Here are the top 3 cheapest electricity plans for March 2026.
25% less than reference price
Basic Plan Information
20% less than reference price
Basic Plan Information
18% less than reference price
Basic Plan Information
It's easy to get overwhelmed by choices. So here's a look at the 3 cheapest gas plans available in March 2026.
Basic Plan Information
Basic Plan Information
Basic Plan Information
For households with solar panels, the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is a critical factor. As of March 2026, rates vary significantly between major providers. Origin Energy offers a Solar Boost plan with a FiT of up to 10c/kWh for eligible customers, while its standard rate is approximately 5c/kWh. AGL and Alinta Energy also offer competitive "Solar Saver" style plans, typically providing around 10c/kWh for the first 10kWh exported daily, then dropping to a lower rate of 3c to 4c/kWh thereafter. Smaller providers like Red Energy offer flat rates around 5c/kWh, while others like Diamond Energy may offer lower standard rates near 3c/kWh. According to data from Origin Energy and Canstar, these tiered structures are increasingly common to manage grid stability during peak solar production periods.
Two notable plans in the current market are the Energy Locals Residential Classic and Nectr Home Buzz. The Energy Locals Residential Classic plan is currently positioned at roughly 15% below the reference price, featuring a usage rate of approximately 29c/kWh and a supply charge of 131c/day. It often includes a $100 bill credit for customers who remain for six months. Nectr Home Buzz offers a competitive alternative with no exit fees and a focus on simplicity. However, it is important to note that Nectr Home Buzz often features a 0c/kWh solar feed-in tariff, making it more suitable for non-solar households or those with high self-consumption. Energy Made Easy listings indicate that Nectr's supply charges sit around 171.73c/day with usage rates near 33.49c/kWh in certain network areas.
The simple answer is that shopping around can save you money. However, this only applies to households living in South East Queensland.
Electricity prices in regional Queensland are regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority so you can't really switch around. This is to protect customers from being overcharged as it's more expensive for retailers to service regional areas.
Some households may be able to compare gas plans.
Now for those of you who can compare electricity and gas plans, here's a rundown of why it's important to do so minus the obvious:
Understanding the distinction between the Energex and Ergon networks is vital. Southeast Queensland (Energex) operates as a competitive market where retailers set their own prices, allowing for significant variation and switching opportunities. In contrast, Regional Queensland (Ergon) remains regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA). For the 2025-26 period, the QCA has set a regulated regional solar FiT of 8.66c/kWh. While regional customers cannot switch retailers for cheaper usage rates, they often benefit from this higher, government-mandated solar return compared to the lower standard rates found in the competitive Energex market. According to QCA reports, these "notified prices" ensure regional residents pay roughly the same as what it would cost to supply a customer in the Southeast.
When you're comparing electricity or gas plans from various providers, there are a few key details to keep an eye on:
How much you're charged for energy in QLD will depend on the type of tariff you're on. These include:
You'll either be charged a flat rate throughout or your bill will be based on a stepped rate structure, which is a lot more common among retailers.
For example, you could be charged a certain price for the first 45MJ, another price for the next 35MJ and so on.
Finder compares popular energy providers including AGL, Origin Energy and Alinta Energy.
We've broken down our list of providers in two, for electricity and gas. However, you will notice some of them will offer plans for both fuel types. They're known as duel-fuel providers.
How much you're charged per kilowatt hour (kWh) in QLD will depend on the retailer.
The average usage charge for single rate tariff plans in our database is around 33.33 cents per kWh (postcode 4000). The average supply charge sits at 159.60 cents.
Similar to electricity, your gas charges will vary depending on your provider.
The average usage charge for gas plans in our database is 4.27 to 4.45 cents per megajoules (MJ), using postcode 4000 as an example. The average supply is 125.17 cents.
It's been a whirlwind for a couple of years for energy bills, and there seems to be little reprieve for households doing it tough with the general cost of living.
The good news is you may be eligible for energy rebates and concessions if you're struggling to pay your bills.
The federal government is giving all Australian households $150 in energy bill relief from 1 July 2025.
It'll be credited directly to accounts by your energy retailer unless you are in an embedded network, in which case you'll need to apply via your state government's website directly.
You may be eligible for further concessions if you're a senior, pensioner, low-income household, or someone with medical needs. You can call your energy retailer directly to find out what you might be eligible for.
South East Queensland deregulated electricity prices in 2016. This means retailers can set their own prices.
However, the Australian Energy Regulator sets benchmark prices annually on 1 July to help residential and small business customers compare plans from various retailers.
For example, if a retailer offers a 20% discount, this is 20% off the reference price.
Electricity prices in regional QLD are still regulated.
Gas prices were degregulated ever since the introduction of full retail competition back in 2006.
Queensland is targeting 50% of electricity generation from renewables by 2030, 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035.
The state has the highest rate of solar installations in the country, with 1 in 3 homes using solar.
If you don't have solar panels installed but want to take up some clean energy initiatives, you can sign up with a provider that offers:
GreenPower: Your electricity provider can't deliver renewable energy directly from the grid to your home. This is where GreenPower comes in. It's a government programme that lets energy retailers purchase renewable energy based on your usage, ranging from 10% to 100%. You can add this option for an extra cost.
Carbon neutral plans: If you prefer not to spend additional money, your energy provider can offset the carbon emissions from your electricity or gas usage. Some plans will specify they're 100% carbon neutral at no extra cost, while others offer it as an optional feature for a small fee.
"My quarterly bill has doubled in the last 5 years - nudged along by our kids growing up and taking longer showers, but more because energy prices have skyrocketed. We shopped around and were surprised that Amber offered the best value for us. Seeing the wholesale prices in real time means we can put the dishwasher on or run the washing machine during cheaper times. On our last bill, our average was 21.5c/kWh, and the bill before that was 25c."
Nectr has appealingly low fixed rates for the 12 months after sign up. As a bonus, your energy plan is 100% carbon neutral at no extra cost to you.
Find out if OVO Energy’s electricity or solar plans are worth signing up to.
Kogan Energy offers energy plans to residents in NSW, VIC, SA and QLD.
Take the hassle out of signing up with different providers by bundling your energy and internet and claiming a discount.
Energy Locals is an Australian-owned and operated retailer offering energy plans in various states including VIC, NSW, QLD and SA.
Compare electricity, gas and solar plans from Origin Energy.
One of Australia’s largest providers of electricity and gas, AGL has a wide range of competitive plans.
ENGIE (formerly Simply Energy) offers 100% carbon neutral plans and plenty of other perks.
Qantas Frequent Flyers may want to take advantage of the points offers but the prices aren’t the cheapest.