Cheapest electricity providers in QLD (top 10 plans)
Here are the cheapest electricity providers and 10 of the best energy deals for residential customers in QLD, according to Money.com.au’s analysis:
1
Ampol Energy
Powering On
2
Dodo
Residential Market
3
GloBird Energy
GloSAVE
4
OVO Energy
One Plan
5
Sumo
SumoSWITCH
6
ENGIE
ENGIE Perks
7
Powershop
Switch Saver
8
Kogan Energy
Free FIRST
9
Pacific Blue
Blue First
10
Alinta Energy
HomeSaver
This list is based on Money.com.au’s analysis of Brisbane electricity plans in the comparison table above. Information is accurate as of 22 October 2024.
If you’re unhappy with your current electricity provider in Queensland, switching is usually a simple process and you can do so online. At the very least, you should contact your existing provider and ask if you’re on their best offer.
Average electricity bill QLD
The average electricity bill in Queensland is $2,066 per year, or about $516.50 per quarter. This figure is based on the Default Market Offer (DMO) set by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for 2024-25, specifically for residential households on a single-rate tariff without controlled load.
It's important to note that DMO prices apply to customers in South-East Queensland who are on the Energex distribution network.
While the Default Market Offer ensures that retailers charge fair prices for electricity, you can often find better deals. Many power companies provide various "market offers" that usually come with lower prices and additional benefits.
For example, the default price for a residential household on a single-rate tariff in Brisbane on the Energex network is $2,066 per year. However, the cheapest market offer on that same network is currently $1,550 per year, which means you could save more than $500 each year.
Energy bills can be a significant expense for households, especially as the cost of living rises and budgets become tighter. We recently asked Australians to rank the bills they dread the most, and nearly a quarter of respondents in QLD (24%) ranked energy bills as the most dreaded expense.
Cheapest electricity rates in QLD
Some of the cheapest electricity rates in Queensland are currently offered by Ampol Energy, Dodo, GloBird Energy, and Sumo. You can expect a usage rate of about 25 to 30 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh) and a supply charge of 90 to 100 cents per day, according to Energy Made Easy.
Please note that the electricity rates mentioned above are for residential customers on a single rate tariff in Brisbane, specifically within the Energex distribution network, as of October 22, 2024.
Finding a plan with low electricity rates is fantastic, but it's equally important to consider other factors when comparing options. Discounts, sign-up credits, and rewards programs can enhance the overall value beyond just cheap rates. The good news is that you can make direct comparisons using the Reference Price, which helps you gauge how competitive a plan’s pricing really is.
How to find the best energy plans in QLD
Low usage rates
Your electricity usage rates will likely have the most significant impact on your bills, as this reflects the cost for the electricity you consume, measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh). If your household has high energy needs, securing a lower usage rate can lead to significant savings. Even a small difference in the rate can add up over time, especially for families who frequently use appliances like air conditioning and heating. In QLD, a competitive usage rate generally falls between 25 to 30 c/kWh.
Competitive supply charges
Electricity supply charges are another significant factor driving up energy costs, especially for households with lower power usage. These charges are a fixed daily fee for staying connected to the grid, regardless of your electricity consumption. For low-energy users, supply charges can make up a larger share of the total bill, resulting in higher costs relative to usage. In Queensland, a typical supply charge ranges from 90 to 100 cents per day.
Discounts and incentives
Discounts and incentives, such as sign-up credits or ongoing bill credits, can provide added value to your energy plan. Some retailers offer "conditional" discounts that require you to meet specific criteria — like paying your bills on time or setting up direct debit payments. Other discounts may be "guaranteed," meaning they are automatically applied to your bill, either on the usage portion or the total amount (including both usage and supply charges). These discounts or bill credits can help offset higher usage and supply costs.
The benefit period
The benefit period refers to the duration of your energy plan's contract and how long you'll be able to take advantage of any discounts, incentives, and the usage and supply rates you've signed up for. Typically, benefit periods last for 12 or 24 months, though some retailers offer ongoing contracts that allow you to keep these benefits as long as you remain a customer. According to Energy Made Easy, retailers must inform you at least 20 business days before the benefit period is about to expire or change.
Hidden fees
Other fees can also impact your overall energy costs, such as credit card processing fees, charges for paper bills, late payment fees, and connection fees if you live in a newly built property. You may also face disconnection or reconnection fees, which are imposed by the energy distributor and passed on to your retailer.
Customer service
Another important consideration is the quality of customer service and support from your energy provider. Make sure to look at online ratings, social media reviews, and any awards they’ve received. It’s also worth checking if they offer user-friendly apps that can help you manage your bills and monitor your energy usage.
Remember that everyone in Queensland uses energy differently. For instance, a household with one occupant usually consumes less power than a larger one with four or more people. Other factors to consider include whether you have solar panels, the type of tariff you’re on, and the energy ratings of your appliances.
Understanding the QLD energy market
QLD electricity distribution networks explained
Queensland has two electricity distributors that maintain the energy grid and its infrastructure, such as power lines and substations. Distributors are not responsible for billing queries, but rather handle new meter connections and the supply of electricity to homes and businesses across the state.
- Energex: Delivers electricity to millions of customers in South East Queensland.
- Ergon Energy: Supplies power to the rest of the state, in regional, rural and North Queensland.
For consumers living on the Energex network, you’ll have a baseline price to compare energy deals from, known as the ‘Reference Price’. The current Reference Price in South East QLD is $2,066 per year based on an annual general usage of 4,600 kilowatt-hours for a residential property on a single rate tariff.
Can you choose your electricity provider in QLD?
If you live in South East Queensland, you shouldn’t have any problem choosing your own energy retailer. In general, residents and small businesses that are located in the following areas can choose from a range of power companies:
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Somerset
- Moreton Bay
- Redland City
- Lockyer Valley
- Logan
- Ipswich
If you live in regional, rural or North QLD, your choice may be limited to Ergon Energy.
QLD electricity providers you can choose from
- 1st Energy
- AGL
- Alinta Energy
- Amber Electric
- Ampol Energy
- CovaU Energy
- Diamond Energy
- Dodo
- Electricity in a Box
- Energy Locals
- EnergyAustralia
- ENGIE (formerly Simply Energy)
- GloBird Energy
- Kogan Energy
- Momentum Energy
- Nectr
- Origin
- OVO Energy
- Pacific Blue
- Powershop
- Red Energy
- Sumo
- Tango Energy
Some of the providers above may not be onboarding new customers at this time. Recent increases to wholesale energy prices have caused some retailers to only service their existing customers.
QLD energy rebates: What’s on offer?
1
2024-25 Cost of Living Rebate
Provides a one-time payment of $1,000 to Queensland households to help address rising living costs and energy expenses. To qualify, you must have an electricity account with an energy retailer or embedded network operator as of 1 July 2024.
2
Queensland Electricity Rebate
Vulnerable households, including seniors, pensioners, and concession cardholders, may be eligible for a $372.20 rebate through the Queensland Electricity Rebate. This will be paid in quarterly instalments of $75 after 1 July 2024.
3
Electricity Life Support Concession Scheme
Concessions are available for eligible Queenslanders who are seriously ill and use home-based medical equipment, such as an oxygen concentrator ($1,024.38 per year) or a kidney dialysis machine ($686.01 per year).
4
Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme
A one-off assistance package of up to $720 every two years for low-income households experiencing short-term financial hardship.
5
Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme
Several rebates are available to help Queenslanders with chronic medical conditions manage their electricity costs. Currently, eligible applicants can receive $502.98 per year.
6
Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate Scheme
A rebate of $89.70 for eligible pensioners and seniors on their reticulated natural gas bill, applied directly through their gas provider.
