Compare energy plans in QLD

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Cheapest electricity providers in Brisbane and Queensland

Here are the top 3 cheapest electricity plans for November 2024.

The annual estimated electricity prices are based on a residential customer on the Energex network who consumes 4,600kWh yearly on a single rate tariff. Your actual bill may vary depending on your consumption.

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Cheapest gas providers in Brisbane and Queensland

It's easy to get overwhelmed by choices. So here's a look at the 3 cheapest gas plans available in November 2024.

The annual estimated gas prices are based on a residential customer on the Allgas Energy network who consumes 8000MJ yearly on a single rate tariff. Your actual bill may vary depending on your consumption.

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Why compare electricity and gas plans in QLD?

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:

• Discounts on a plan typically last for the initial 12 months.
• If you don't negotiate new rates, your provider might switch you to a pricier plan.
• If you're moving house, your current provider might not have the best deals for your new location.
• Your provider has notified you that their prices are increasing.
• You've found another provider offering a really great sign-up deal such as a $200 bill credit for switching to one of their electricity plans.

How do I choose an energy provider in QLD?

When you're comparing electricity or gas plans from various providers, there are a few key details to keep an eye on:

• Guaranteed discounts: These often last for up to 12 months. Look for plans offering the largest discounts. For electricity, this discount is also compared to the reference price set by the Australian Energy Regulator every year on 1 July. Aim for a plan that's cheaper than the reference price. The difference is shown as a percentage, making it easier to compare electricity plans.
• Usage rate and supply charge: Another way to compare plans is by checking the usage rate and supply charge. Usage rates determine how much you'll pay for each unit of energy used, while supply charges are the daily fees for staying connected to the energy grid and set by the distributor. Bring out your last bill to see what you're currently being charged so it's easier for you to compare plans.
• Sign-up deals and extra perks: When looking at plans, you can also look at other details such as sign-up deals, like a $200 bill credit for new customers, or loyalty points from programs such as Qantas Frequent Flyer and Everyday Rewards. Depending on your needs, it might also be handy to choose a provider that lets you monitor your energy usage through a mobile app or online portal.
• Additional costs: Before committing to a plan, make sure to read the terms and conditions for any extra charges, such as credit card fees, disconnection fees or late payment fees.

Comparing plans and tariffs

How much you're charged for energy in QLD will depend on the type of tariff you're on. These include:

Electricity tariffs

• Single rate: You'll be charged a consistent usage rate, regardless of the time of day.
• Time of Use: Your usage rates will vary depending on peak and off-peak hours. There may also be a separate rate for the 'shoulder period', which falls between peak and off-peak times. You'll need a smart meter to benefit from this type of tariff.
• Demand: Some plans include a demand charge in addition to a single rate or Time of Use tariff. This charge is based on the highest amount of power drawn from the grid during peak times. It can be charged daily based on your highest demand in a month, season or year.
• Controlled load: This applies to households with a separate meter for appliances such as electric hot water systems or pool pumps.
• Solar feed-in tariff: Households with rooftop solar panels can take advantage of plans that offer a feed-in tariff. This determines how much money you can earn for exporting excess energy back to the grid.

Gas tariffs

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.

Which energy providers do we compare in QLD?

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.

Electricity providers in QLD

Gas providers in QLD:

• AGL
• Alinta Energy
• CovaU
• GloBird Energy
• Origin Energy
• Red Energy

How much does electricity cost in QLD?

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 32.75 cents per kWh (postcode 4000). The average supply charge sits at 119.01 cents.

How much does gas cost in QLD?

Similar to electricity, your gas charges will vary depending on your provider.

The average usage charge for gas plans in our database is 3.83 to 4.02 cents per megajoules (MJ), using postcode 4000 as an example. The average supply is 116.87 cents.

According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker (CST), the average electricity bill for QLD households is $440 per quarter, and the average quarterly gas bill is $244.

QLD rebates and concessions

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.

$1,000 QLD energy rebate: Who is eligible?

The QLD government is giving all households a $1,000 energy rebate from 1 July 2024. It'll be credited directly to accounts by your energy retailer.

The federal government has also promised a national energy bill relief of $300, which will also paid from 1 July, but in instalments.

Overall, QLD households will get at least $1,300.

You may be eligible for further concessions if you're a senior, pensioner, low-income household, or someone with medical needs.

Alternatively, you can call your energy retailer directly to figure out your options.

How are energy prices in QLD set?

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.

Renewable energy in QLD

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.

Frequently asked questions

• Who is my energy distributor?

  It's important to know who your energy distributor is in case there is an outage.

  Electricity

  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.

  Gas

  Distributor	Network area
  APA (Allgas Energy)	Brisbane region (South of the Brisbane River), the Gold Coast (including parts of northern NSW), Toowoomba and Oakey.
  Australian Gas Networks	Brisbane region (Brisbane CBD, north of the Brisbane River and Ipswich) and the Northern region (Rockhampton and Gladstone).

  Note: In Roma and Dalby, the local council owns and operates its own gas distribution network.

• Who is the cheapest energy provider in QLD?

  The energy providers offering the cheapest electricity and gas rates in QLD can change from month to month.

  Fortunately, we update our database daily, so you'll always be able to find the most affordable options at any given time.

  Have a look at the cheapest energy providers in QLD this month to see if it's worth switching.

• What is the average cost per kWh in QLD?

  The average cost per kWh in QLD for single rate tariff plans in our database is around 32.77 cents per kWh using postcode 4000 as an example.

  You can read our guide on average electricity prices in QLD and other states in Australia for more information.