're paid for excess solar power you export to the grid.

Gas tariffs in QLD

There are two gas tariff types in QLD:

• Flat rate: One usage rate, regardless of when or how much gas you use.

• Block rate: The rate changes as you use more gas. For example, you might pay one rate for the first 20MJ in a day and a different rate for the next block. Most Queensland gas plans are priced this way.

How much does energy cost in QLD?

Electricity plans in Queensland are measured against the reference price.

The reference price is an annual benchmark set by the Australian Energy Regulator that estimates what a typical household on the Energex network would pay if they were on a standing offer.

For 2026-27, it's $1,988 a year.

Every plan must show how it compares.

So if a plan says it's 15% less than the reference price, its estimated cost is 15% lower than that benchmark.

The reference price fell 7.2% this year, the biggest drop of any state.

The cheapest market plans sit well below it, which is where the savings from switching come in.

There's no reference price for gas in Queensland, so the annual estimate on each plan is the most reliable way to compare gas plans.

Solar in QLD: feed-in tariffs explained

Queensland has more rooftop solar than any other state, with over a million systems installed.

In South East Queensland, there's no minimum feed-in tariff.

Retailers set their own rates, and most flat rates are now low single digits, so it pays to compare the whole plan rather than chasing the highest feed-in figure.

A generous feed-in rate attached to a high usage charge can end up costing you more

The maths now favours using your own solar over exporting it. Every kWh you use at home is one you don't buy at full price, so running the dishwasher, washing machine or pool pump during the day beats any feed-in tariff going.

One more thing: if you're one of the households still on the legacy 44c Solar Bonus Scheme, it runs until 1 July 2028, but certain account changes can end it early. Check the scheme's conditions before changing anything about your account.

What is the Solar Sharer Offer in QLD and do I qualify?

From 1 July 2026, retailers with more than 1,000 customers in south east Queensland have to offer an opt-in plan with 3 hours of free electricity between 11am and 2pm every day, capped at 24kWh a day.

This is known as the Solar Sharer Offer.

You don't need solar panels to sign up, but you do need a smart meter, and it's not available in regional Queensland.

The catch is that rates outside the free window are much higher than on a standard plan.

Here's how the rates compare for the Energex network:

It only works out cheaper if you can genuinely shift your heavy usage, like the dishwasher, washing machine, EV charging or pool pump, into the free window and away from the 4pm to 9pm peak.

Can I get any energy rebates or concessions in QLD?

The federal Energy Bill Relief credits ended on 31 December 2025, so nothing is applied to your bill automatically anymore.

But Queensland runs its own rebates, and unlike switching, they're available whether you're in South East or regional Queensland.

Most rebates are applied through your energy provider, so the fastest way to get set up is to call them with your concession card details.

If you're in an embedded network, you'll need to apply through the Queensland government instead.

When's a good time to compare and switch energy plans?

There are a few moments when comparing really pays off:

• It's July. The reference price resets every year on 1 July. Most retailers reprice their plans around it. This is a good time to check if you can get a better deal
• Your bill says you could be on a better offer. Retailers must run a 'better offer' check on your bill at least every 100 days, showing whether they have a cheaper plan for you. It's an easy way to save, though it only compares your own retailer's plans.
• You're moving house. The cheapest plan at your current address may not be the cheapest at the new one.
• Your provider announces a price rise. Retailers must notify you before rates go up, which makes it a good time to compare or negotiate.

How do I switch energy providers in QLD?

Despite popular belief, comparing and switching energy plans can take under 10 minutes, as long as the account is in your name.

For electricity, you'll need to be in South East Queensland, while gas can be switched anywhere in the state with a mains connection:

1. Find a recent bill. It has your usage, your current rates and your meter number, which is everything you need to compare.
2. Compare plans for your postcode. Rates and available providers can change between areas, so always compare at your own address.
3. Sign up with the new provider. They'll handle the switch and let your old provider know. All you'll receive from your old provider is a final bill.
4. That's it. There's no disconnection or interruption to your supply, and you have a 10-business-day cooling-off period if you change your mind.

The exception is if you live in an embedded network, which is common in apartment buildings, retirement villages and caravan parks.

In these setups, the building buys electricity in bulk and resells it to residents, so your choice of provider is often limited.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the average electricity and gas bill in QLD?

  According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, the average QLD household pays about $416 a quarter for electricity and $214 for gas.

  These are averages across all household sizes, so treat them as a rough guide.

  Your bills will depend on how many people you live with, whether you're in south east or regional Queensland, and the tariff you're on.
  You can see how your state compares in our guide to average energy bills in Australia.

• What's the difference between a market offer and a standing offer?

  A market offer is a plan the provider prices to win your business, and it's almost always the cheaper option.

  A standing offer is the default plan you end up on if you've never switched or your old plan expired.

  In South East Queensland, standing offers are priced at or near the reference price, which is close to the maximum you can be charged.

  If you can't remember ever choosing your plan, chances are you're on one. Our guide to energy contracts and benefit periods explains how they work.

• Who is my energy distributor in QLD?

  Your distributor depends on your address, not your retailer. It's who to call in an outage.

  Distributor	Network area
  Energex	South east Queensland, including Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast
  Ergon Energy	Rural and regional Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands
  Essential Energy	Parts of southern Queensland near the NSW border

  For gas, Allgas Energy covers Brisbane south of the river, the Gold Coast and Toowoomba, while Australian Gas Networks covers Brisbane's CBD and north, Ipswich, Rockhampton and Gladstone.

• Will my power be cut off when I switch providers?

  No, your power won't be cut off. Switching only changes the company that bills you.

  The poles, wires and meter stay the same, so there's no disconnection and no one needs to visit your home.

• Do I need to tell my current provider I'm leaving?

  No, you don't.

  Your new provider notifies your old one, and you'll just receive a final bill.

  Before switching, check whether your current plan has an exit fee.

  They're rare in Queensland, but some fixed-rate plans have them. Our guide to cancelling your energy contract explains what to look for.

  You also get a 10-business-day cooling-off period after signing up in case you change your mind.

• Can I switch energy providers if I rent?

  Yes, as long as the account is in your name (and for electricity, you're in south east Queensland).

  You don't need your landlord's permission.

  The exceptions are embedded networks, where the building buys energy in bulk and on-sells it to residents, and rentals where energy is included in the rent.

  Moving into a new rental? Our moving house utilities checklist covers getting connected.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Senior Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 and 2025 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

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