Cheapest electricity prices in Brisbane, QLD

Fact Checked

To show you which providers are offering the cheapest electricity rates in South East Queensland, Canstar Blue has produced this cost comparison report, listing the cheapest energy plans from the providers in our database.

Our cost calculations below are based on a specific postcode in Brisbane, so use the Canstar Blue comparison tool for a quote in your suburb. And read on for our detailed list of the cheapest electricity deals you’ll currently find for Queensland.

See exactly how they stack up compared to the reference prices (also known as the Default Market offer in QLD) and each other.

What is the cheapest electricity provider in Brisbane, QLD?

Sumo, Alinta Energy and OVO Energy currently offer the cheapest energy plans in South East Queensland on Canstar Blue’s database, leading the way from the big power companies.

To see what you can expect to pay from these electricity retailers, we’ve listed the cheapest plans below.

Please note, these prices are based on the Energex network with a general energy usage assumption of 4600kWh/year.

In instances where one provider may have multiple cheap offers, we show only one product with the lowest price estimate first.

The reference price for this area is currently $2,066/year. Use our comparison tool for a specific comparison.

Sumo Switch (Sumo)

Here is Sumo’s plan on our database for SEQ. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Homesaver Essential (Alinta Energy)

Here is Alinta Energy’s plan on our database for SEQ. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

The One Plan (OVO Energy)

Here is OVO Energy’s plan on our database for SEQ. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Electricity comparison for cheapest plans in Brisbane, QLD

• QLD Sponsored Plans
• QLD Plans

Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Sponsored Products

Based on the general usage^ in the Energex network the AER reference price is: $2,066 / year

Current FIRST Members Basic Plan Information Get $100 off your first electricity bill! Receive an additional $50 OFF your energy bill every year you have Kogan Energy & Kogan Internet. Sign up now! T&C’s Apply.

14% Less than reference price

$1,681 Price/year (estimated)

Go to Site

View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue

*^View important information

Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

More of the cheapest electricity plans in Brisbane, QLD

Everyone wants a cheaper deal when it comes to energy, but sometimes the cheapest possible plan just isn’t right for you. What if you’re looking for a particular product or plan type?

Here are the cheapest plans from our database for customers looking for a specific product type, including plans from the big three, 0% discount plans, discounted plans, variable rate and fixed rate plans.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Big 3 Provider) – Residential Smart Saver (AGL)

Here is AGL’s plan on our database for SEQ. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (No Discount) – Freedom (CovaU)

Here CovaU’s plan on our database for SEQ. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Discounted) – The One Plan (OVO Energy)

Here is OVO Energy’s plan on our database for SEQ. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Variable Rates) – Sumo Switch (Sumo)

Here is Sumo’s plan on our database for SEQ. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Cheapest Electricity Plan (Fixed Rates) – EnergyAustralia, Rate Fix Plan

Here is EnergyAustralia’s plan on our database for SEQ. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

What about energy discounts in Queensland?

Energy discounts can help to bring down the cost of your bills, but it’s still important to understand exactly what you’re getting.

Conditional discounts are typically available for paying your bills on time or by direct debit, and some providers will give you money off for receiving all communications by email instead of post or for signing up online.

In some cases, some retailers may even offer a guaranteed energy discount with no strings attached to sweeten the deal.

Recent industry changes mean that electricity retailers have started to move away from big discounts and are instead moving towards lower base rates, as well as other sign-up incentives.

Where discounts are still offered, they are generally only available for the first year or two after signing up, with the savings applied to both usage and supply charges.

Supply charges are a daily charge for access to the grid, while usage charges reflect the actual amount of electricity you use.

Fixed vs variable rate plans

Most of the plans listed above are variable rate plans, meaning the prices you are charged can change at any time. However, any changes that take place require that you’re given notice punctually.

Some retailers also offer fixed rate plans, whereby you can lock in competitive prices at sign-up and potentially save in the long run. Fixed rate plans are less common, usually only offered by select energy companies.

Other incentives

When it comes to weighing up your options, you should also consider any additional incentives, including the types of tariffs available in your area:

• Single rate tariff: One rate throughout the entire day, regardless of time.
• Block rate tariff: One rate for the first block of electricity and another for the remaining blocks.
• Time of use tariff: Different rates are charged during defined peak and off-peak periods, with the former being higher than the latter. 
• Demand tariff:  An additional ‘demand’ charge on top of your supply and usage charges.
• Controlled load tariff: Energy-intensive appliances are metered and charged separately at a cheaper rate.

It’s also common to find sign-up incentives like a $50 bill credit when you join online, or even a month’s free energy.

These should not dictate your final decision, but they can be a helpful point of difference when looking at comparable energy plans.

Read more: What’s cheaper: Electricity or Gas?

Who is the cheapest electricity supplier with the highest rating in Brisbane, QLD?

Red Energy is currently the winner of our electricity customer satisfaction ratings.

Here is an example of Red Energy’s rates you can expect to find in Brisbane, QLD.

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Questions you should ask before signing up to an electricity plan

Here are some questions you should ask any prospective energy provider before signing up:

1. Are you offering me the plan with the lowest usage rates?
2. How much are the supply charges and how do they compare to other plans?
3. How does the plan compare to the reference price?
4. Is there a contract? How long is it? Are there any exit fees if I leave?
5. What discount can I get off my bill and how do I qualify for the discount?
6. What is the benefit term of the discount? Will it disappear after a year?
7. Can you offer me any additional sign-up incentives?

Even if you’re not switching, these are still good questions to ask your existing energy provider to make sure you’re currently getting the best deal possible.

New energy providers in Queensland

Historically, Queensland didn’t have as many competing electricity retailers as Victoria or New South Wales, but several providers have entered the market since it was deregulated. 

This takes the number of residential electricity providers in South East Queensland to more than 20.

• Red Energy
• 1st Energy
• Powershop
• Alinta Energy
• Amber Electric
• OVO Energy
• Nectr

Finding the cheapest energy providers with the highest ratings in Brisbane, QLD

Energy discounts help reduce your energy costs, and incentives are a nice bonus, but the most important thing to consider when selecting a plan is the overall value it offers you.

It’s also worth considering other factors such as customer service, because no one wants to feel like they’re not being heard when you have a query or problem to raise.

That’s why Canstar Blue annually surveys households to find out how they rate their electricity provider in Queensland on important factors like value for money, customer service, and most importantly, overall customer satisfaction.

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Original reporting by Jared Mullane
Image Source: Richie Chan/Shutterstock