Compare Electricity in Queensland

Looking to cut your electricity bill in QLD? GoSwitch helps you compare electricity prices and plans side by side in minutes, helping you find a better deal from trusted electricity providers without the time-consuming stress of contacting retailers or sorting through offers yourself.

How to Compare Electricity in Queensland

Published 20 February 202610 mins read

Finding the right electricity plan starts with understanding what you are actually paying for. Before switching, you need to know your energy usage, where you live in QLD, your tariff types, and how different usage rates and charges apply.

We make energy comparison simple, but knowing these basics helps you compare like-for-like energy plans instead of chasing discounts that may not lower your energy bill.

Step 1 – Check If You’re in South East Queensland or Regional QLD

Location changes everything in the QLD electricity market. If you live in South East Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the Sunshine Coast, you can choose between multiple energy retailers.

In regional Queensland, electricity is supplied by Ergon Energy as both the energy distributor and electricity retailer. Competition mainly exists in South East Queensland, while regional customers generally remain on regulated pricing overseen by the Queensland Competition Authority.

Step 2 – Understand Your Electricity Usage

Your electricity bill shows how many kWh, or kilowatt-hour units, your household uses each billing period. This energy usage figure is the key to comparing electricity prices accurately.

High air conditioner use, electric hot water systems, pool pumps, and working from home can all increase usage charges. The more electricity costs you generate, the more important it is to secure sharp energy rates.

Step 3 – Compare Electricity Rates, Not Just Discounts

Big discounts do not always mean cheaper electricity. Instead of focusing only on promotions for new customers, compare usage rates and the daily supply charge against the AER reference price (Default Market Offer) in Queensland.

In South East Queensland, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) sets the Default Market Offer (DMO). This caps standing offer prices and creates the reference price used to compare plans. If a market offer is below the reference price it may represent good value, but the real test is the estimated annual cost for your household’s usage.

Step 4 – Check Tariff Type

Tariff types shape how your electricity costs are calculated. Some homes are on a flat rate, also called a single rate tariff, while others use time-of-use or off-peak structures.

If you have a controlled load for hot water or pool equipment, you may be on Tariff 31 or 33. Understanding your rate tariff means you avoid switching to an electricity plan that does not suit your usage pattern.

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Who Are the Main Electricity Providers in Queensland Today?

In QLD, your energy distributor manages the poles and wires, while your electricity retailer sells you energy plans and issues your electricity bill.

In South East Queensland, Energex is the energy distributor, and residential customers can choose between competing energy retailers. In regional Queensland, the network is operated by Ergon Energy Network.

Depending on your location, you may be able to choose a retailer and a market offer, or request the regulated notified prices set annually by the Queensland Competition Authority (where available).

Retail options in competitive areas may include:

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    What Is the Average Electricity Bill in Queensland?

    Electricity prices vary across QLD depending on region and household size. Bills vary widely depending on usage, tariff type, and location. As a benchmark in South East Queensland (Energex area), the AER’s 2025–26 Default Market Offer annual reference price for a typical residential customer without controlled load is $2,143.

    Several factors influence how much your energy bill is each quarter:

    • Home size: Larger homes usually consume more kWh due to extra lighting, cooling, and appliances.
    • Air conditioning use: Heavy summer cooling can significantly increase electricity costs.
    • Pool pumps: Daily pump cycles can add steady usage charges across the billing period.
    • Electric hot water systems: Standard systems draw high energy usage, especially on peak tariffs.
    • Number of occupants: More people mean more showers, washing, cooking, and device charging.

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    Breaking Down Queensland Electricity Costs in Simple Terms

    Every electricity bill in QLD is built from a mix of fixed charges and usage-based costs. Knowing how each part works makes it easier to compare energy rates properly and avoid paying more than you should.

    Your total electricity costs are shaped by these core charges:

    • Usage rates: The cents per kWh you pay for each kilowatt hour of electricity used in your home. Higher energy usage means higher usage charges across your billing period.
    • Daily supply charge: A fixed daily fee that covers connection to the network managed by your energy distributor, such as Energex in South East Queensland. This charge applies regardless of how much electricity you use.
    • Demand charges: Fees based on your highest electricity use during peak times, common under certain plans in the QLD electricity market. Homes with heavy evening use may see higher demand costs.
    • GST: Goods and Services Tax is already included in advertised electricity prices for residential customers, so the rates you see are typically GST inclusive.

    Beyond these base charges, your tariff types determine when and how those rates apply:

    • Tariff 11: A flat rate or single rate tariff where all electricity is charged at the same usage rate, no matter the time of day.
    • Tariff 12: A time-of-use structure with different energy prices for peak, shoulder, and off-peak periods. This can benefit households that shift usage outside busy times.
    • Tariff 14: A demand-style tariff that can include demand charges (and sometimes time-based pricing), depending on the retailer and network. Retailers in South East Queensland may use different tariff names.
    • Tariffs 31 and 33: Controlled load tariffs commonly used for hot water systems and certain appliances, offering lower off-peak rates for specific circuits.

    Understanding how usage rates interact with tariff types helps you compare electricity plans accurately and find a better deal that matches your real-world consumption patterns.

    How Does Solar Power Affect Your Electricity Bill?

    Solar panels change how you compare energy plans in QLD. Instead of only reviewing usage charges, you also need to compare the solar feed-in tariff offered by each electricity retailer.

    Some plans provide a higher solar feed-in tariff but slightly higher usage rates, while others do the opposite. Always check how exported energy, measured in kWh, is credited on your bill and confirm any eligibility conditions tied to bonus solar offers.

    Solar households should focus on total annual savings, not just the headline solar rate.

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    Can You Claim a Power Bill Concession in Queensland?

    Government support can reduce pressure on rising electricity costs. In addition to comparing electricity providers, checking your eligibility for electricity rebates can further lower your energy bill.

    Financial relief options available in QLD include:

    • Electricity Rebate: A concession for eligible pensioners and low-income households applied as a bill credit.
    • Cost of Living Rebate: Can be offered in some periods and may be applied automatically as a bill credit for eligible customers. Always check the current financial year eligibility and amount.
    • Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession: Support for households with verified medical conditions requiring temperature control.
    • Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme: Short-term help for customers experiencing financial hardship.

    Combining a competitive electricity plan with available electricity rebates can produce meaningful savings across the year.

     

     

     

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    How Do I Switch Energy Providers in QLD?

    Once you have compared energy plans and chosen a better deal, switching is straightforward. There is no interruption to your power supply because the same energy distributor continues delivering electricity to your home.

    Moving from research to action is easier than many expect:

    1. Enter your postcode and usage details on GoSwitch to compare electricity providers in QLD.
    2. Select the electricity plan that suits your needs and review any exit fees or late payment conditions.
    3. Confirm your details and submit the switch online in minutes.
    4. Your new electricity retailer manages the transfer, usually within one to two billing cycles.
    5. Use the cooling-off period if you change your mind.
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    Choosing the Right Electricity Plan for Your Usage Habits

    Choosing the right electricity plan depends on how your household uses energy. After understanding the switching process, it helps to match features to your daily habits.

    Different households should prioritise different features:

    • Families: Higher overall energy usage means competitive usage rates and a fair daily supply charge matter most.
    • Renters: Flexible energy plans with no exit fees and simple, direct-debit options can suit short-term stays.
    • High-usage homes: Demand-aware tariff types or time-of-use structures may lower electricity costs if usage shifts to off-peak periods.
    • Solar owners: Compare solar feed-in tariff rates alongside usage charges to maximise savings from renewable exports.
    • EV owners: Time-of-use or off-peak pricing can significantly reduce charging costs.

    Personalising your energy comparison helps you avoid paying for features that do not suit your lifestyle.

    Should You Bundle Electricity and Gas in Queensland?

    Most homes in QLD rely mainly on electricity, but some areas in Brisbane and the Gold Coast also offer natural gas connections. Gas plans can be bundled with electricity through selected energy retailers.

    Gas competition is more limited than the electricity market, and not all suburbs have access to natural gas. Compare your electricity bill and gas bill together to decide if a bundled offer delivers a better deal overall.

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    Are You Missing Out by Staying on the Same Electricity Plan?

    Electricity prices, variable rates, and benefit period discounts change regularly in the QLD energy market. A plan that looked competitive last year may now sit above the Australian Energy Regulator’s default market offer.

    Staying proactive helps you avoid creeping increases and secure sharper electricity deals over time. Comparing every 12 months keeps your energy bill aligned with current market conditions across Australia.

    To compare electricity providers and plans effectively:

    1. Enter your postcode on GoSwitch.
    2. Review usage rates, daily supply charge, and tariff types.
    3. Check total annual costs against the DMO benchmark.
    4. Select a better deal with no obligation.

    GoSwitch also lets you compare internet and health insurance options from providers in QLD, VIC, ACT, SA and NSW, so you can review multiple household services in one place and save time across the board.

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    FAQs

    There is no single cheapest electricity provider in QLD because electricity prices depend on your energy usage, tariff types, and location within South East Queensland or Regional Queensland. Comparing current electricity deals with GoSwitch shows which plan sits below the reference price for your specific household.

    Large rebates are usually time-limited. Check the Queensland Government energy concessions page for the current year’s rebates, eligibility, and how they’re applied to bills. If you’re eligible, you’ll typically see the credit applied automatically by your electricity retailer.

    When moving house, organise your new electricity connection before your move-in date so the power is on when you arrive, and you avoid unnecessary fees. Compare electricity providers at your new postcode with GoSwitch, choose a suitable plan, and we will handle the switch so everything is set up before your first energy bill lands.

    Start by reviewing usage rates, daily supply charge, tariff types, and any exit fees against the default market offer benchmark. GoSwitch simplifies the electricity market by presenting clear, side-by-side comparisons, helping you choose confidently without contacting energy retailers individually.

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