Written by:

Hayley Lower

Queensland (QLD) is one of the largest Australian states, so choosing the best energy provider can be a challenge.

The electricity market in southeast Queensland has recently undergone regulatory changes, including the introduction of fairer default energy pricing.

If you reside in Southeast Queensland (SEQ), you might find yourself in a deregulated area, giving you the freedom to choose from various competitive market offers provided by different electricity and gas companies in your locality. This means you can explore different options to find the best deal for your energy needs.

The Default Market Offer (DMO) serves as a reference point to prevent you from paying excessively high prices for electricity. All market offers must align with the DMO as a benchmark reference. If you haven't selected an energy provider yet, you will automatically be placed on the DMO until you do.

In regional Queensland, the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) regulates electricity prices, updating them annually based on average costs in SEQ. This prevents overcharging by providers.

Regional areas have higher service costs, so the Queensland Government subsidises the difference between QCA-set costs and actual supply costs, enabling fair pricing. While electricity is regulated, there may be gas market offers available to regional Queenslanders.

Comparing electricity prices in Queensland

At Compare Energy, our goal is to assist you in comparing electricity prices in Queensland to secure the best deal for your needs. Here are some key considerations when comparing electricity prices in Queensland:

• Consider your energy usage rates and supply charges, seeking plans with the lowest kWh rates and daily supply charges to reduce your overall bill.
• Use the reference price as a comparison tool, ensuring it reflects similar energy usage for an accurate assessment of plan competitiveness.
• Review your actual energy usage to compare plans effectively and find the most suitable option.
• Choose a tariff that matches your consumption habits, such as single-rate, time-of-use, solar feed-in, or controlled load tariffs. Keep in mind that some tariffs may require a smart meter.
• Check the benefit period of any introductory plans to avoid transitioning to a more expensive option once the initial period ends.
• If you have solar panels, check the provider's solar feed-in tariff to understand how much you'll be paid for surplus electricity.

After considering these factors, ‌reach out to one of our experts at Compare Energy for further assistance in finding the best electricity plan for you.

Who are the Queensland’s cheapest electricity providers?

In Queensland, electricity prices vary across regions based on available energy providers. When seeking the most suitable and cost-effective plan, it's advisable to compare electricity options in the area.

Our energy comparison service helps cost estimation and helps identify the most economical electricity provider in Queensland. Among the competitive options are:

• Origin Energy: Origin Energy offers comprehensive natural gas and energy solutions to Australians, including options for solar panels and electric vehicle charging. Its dedicated app allows users to easily monitor energy usage and bills, but keep in mind that credit card fees may apply.
• AGL. With a rich history in Australia, AGL is among the country's oldest and largest energy providers, serving millions of homes and businesses.
• Dodo: Known for internet services, Dodo has expanded to become a significant energy and electricity provider in Australia through its division, Dodo Energy.

Comparing gas plans in Queensland

Gas plans follow a structure similar to electricity plans. When comparing gas options, key factors to consider include:

• Service and support: Consider the ease of applying or switching plans.
• Billing and payments: Review billing frequency and online payment options.
• Plan flexibility: Look for competitive solar feed-in tariffs.

To choose the right plan, evaluate your household's gas consumption. If usage is high, prioritise lower usage rates. For lower consumption, focus on lower supply rates.

Who are Queensland’s cheapest gas providers?

There are two main types of gas contracts: standard contracts and market contracts.

Standard contracts are regulated by the government, ensuring minimum consumer protections. While they offer flexibility and no contract period or exit fees, they usually have less competitive rates and no discounts.

Most Queenslanders have a 'market contract', where the retailer sets prices and terms. Market contracts often offer better value with discounts, but customers should watch out for high rates, exit fees, and short benefit periods.

To help you navigate your options and potential savings, Compare Energy has compiled a list of the most cost-effective natural gas retailers in Queensland.

• Origin Energy: Origin Energy offers comprehensive natural gas and energy solutions to Australians, including options for solar panels and electric vehicle charging. Its dedicated app allows users to easily monitor energy usage and bills, but keep in mind that credit card fees may apply.
• Red Energy: Red Energy, a company under Snowy Hydro's ownership, is recognised for its appealing sign-up offers in the energy sector. With a customer support team based in Australia, the company has built a strong reputation for its customer service.
• AGL. With a rich history in Australia, AGL is among the country's oldest and largest energy providers, serving millions of homes and businesses.

Finding the best energy plans in Queensland

When comparing energy providers in Queensland, keep these three key factors in mind:

• Price: There's often an opportunity to find a better energy plan, especially if you haven't switched providers in over a year. Use our comparison service to discover the best available price in your area.
• Discounts: Providers may offer discounts or percentages less than the Queensland Default Offer (VDO), which is a government benchmark for comparing energy plans.
• Hidden costs: Review the terms and conditions of each provider carefully, as there may be additional charges not immediately visible. These can include connection/disconnection fees, meter reading fees, credit card charges, and late fees.

Queensland energy rebates and concessions

In Queensland, there are several energy rebates and concessions available to eligible residents:

• The Electricity Rebate provides assistance to eligible pensioners, seniors, and veterans to help with the cost of electricity.
• The Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate offers a rebate for eligible pensioners, seniors, and veterans who use reticulated natural gas for domestic purposes.
• The Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme provides assistance to eligible customers experiencing a short-term financial crisis or emergency.
• The Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme provides financial assistance with electricity costs for eligible customers who have a medical condition that requires the use of air conditioning for cooling or heating.
• The Electricity Life Support Concession provides a rebate for eligible customers who use certain life support equipment.

These rebates and concessions are subject to eligibility criteria and application processes.

Greenest energy providers in Queensland

As Australia grapples with a significant energy challenge, the transition to renewable energy sources becomes increasingly important.

If you're passionate about renewables, you may be seeking an energy provider that offers GreenPower to reduce your household's emissions or one that supports solar panels. Regardless of your preferences, thorough research is essential to find a competitively priced plan.

To assist with our choice of the greenest energy provider in Queensland, we looked at the providers on our panel of retailers and determined two factors:

• Providers offer 100% GreenPower
• Zero links to coal, gas, or oil extraction or power generation

Here is our pick for greenest energy provider in Queensland:

Diamond Energy

Diamond Energy, an up-and-coming electricity retailer, offers 100% renewable electricity plans to customers in four states. It was the first in Australia to introduce an export tariff for solar home battery owners.

Established in 2004, Diamond Energy sources its electricity from 100% renewable energy, including solar, wind, biogas, and hydropower, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

FAQ

How do I switch providers?

When considering a switch of energy providers, several steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition.

• Start by reviewing your current plan's exit fees.
• Next, establish your energy needs to determine the most suitable plan for your situation.
• Compare deals available in your area to find the best option. Once decided, proceed to switch energy providers, keeping in mind that your old provider may contact you during this process.
• After switching, expect to receive a welcome pack from your new retailer. A final metre reading will be conducted, and your new provider will get in touch with you to finalise the transition.
• Finally, ensure you gain access to any special features of your new plan and remain engaged with your energy usage, rather than simply setting and forgetting.

How can I save money on energy?

Choosing the right energy plan can lead to significant savings. While price is crucial when comparing plans, it's not the only factor to consider. Energy plans can vary widely in cost, and the potential savings depend on your energy consumption patterns. By evaluating both price and usage patterns, you can find a plan that offers the best value for your specific needs.

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is a digital device that tracks a home's energy usage in at least 30-minute intervals and transmits this data to the energy retailer, typically on a daily basis. While residents can access this information, it is not displayed directly on the meter, requiring additional steps to read.

How is energy charged in Queensland?

The total amount on your energy bill is determined by multiplying the energy you've used in kilowatt-hours (kWh) by the price per unit of energy.

What is the average energy bill in Queensland?

The average energy bill in Queensland sits around $1,100 retail. However, this amount is a wholesale figure and not a usage figure. You can check your energy bills for a breakdown on what you pay and this can vary based on factors such as the number of occupants in the household and their lifestyle choices.

How can I compare Queensland energy rates?

With the help of our Compare Energy team, you can learn the best energy rates in Queensland. Give us a call today.