Energy Prices QLD

The big QLD catch: where you live changes everything

The electricity market in QLD is split into two very different systems. South East Queensland (on the Energex network) operates as a fully competitive market where retailers set their own prices, allowing for significant variation and switching opportunities. In contrast, regional Queensland (on the Ergon Energy network) remains regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) — meaning regional customers cannot switch retailers for cheaper usage rates. Finder

So before anything else, check your bill to see whether you're on Energex (SE QLD — Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba) or Ergon (everywhere else). If you're on Ergon, much of the comparison advice below doesn't apply to you for electricity, though you may still be able to compare gas plans.

Who are the cheapest right now? (SE QLD / Energex)

Some of the cheapest electricity rates in QLD currently belong to Energy Locals, Nectr, Kogan Energy, Powershop, Alinta Energy, and ENGIE. OVO Energy (One Plan), Red Energy (Qantas Red Saver), and GloBird Energy (BOOST) also have reasonably low rates. Money.com.au

Based on average usage rates, OVO Energy typically offers some of the most competitive rates in QLD right now. Energyplans

You can expect a usage rate of about 28 to 32 cents per kWh and a supply charge of 115 to 125 cents per day for competitive plans in Brisbane on the Energex network, as of April 2026. Money.com.au

Average electricity rates in QLD are currently around 27.2c/kWh, with a typical annual bill of around $1,420. Energyplans

The saving on offer is massive

Households on a flat rate tariff with average energy use in the Energex network could save $682 a year by switching from the standard offer to the cheapest available market deal, according to the AER's December 2025 Market Report. That's nearly $60 a month — and the ACCC has repeatedly found that customers on older plans consistently pay more than those who've switched recently. WATTever

Around 10% of households in SE QLD are still on a Default Market Offer, meaning they could be paying significantly more than they need to. Compare the Market

How to compare — step by step

1. Start at Energy Made Easy (energymadeeasy.gov.au) — the free government comparison tool. You can add your NMI (National Meter Identifier, found on your bill) so it compares your actual energy use to available plans, or use the Quick Compare option. Energy Made Easy
2. Know your network. Your bill will say either Energex or Ergon. Plans and prices differ between them, so always enter your postcode when comparing.
3. Compare by estimated annual cost, not headline rate. Look beyond just the cheapest price — consider daily supply charges (lower connection fees cut your overall bill, especially for low-usage households), usage rates (c/kWh), solar feed-in tariffs if you have panels, and whether discounts are conditional or guaranteed. Solar Choice
4. Watch the Reference Price percentage. Every plan must show how it compares to the Default Market Offer benchmark. The bigger the percentage below the DMO, the better — but remember some retailers may have other deals and bill credits on top of the discount. Compare the Market
5. Conditional vs guaranteed discounts. Some pay-on-time or direct debit discounts vanish if you miss a payment. Always look at the unconditional rate as your baseline.
6. Read the BPID. Some cheaper plans have no exit fees; others lock you in. Read the Basic Plan Information Document before signing up. Energyplans
7. Don't bundle gas and electricity automatically. Compare your electricity and gas separately — purchasing separate plans from different providers will often work out cheaper. Compare the Market
8. Solar households: check the feed-in tariff carefully. Origin Energy offers a Solar Boost plan with a feed-in tariff of up to 10c/kWh for eligible customers, while its standard rate is approximately 5c/kWh. For regional Ergon customers, the QCA has set a regulated regional solar feed-in tariff of 8.66c/kWh for 2025–26. FinderFinder
9. Review every 12 months. 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. Finder

Rebates worth checking

The federal government is providing all Australian households $150 in energy bill relief from 1 July 2025, credited directly to accounts by your energy retailer. You may be eligible for further concessions if you're a senior, pensioner, low-income household, or someone with medical needs — call your retailer to find out. Finder

Since you're in Brisbane (Energex network), you're in the competitive market and have the full range of 20+ retailers to choose from. The biggest single action you can take right now is to go to energymadeeasy.gov.au, enter your postcode, put in your last bill's kWh usage, and sort by estimated annual cost. Switching takes minutes and your power is never interrupted.

What are the best electricity plans available in QLD right now, and how do I compare them?