A Guide to Gas, Electricity & Solar in Brisbane & 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.
Key Points
Regional NSW households pay more for electricity than Sydney.
The Default Market Offer (DMO) caps the maximum rates energy providers can charge in NSW.
There are a range of energy concessions and rebates available to NSW residents.
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
Energy Australia
Ergon Energy
ERM Power Retail
Locality Planning Energy
Mojo Power Pty Ltd
Momentum Energy
Next Business Energy
People Energy Pty Ltd
Powershop Australia Pty Ltd
Qenergy
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.
This guide is opinion only and should not be taken as financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions.
Things You Should Know
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