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 plans from the providers in our database. See exactly how they stack up compared to Reference Price and each other.
Do you live in South East Queensland? Do you think you’re paying too much for power? If the answer is yes, then you’re probably right. But the good news is that you can now do something about it.
The Brisbane area has seen an influx of new electricity providers in recent years following the deregulation of the market, and with new industry changes now making it easier than ever before to compare your options, there could be some sizable savings out there for you.
Our cost calculations below are based on a specific postcode in Brisbane, so use our comparison tool for a quote in your suburb. And read on for our detailed list of the cheapest deals you’ll currently find for QLD.
On this page:
- Electricity prices Queensland
- Which energy provider is cheapest in Queensland?
- Other cheap electricity plans in Queensland
- What about energy discounts in Queensland?
- QLD electricity rates example
- Questions you should ask before signing up to an electricity plan
- New energy providers in Queensland
- Highest rated electricity providers in Queensland
Sponsored electricity plans QLD
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.
|
4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
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.
Which energy provider is cheapest in Queensland?
According to our database, OVO Energy, Sumo and Ampol Energy currently offer the cheapest energy plans in south-east Queensland, leading the way from the big power companies.
To see what you can expect to pay from these 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.
The pricing shown below is based on the Energex network in Brisbane, QLD. If you’d like a more accurate quote from your area, jump onto our comparison tool.
The One Plan (OVO Energy)
Here 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.
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.
Ampol Energy Powering On (Ampol Energy)
Here is Ampol 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.
Best-Rated Electricity Providers QLD
Other cheap electricity plans in Queensland
Everyone wants a cheaper deal when it comes to power, but sometimes the cheapest possible plan just isn’t right for you. What about if you’re looking for a particular product type? If you fall into this camp, 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) – AGL, Residential Value Saver – New to 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) – The One Plan (OVO Energy)
Here 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 (Discounted) – Engie, Engie Perks
Here is Engie’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) – The One Plan (OVO Energy)
Here 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 (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. Energy 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 your communications by email instead of post, or for signing up online. Recent industry changes mean the retailers have started to move away from big discounts and instead 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.
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. Some retailers also offer fixed rate plans, whereby you can lock in competitive prices now and potentially save in the long run. Fixed rate plans are less common, usually only offered by select power companies.
Other Incentives
When it comes to weighing up your options, you should also consider any additional incentives offered by retailers, including the types of tariffs available in your area. These should not dictate your final decision, but they can be a helpful point of difference when looking at comparable plans. It’s common to find sign-up incentives like $50 bill credit when you join online, or even a month’s free energy. Meanwhile, Red Energy has partnered with Qantas to deliver Frequent Flyer points.
Read more: What’s cheaper: Electricity or Gas?
QLD electricity rates example
Electricity rates in QLD change frequently, which means annual energy bills can differ by hundreds of dollars, depending on the specific rates you pay. Based on the winner of our electricity customer satisfaction ratings, here is an example of the rates you can expect to find in the Sunshine State.
Provider | Alinta Energy |
Plan | Homesaver |
Usage Rate (per kWh) | 27.77¢/kWh |
Supply Rate (cents per day) | 107.25¢/day |
Difference from Reference Price | 19% Less Than Reference Price |
Conditional Discounts | No conditional discounts |
Estimated Annual Cost | $1,669 |
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:
- Are you offering me the plan with the lowest usage rates?
- How much are the supply charges and how do they compare to other plans?
- How does the plan compare to the Reference Price?
- Is there a contract? How long is it? Are there any exit fees if I leave?
- What discount can I get off my bill and how do I quality for the discount?
- What is the benefit term of the discount? Will it disappear after a year?
- 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
Once upon a time Queensland did not have quite as many electricity retailers competing for your custom as Victoria or New South Wales, but several new providers have entered the market since it was deregulated. They include Red Energy, 1st Energy, Powershop and Alinta Energy. Most recently, Amber Electric, OVO Energy, Ampol Energy and Nectr have become the latest additions to the market, taking the number of residential electricity providers in South East Queensland to more than 20.
Highest rated electricity providers in Queensland
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 in Queensland to find out how they rate their electricity provider on important factors like value for money, customer service, and most importantly, overall customer satisfaction. Alinta Energy has been rated highest overall for the sixth year in a row.
The key message to take from this comparison is that it’s always a good idea to review your energy plans and assess other offers on the market. Households in Brisbane do not get the best deal on electricity, so unless you’re happy paying over the odds, make sure you shop around. There are savings to be found.
Image Credit: f11photo/Shutterstock
Sunny QLD reveals itself to have quite the complex electricity market, so we’ve compiled the key points, helping you get on with your day.
QLD Reference Price
$1,969/year based on general usage of 4613kWh/year
Number of Energy Providers in QLD
20+
Winner of Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers – Electricity Providers QLD Award
Alinta Energy
QLD Distribution Networks
Energex for SEQ, Ergon Energy for regional QLD
QLD Gas Distribution Networks
Allgas Energy, Australian Gas Networks
QLD Electricity Tariff Options
Tariff 11 (single rate), Tariff 12 (time of use), Tariffs 31 & 33 (controlled load)
QLD Electricity Generation
Coal, gas turbine, wind, solar, hydro, bagasse
Year QLD electricity market was deregulated
2016
Share this article