Compare Electricity, Gas & Solar Prices in Queensland

Energy use in Queensland is on the rise, thanks to a growing coal and LNG industry. Find out how Queensland’s energy is regulated, and what that means for residents in both rural and urban areas. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the basic overview of electricity, gas, and solar products available in Queensland.

Electricity companies and providers in Queensland

Energy distributors and suppliers in Queensland that provide energy to small customers (aka households) are required to become members of the Energy + Water Ombudsman Queensland scheme, known as EWOQ. This scheme is in place to ensure that customers are protected and legislation is followed.

There are three electricity distributors in Queensland who are members of EWOQ:

• ENERGEX

• Ergon Energy

• Essential Energy (formerly Country Energy)

Each of these distributors are responsible for a different region of Queensland. Distributors own and manage the infrastructure that allows for delivery of your energy, such as pipes and power lines. Energy suppliers in QLD are the companies who send the bill.

Your choice of electricity supplier may depend on the area where you live. Electricity suppliers in Queensland who are members of EWOQ include:

• AGL

• Click Energy

• Diamond Energy

• Dodo Power & Gas

• Energy Australia

• Ergon Energy

• ERM Power Retail

• Locality Planning Energy

• Lumo Energy

• Mojo Power Pty Ltd

• Momentum Energy

• Next Business Energy

• Origin Energy

• People Energy Pty Ltd

• Powershop Australia Pty Ltd

• Powerdirect

• Qenergy

• Red Energy

• Sanctuary Energy

• URTH Energy

• WINconnect Pty Ltd

• Electricity savings in QLD

Although there is an increased amount of competition in the Queensland electricity industry, the government does still regulate the prices for parts of the state. This means that while consumers have the freedom to compare electricity suppliers in Queensland, the government has the final say on just how low those prices can go.

Customers in South East Queensland (SEQ) now have access to a competitive market contract as well as a standard retail contract. Electricity prices were deregulated as of 1 July 2016, opening up the market for better deals for SEQ residents.

Customers who take advantage of new tariffs may benefit from lower electricity bills in QLD, so it’s a good idea to shop around. Queensland offers several rebates and concession schemes to eligible customers, such as:

The electricity rebate

This is aimed at pensioners and concession card holders.

The medical cooling and heating electricity concession scheme

This is for customers with a qualifying medical condition who need heating or cooling.

The home energy emergency assistance scheme

This is for low-income households who are dealing with a temporary financial emergency.

Eligibility varies and conditions apply; any dollar amounts quoted are current at the time of publication and should be checked with the Queensland Government.

Consult your Electricity & Gas consultant for advice on these or any other electricity rebates.

Tips for QLD electricity customers

• Shop around to find a cheaper electricity in QLD, especially in the recently deregulated area of SEQ

• Ask your Electricity & Gas consultant about applying for any applicable QLD government rebates

• Ask if discounts are available for bundling electricity and gas services together from the same supplier

How to compare cheap gas prices in Queensland

Energy distributors and suppliers in Queensland that provide energy to small customers (aka households) are required to become members of the Energy + Water Ombudsman Queensland scheme, known as EWOQ. This scheme is in place to ensure that customers are protected and legislation is followed. Gas may not be available to all areas in Queensland.

There are four gas distributors in Queensland who are members of EWOQ:

• APT Allgas

• Australian Gas Networks Limited

• Maranoa Regional Council

• Western Downs Regional Council

Each of these distributors is responsible for a different region of Queensland. Distributors own and manage the infrastructure that allows for supply of gas, such as gas pipelines.

Energy suppliers in Queensland are the companies who organise your gas tariff. Your choice of gas supplier will vary depending on where you live. Gas suppliers in Queensland who are members of EWOQ include:

• AGL

• Maranoa Regional Council

• Origin Energy

• Western Downs Regional Council

Note that the Maranoa and Western Downs Regional Councils are gas distributors who hold authority to retail natural gas within their area. Customers in these areas will need to contact these companies to arrange their gas supply.

Gas savings in QLD

Although you can’t choose your distributor, you can choose your gas supplier, and this means you can find cheaper gas in Queensland. The Queensland government also offers rebates, so it is worth checking if you are eligible for the following:

The Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate

For pensioners and concession card holders

The Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme

For low-income households who are dealing with a temporary financial emergency

Tips for gas customers in QLD

• Compare gas prices and discounts across gas suppliers to lower your gas bills in QLD

• Apply for any applicable government rebates

• Ask your E&G consultant if a discount is available for bundling electricity and gas services together from the same supplier

Solar energy companies and providers in Queensland

Setting the house up for solar energy in Queensland is a no-brainer for many residents of the Sunshine State, especially with government feed-in tariffs in place. Before purchasing any solar panels, do your research on what rebates and schemes are available in your area. To take advantage of these schemes, you must use approved products and an accredited installer.

According to the Queensland Government, customers who live between Brisbane and Cairns can expect to reduce their power bills by ⅓ when switching to solar. Those who live inland see slightly more sunlight each day, and enjoy even cheaper energy in QLD. Solar power is converted to electricity, which means that your corresponding energy savings are represented on your electricity bill.

Saving on solar power in QLD

To encourage consumers to use solar energy, the Queensland government implemented benefit schemes. The most well-known of these was the Solar Bonus Scheme, which paid customers 44c for each kilowatt of energy that was fed back onto the grid from their solar system. This scheme expired back in July 2028 and no longer accepted new customers.

However, there are still two feed-in tariffs available to Queensland residents. Where you live will play a role in determining your eligibility.

South East Queensland (SEQ) market feed-in tariff

Customers must meet technical requirements set out by electricity distributor Energex when connecting solar panels to the grid. You must also have a network connection agreement with Energex, and a plan with a supplier who offers a feed-in tariff for the premises in question. Comparing plans is similar to comparing electricity plans, except that you’ll be looking specifically at offers for solar power.

Remember that cheap solar energy in QLD is not always about finding the highest feed-in tariff, but one that offers the right balance between discounts and prices.

Regional feed-in tariff

Residents of regional Queensland will soon see new options available under this scheme. You can expect to have the choice between the current flat-rate tariff and a new time-varying tariff, as well as a new size limit for solar panel systems. Customers must be connected to the distribution network with either Ergon Energy or Essential Energy.

There are a number of eligibility requirements that must be met, so be sure to consider this before setting up your system. Unlike the competitive market tariff in SEQ, regional tariff rates are set by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA).

Tips for solar customers in QLD

• Research all tariff options available in your area and their requirements, as they vary across the state.

• Energy rate comparison in QLD, when available, can help you find the best deal for your needs.

• Consider government-imposed deadlines when making plans so you don’t miss out on a deal.

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Paul Coughran is the General Manager of Emerging Verticals at Compare Club. Paul has over 20 years of experience across a wide range of industries including Banking and Finance, Telecommunications and Energy. Paul leads a team of trusted experts dedicated to helping individuals make informed decisions about their insurance and utilities needs.

Meet our energy expert, Paul Coughran

Paul's top energy tips

• 1

  Australia’s top three energy companies still hold 64% of the total Australian market, even though competition was deregulated in 2017.

• 2

  If you don't shop around for energy providers, you’re probably leaving your savings on the table by failing to compare better value options.

• 3

  Most energy providers offer discounted rates for new customers, which is a strong incentive to switch.

• 4

  There should be no interruption when you switch energy providers. You'll need to pay a new company for your energy, but there won't be a disruption to your power supply.