Compare Electricity Sunshine Coast

Electricity prices across South East Queensland can differ significantly between energy retailers, even when homes sit on the same Energex network. That difference often shows up clearly on your annual electricity bill.

Savings typically break down along household size and energy usage patterns:

• 1 to 2 people: Smaller households using around 3,000 to 4,000 kWh per year can usually save between $150 and $300 annually by switching from a standing offer to a more competitive electricity plan. Lower daily supply charges and sharper usage rates make the biggest impact at this level.
• 3 to 4 people: Medium households averaging 5,000 to 6,500 kWh per year often see potential savings of $250 to $450 per year. Shifting from higher variable rates to a better structured time of use or single rate plan can significantly reduce total energy costs.
• 5 or more people: Larger families consuming 7,000 kWh or more each year may save $400 to $700 or beyond, especially if their current plan sits above the reference price or Default Market Offer. Even a small drop in cents per kilowatt hour can add up quickly over 12 months.

With GoSwitch, you are not relying on general estimates. Our free energy comparison tool calculates projected annual savings based on your actual kWh usage and tariff type, showing exactly how much you could cut from your energy bill.

Sorting through electricity providers in QLD can feel confusing, especially with different tariff types, discounts, and conditions. A clear process helps you focus on what actually impacts your energy costs.

Before making a decision, pay attention to these key factors:

• Your current electricity bill: Check your total kWh usage, the daily supply charge, usage charges, and whether you are on a basic plan or standing offer linked to the reference price.
• Tariff type: Confirm if you are on a single rate, time of use, or demand charge rate tariff, as each structure affects when and how you are billed.
• Supply charges vs usage rates: A low usage rate can be offset by a high daily supply charge, so both need to be assessed together.
• Solar and feed-in tariffs: If you have solar panels, compare solar feed-in tariffs and export rates rather than focusing only on electricity prices.
• Exit fees and conditions: Some energy retailers apply exit fees or variable rates after introductory periods, which can affect long term value.
• Concessions and rebates: Check eligibility for a Queensland Government electricity rebate, as this lowers your net energy bill regardless of provider.

Instead of manually comparing each electricity retailer, GoSwitch analyses these factors automatically. We compare plans against the reference price and Default Market Offer, highlight potential bill credits, and show which option delivers a genuine better deal.

To find genuine savings, it helps to understand how electricity pricing works. Every electricity bill on the Sunshine Coast is made up of fixed and variable components, and both influence your total energy costs over the year.

The two main charges you will see are:

• Daily supply charge: A fixed cost you pay each day to stay connected to the grid, regardless of how much electricity you use. This can significantly affect low usage households or holiday homes.
• Usage rates: The amount charged per kWh of electricity consumed. Higher energy usage means these charges quickly become the largest part of your bill.

While Energex manages the poles and wires that distribute power across South East Queensland, your electricity retailer sets the pricing structure and tariff type, which directly shapes what you pay.

Not all tariff types suit every household. Your lifestyle, work hours, and energy usage patterns play a major role in choosing the right rate tariff.

These are the main tariff types available through most electricity providers in QLD:

• Tariff 11 single rate: A flat rate charged per kWh at all times of day, suitable for households with steady usage who prefer predictable bills.
• Tariff 12 time of use: Different rates apply during peak and off-peak periods, ideal for homes that can shift heavy energy usage to off-peak hours.
• Tariff 14 demand charge: Charges are based partly on your highest usage spike during a set period, often suited to homes with a smart meter and managed appliance use.
• Tariff 31 and 33 controlled load: Lower rates for specific appliances such as a hot water system, where electricity is supplied during set times.

Choosing the right structure can be just as important as finding the cheapest electricity rate. GoSwitch compares tariff types side by side so you can see which electricity plan aligns with your real world usage.

Strong sunshine levels make solar power a popular choice across the region. With solar panels installed, your provider pays you for excess electricity exported to the grid through solar feed-in tariffs.

In QLD, feed-in tariffs can range from around 0.5c to 10c per kWh, depending on the retailer and plan. Some plans offer higher solar feed-in tariffs but balance this with higher usage rates, so total value matters more than a headline rate.

GoSwitch factors in both usage costs and export credits when comparing energy plans for solar households. That way, you see your net position rather than just advertised electricity prices.

Government support can significantly reduce an energy bill for eligible households. These concessions apply regardless of which electricity retailer you choose.

All Queensland households with an active electricity account may be eligible for automatic bill relief. Residential customers automatically receive $150 off their electricity bill, applied in two quarterly instalments of $75 each from July 2025 through December 2025. This appears on your bill as the ‘Australian Government Energy Price Relief Plan Rebate’ and requires no application.

If you hold an eligible concession card, you can also access targeted support programs:

• Queensland Electricity Rebate: Available to pensioners and low-income households holding eligible concession cards, applied directly to your electricity bill.
• Medical Cooling and Heating Concession: Supports customers with specific medical conditions requiring temperature control.
• Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme: Short-term help for households facing financial hardship and overdue energy costs.
• Life Support Concession: Assistance for customers using approved life support equipment at home.

Combining a rebate with a lower-cost electricity plan through GoSwitch can deliver even greater savings.

Moving House on the Sunshine Coast

Relocating within the Sunshine Coast is the perfect opportunity to review your energy provider. A fresh connection allows you to start on a competitive electricity plan rather than defaulting to a standing offer.

To make the process simple, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your new address and postcode as soon as your move date is set.
2. Compare available electricity providers for that property before moving in.
3. Select your preferred energy plan and arrange connection at least a few days prior.
4. Let GoSwitch handle the switch and connection with your new retailer.

By organising this early, you avoid delays and lock in a better deal from day one.

Multi-Unit Complexes and Embedded Networks

Certain apartment buildings operate on embedded networks, where one energy provider supplies the entire complex. In these cases, provider choice may be limited.

It is best to confirm with your property manager first. Most standalone homes and many units across the Sunshine Coast are connected directly to Energex and allow full retailer choice.

Holiday Homes and Seasonal Properties

Owning a holiday home on the Sunshine Coast often means long stretches of low energy usage between peak seasons. In these cases, the structure of your electricity plan matters more than headline electricity prices.

Properties that sit vacant for months at a time may benefit from plans with a lower daily supply charge. Even if usage rates are slightly higher, reducing fixed costs can help keep overall energy costs down during quiet periods.

Finding a better electricity plan on the Sunshine Coast does not need to take hours of research. GoSwitch makes it simple to compare electricity and gas plans side by side, helping you cut your energy costs and even reduce your next gas bill.

Getting started only takes a few quick steps:

• Enter your postcode: See available electricity providers across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and beyond.
• Compare plans: Review rates, tariffs, and projected annual costs in one place.
• Switch online: Select your preferred plan and complete the switch in minutes.

Switching is fast, free, and seamless. GoSwitch also compares health insurance and internet plans across NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT and SA.