Compare QLD Electricity Providers

Alinta Energy still the best-rated electricity provider in QLD

Energy has been a hot topic in recent years, and Queenslanders are no strangers to high electricity bills, especially when it comes to summer and the cost of air conditioning. But the good news is that the QLD electricity market is almost unrecognisable from just a couple of years ago, with several new retailers to pick from and competition becoming fierce. While many Queenslanders continue to pay for power with one of the big three providers, many have turned to an increasing number of smaller players promising a better deal and superior service. So, what should you do? In this report, we list QLD electricity providers based on their customer satisfaction, while offering a detailed electricity buying guide for the Sunshine State, and revealing which companies currently have the cheapest prices in our database.

We want to give you as much information as possible to help you make an informed decision about your next electricity provider. The improved competition in Queensland is certainly good news, and seems to have put a downward pressure on electricity prices. But with the increased marketing and claims of big savings, finding the right power company for your needs has become a tougher challenge. That’s where our comparison can help as we have rated QLD electricity providers based on the real-world experiences of their customers. This year, almost 2,000 households have given us their views. So, what did we find?

The six electricity providers in our Queensland review have been rated in the following order for overall customer satisfaction:

• 1^st Alinta Energy
• 2^nd Red Energy
• 3^rd Click Energy
• 4^th Origin Energy
• 5^th AGL
• 6^th EnergyAustralia

Our comparison again highlights a clear divide in customer satisfaction between the big three companies and their smaller challengers. Some households may be reluctant to switch to a smaller energy provider, but our ratings suggest it might be worth considering. While Alinta Energy tops the table for the second year in a row – having only launched in SE QLD back in 2017 – it again faced close competition from Red Energy and Click Energy. The two challengers scored four stars overall, but a special mention goes to Red Energy as the only retailer to get five stars for customer service. The three energy giants – Origin Energy, AGL and EnergyAustralia – each rated three stars overall.

Read on as we explain everything you need to know about these six electricity providers, and how to get a better deal from them. But first, here is a selection of the cheapest published deals on our database.

Cheap Electricity Deals QLD

Here are the cheapest published deals from the providers currently on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These costs are based on a typical three-person household living on the Energex network in Brisbane, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of price. Use our electricity comparison tool above for specific quotes in your area. These are featured products.

Brand	Features	Benefit Period	Annual Cost**
Basic Plan Information	HomeSaver Plus 28% pay on time discount off usage charges	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,411.50Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Mega Pack Pre-Paid approx 3 months of power 15% discount when product conditions are met	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,412.12Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Click Amethyst 27% discount off usage & supply charges for paying on time	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,428.89Annual Cost^^	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Simply RACQ Plus 21% pay on time discount off usage charges for eligible RACQ members	2 YearsBenefit Period	$1,481.41Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Simple Saver No conditional discount	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,502.35Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Easy Saver 10% 10% pay on time discount off entire bill	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,562.25Annual Cost**	Go To Site
View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

QLD Electricity Providers

Alinta Energy

Alinta Energy is one of the biggest electricity and gas suppliers in the southern states of Australia, and gas retailers in Western Australia, but is still a relatively new addition to SE QLD. Alinta is now owned by Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises but remains headquartered in Sydney, with another large office in Perth. In terms of electricity retail, Alinta keeps things relatively simple with just one or two market offers in each state that it serves, plus a specific solar product for Queenslanders. Alinta electricity plans come with significant discounts off usage charges, be they guaranteed or conditional on paying bills on time, with benefit periods of 12 months. There are no lock-in contracts or exit fees. Rates are variable. Alinta has also recently launched a rewards program which brings savings on things like movie tickets and other attractions, electronics and even jewellery!

• The best-rated provider in our QLD electricity ratings for the second year in a row, Alinta Energy scored five stars for bill & cost clarity, ease of sign-up and overall customer satisfaction. It earned four stars in all other areas.

Brand	Features	Benefit Period	Annual Cost**
Basic Plan Information	HomeSaver Plus 28% pay on time discount off usage charges	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,411.50Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Fair Saver 20 20% guaranteed discount off usage charges	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,524.13Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	HomeSaver Plus Solar 28% pay on time discount off usage charges 11c/kWh Feed-in Tariff	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,437.39Annual Cost**	Go To Site
View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Red Energy

Red Energy is another new retailer to Queensland to make a big impression. Having dominated our NSW electricity ratings for several years now, Red Energy also arrived in SE QLD in 2017 and has more recently become just the third gas supplier in the state alongside AGL and Origin. Owned by the renewable energy generation company Snowy Hydro, Red Energy’s big selling point is its partnership with Qantas which sees customers collect Frequent Flyer points for money spent on energy. There are two Red Energy plans that offer varying Qantas points and whole bill discounts, while the retailer has another product for those not too concerned about cashing in on points. All discounts are for paying bills on time, and rates are variable. Red Energy has earned a solid reputation for good customer service, reflected by its continued success in NSW, as well as its top score for service in QLD.

• Red Energy was the only provider to earn five stars for customer service in our QLD ratings, but had to settle for four stars overall, as well as for bill & cost clarity and value for money. It got three stars in the remaining categories.

Brand	Features	Benefit Period	Annual Cost**
Basic Plan Information	Easy Saver 10% 10% pay on time discount off entire bill	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,562.25Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Qantas Red Saver 10% discount, receive 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on energy when bills paid on time	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,562.25Annual Cost**	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Qantas Red Plus Receive 7 Qantas Points per $1 spent on energy when bills paid on time	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,735.84Annual Cost**	Go To Site
View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Click Energy

Claiming that its online business model helps keep costs low, Click Energy has been a consistently-strong performer in our electricity provider ratings in recent years. Now owned by phone and internet provider Amaysim – now also an energy retailer – Click typically provides one standard market offer in Queensland, but the product made publically available can vary from time to time. Click Energy is also one of few QLD providers to offer solar specific products with seemingly generous feed-in tariffs. Prospective customers can expect products with notable whole bill discounts, provided they pay their bills on time. Click Energy’s plans come with variable rates, no contract terms, or exit fees. The retailer is also known to offer various sign-up incentives, including bill credit and even gift cards.

• Click Energy recorded a four-star review for overall customer satisfaction, in addition to four stars on bill & cost clarity, ease of sign-up and value for money. It rated three stars in all other areas.

Brand	Features	Benefit Period	Annual Cost^^
Basic Plan Information	Click Amethyst 27% discount off usage & supply charges for paying on time	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,428.89Annual Cost^^	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Sun Light 10% discount off usage & supply charges for paying on time 8c/kWh Feed-in Tariff Available to solar customers only	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,761.64Annual Cost^^	Go To Site
Basic Plan Information	Click Sun 7% discount off usage & supply charges for paying on time 12c/kWh Feed-in Tariff Available to solar customers only	OngoingBenefit Period	$1,820.37Annual Cost^^	Go To Site
View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

Origin Energy

Origin Energy provides three variable rate electricity offers in QLD, with varying discounts and conditions based on personal preferences. The biggest discount is available for customers who commit to paying by direct debit and receiving bills via email, while a smaller pay on time discount is offered to customers on another plan. Both deals come with 12-month benefit periods and no exit fees. Discounts apply to usage charges. Origin also has online-only versions of these plans which bring additional discounts for signing up online. Origin’s third product comes with the smallest discount, but this is guaranteed and applies to both usage and supply charges. The company also offers a fixed cost electricity product called Predictable Plan. With it, customers pay the same amount every month for a year, regardless of their energy consumption. Unique quotes are provided based on a household’s usage history. Origin is also a leading retailer when it comes to solar.

• The best-rated of the big three power companies in QLD, Origin got three stars for overall satisfaction and the same score across all other research categories, including customer service, bill & cost clarity and value for money.

Brand	Features	Benefit Period	Annual Cost**
Basic Plan Information	Maximiser Online 20% direct debit discount off usage charges Only available for customers who sign up online	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,522.78Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	Saver Online 18% pay on time discount off usage charge Only available for customers who sign up online	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,549.50Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	BillSaver 12% guaranteed whole bill discount	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,575.22Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	Solar Boost Plus 4% guaranteed discount off usage charges 20c/kWh Feed-in Tariff Only for customers who purchase solar PV with Origin	2 YearsBenefit Period	$1,736.56Annual Cost**	More Details
View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

AGL

Energy giant AGL typically brings three electricity market offers to the table in QLD, with varying discounts and conditions based on personal preferences. However, its flagship offer comes with no discounts at all, just the promise of competitive rates without the confusion that discounts can often bring. That said, the retailer also offers a pay on time discount plan, with modest savings on electricity usage charges. AGL also has a solar specific offer for Queenslanders with solar panels, delivering one of the biggest feed-in tariffs in the market. Most AGL plans have variable rates but no exit fees. AGL’s customers can also earn flybuys points, with one point awarded for every $1 they spend on energy. Those who sign up online could even bank 10,000 bonus points for doing so. In fact, AGL is big on online sign-ups, also providing bill credit for doing so in some cases.

• AGL got three stars for overall satisfaction and most other research categories this year. The only exception was online tools & advice for which it received four stars.

Brand	Features	Benefit Period	Annual Cost**
Basic Plan Information	Essentials Plus No conditional discount	2 YearsBenefit Period	$1,441.08Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	Savers 24% pay on time discount off usage charge	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,468.61Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	Solar Savers No conditional discount 20c/kWh feed-in tariff Available to solar customers only	2 YearsBenefit Period	$1,806.52Annual Cost**	More Details
View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

EnergyAustralia

EnergyAustralia offers a diverse range of electricity plans in Queensland, including a fixed rate deal that sees prices locked in for two years, as well as three variable rate products. The fixed rate plan breaks from tradition and includes a sizeable pay on time discount for the duration of the contract, while two of the retailer’s other offers also include notable discounts for either paying on time, or by direct debit. The benefit period of these plans is 12 months. Last, but not least, EnergyAustralia provides a no discount plan which simply brings competitive rates, without the confusion of discounts. Virgin Australia members may also be interested in EnergyAustralia as one plan comes with the welcome bonus of ongoing Frequent Flyer points. EnergyAustralia does not offer any solar specific products in Queensland, but its other plans do come with reasonable feed-in tariffs.

• Finishing bottom of the ratings this year, EnergyAustralia scored three stars for overall satisfaction and most other research categories, but did pick up four stars on environmental sustainability and online tools & advice.

Brand	Features	Benefit Period	Annual Cost**
Basic Plan Information	Secure Saver 30% pay on time discount off usage charge	2 YearsBenefit Period	$1,443.40Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	No Frills No conditional discount	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,466.38Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	Anytime Saver 28% guaranteed discount off usage charges	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,471.23Annual Cost**	More Details
Basic Plan Information	Flexi Saver 20% pay on time discount off usage charge	1 YearBenefit Period	$1,582.54Annual Cost**	More Details
View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

All of the electricity retailers mentioned above also provide standard contracts in Queensland. These are default energy plans that customers will be on if they have never switched providers, or haven’t taken up another offer in several years.

List of Electricity Providers in QLD

While our customer ratings feature six of the biggest electricity providers in QLD, there are many others also competing for your attention. Here is a complete list of the residential electricity providers operating in the Brisbane area:

• AGL
• Alinta Energy
• Amaysim Energy
• Click Energy
• Diamond Energy
• Dodo Power & Gas
• EnergyAustralia
• Energy Locals
• LPE
• Mojo Power
• Origin Energy
• People Energy
• Powerdirect
• Powershop
• QEnergy
• ReAmped Energy
• Red Energy
• Sanctuary Energy
• Simply Energy
• 1^st Energy

These companies only operate in South-East Queensland. Ergon Energy is the only electricity retailer in regional Queensland, which we’ll come to shortly.

About the QLD Electricity Market

It’s important to understand that, when it comes to electricity, Queensland is split into two very different geographical areas. In 2016, the Queensland Government deregulated the electricity market in the south east of the state, meaning that the energy companies are now free to set their own products, prices and conditions – a move designed to increase competition and put downward pressure on prices. Households in Brisbane and the surrounding areas have been able to switch electricity providers since 2007 when ‘Full Retail Competition’ was introduced, but price regulations meant there was little or no cost benefit in doing so. Now the level of competition between providers has increased dramatically and consumers are being presented with all manner of sign-up and ongoing incentives to switch.

Meanwhile, it’s a case of ‘as you were’ for the rest of Queensland, as the state Government continues to control electricity pricing, with Ergon Energy the only provider for regional areas. To summarise:

• In SE Queensland, electricity prices are now deregulated, meaning the energy retailers set their own plans and prices, with consumers in places such as Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast able to switch to retail market offers from up to 18 different providers. However, some QLD households remain on standard electricity contracts and are therefore likely to be paying more than they need to. If you live in these areas and still have a standard electricity contract, you should contact your provider and ask about your options.
• In regional areas of Queensland, energy prices remain regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority and households do not get to pick their provider, with Ergon Energy the default retailer in places like Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Mount Isa and other regional areas in between. Customers in these areas are still on regulated contracts, with the terms and conditions set out by law. Electricity costs in regional Queensland are subsidised by the state Government to ensure households do not end up paying considerably more than those in SE QLD.

QLD Electricity Distributors Merge

2016 was also a significant year for the Queensland electricity market as the state Government decided to merge its two electricity distributors – Ergon Energy and Energex. In addition to providing retail services throughout regional Queensland, Ergon Energy is also the energy distributor, meaning it is responsible for managing and improving the vast network infrastructure which delivers power to homes and businesses. Energex is the electricity distributor for SE QLD. The state-owned companies have been brought together under parent company Energy Queensland, based in Townsville.

QLD Electricity Generation & Power Stations

The Queensland Government continues to play an integral role in the generation of electricity in the state. It owns a wealth of coal-fired and gas turbine power stations scattered across the state, plus hydroelectric stations and solar and wind farms.

State-owned energy companies returned $2.3 billion into the Government’s coffers in dividends and tax payments in 2017.

Electricity Contracts in QLD

With so many electricity providers operating in SE Queensland, households have a wide range of plans to choose from. The vast majority of market electricity contracts come with variable rates, meaning that the retailer can adjust prices at any time. However, some retailers provide fixed rate deals whereby customers can lock in rates that do not change for one or two years, offering some protection against price increases.

While AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia dominate the SE QLD market – with 80+% market share according to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) latest industry report – other companies are starting to make their presence known, with Alinta Energy and Red Energy the two most notable additions to the state in recent times. Meanwhile, Powershop gives its customers the opportunity to save on bills in the long-run with the sale of future ‘power packs’ through its online store. The idea is that you can purchase electricity ahead of time at reduced rates. The catch is that you’ll have to log on to the website at least once a month to get the best deals, but for proactive energy-users, it may be worth the effort.

Solar Plans in QLD

Most electricity plans in Queensland come with a feed-in tariff for solar customers. However, the feed-in tariffs in QLD can vary dramatically between providers. The good news is that, given QLD has the highest solar penetration rate in Australia, the retailers are competing to offer the most favourable rates possible. This means various solar specific plans for Queenslanders and feed-in tariffs of up to 20c per kWh.

QLD Electricity Charges Explained

Whether you’re on a standard or market electricity contract – or have a variable or fixed rate product – it is hugely important that you understand all of the different costs that make up your power bills. The two main charges that make up your bills are supply and usage charges:

• Supply charges are what you’ll need to pay simply for being connected to the electricity grid. This ongoing daily charge applies regardless of how much electricity you use. You may also see supply charges referred to as ‘service charges’ on bills. Households in Brisbane and the surrounding areas will typically pay around $1.20 a day in supply charges.
• Usage charges are what you pay for your actual electricity consumption. These are the costs that you could reduce by paying close attention to your usage habits and making even some subtle changes. Electricity usage rates in SE QLD can vary greatly, from as low as 28c per kWh with some plans, up to about 37c.

For households with high energy requirements, usage charges will generally make up the majority of your overall costs. However, lower usage households should pay particular attention to supply charges as these will likely make up a higher proportion of your overall costs.

Electricity Discounts in QLD

Unless you’re interested in a fixed rate or fixed cost electricity plan like those mentioned above, it can be hard to tell one plan from the next. That’s why energy discounts are a widely-used marketing tool for the retailers, with headline offers of up to 30% off usage rates now fairly common. However, it’s important to understand that the plans with the biggest discounts don’t necessarily result in the lowest prices. This is because the savings can be negated by higher usage or supply charges. Discounts are usually dependent on paying bills on time or by direct debit. Some providers also provide an additional discount if customers receive their bills via email instead of post.

Energy Rebates in QLD

With the average electricity bill in Queensland around $1,600 a year, this will be putting a huge financial pressure on some customers. As such, the Queensland Government provides energy rebates for eligible seniors and pensioners. The Electricity Rebate could knock as much as $340 off a customer’s annual power bill. Concessions may also be available for Health Care Card holders. Contact your retailer for details.

Electricity Tariffs in QLD

In addition to a growing number of electricity plans, households in SE QLD can also consider a number of tariff options that may better-suit their usage habits. An electricity tariff relates to the pricing structure of an energy plan. All power plans have a fixed daily charge for the supply of power to the premises, but the rates that you pay for electricity usage can vary significantly depending on when you use power. The two primary tariffs in Queensland are known as single rate and time of use.

A single rate tariff means households are charged the same amount for electricity whatever time of day they happen to use it, while time of use tariffs can have multiple prices depending on when you use power. Time of use tariffs come with ‘peak’ and ‘off-peak’ rates – with electricity more expensive during periods of high demand – as well as ‘shoulder’ rates for times in between. While single rate tariffs can be used with any type of energy meter, households will need a smart meter or interval meter to access a time of use tariff.

In Queensland, the following electricity tariffs are available. Remember that prices in SE QLD are set by the retailers, with those in regional areas set by the Queensland Competition Authority.

• Tariff 11 – this is the standard residential electricity tariff in Queensland, whereby customers pay the same usage rate for each unit of electricity consumed – measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) – regardless of the time of day.
• Tariff 12 – this is a time of use tariff and alternative to Tariff 11. With it, households pay a different price for usage depending on the time of day – and potentially even the time of year – with electricity often most expensive in summer.
• Tariffs 31 and 33 – these are ‘economy’ tariffs which can be used to power high usage appliances such as hot water systems and pool pumps. You may also see them referred to on bills as ‘controlled load’ or ‘dedicated circuit’ on your bills. Households must first be on either Tariff 11 or 12 before being able to access Tariffs 31 or 33. Households on single rate tariffs can also benefit from a controlled load.

Other, less common QLD electricity tariffs include Tariff 14 (Demand) and Tariff 35 (Smart Control).

If you have a smart meter, there could be savings to be had on a time of use tariff. However, you first need to understand the different pricing structures to find a deal that works for you. Switching to a time of use tariff and still using lots of electricity when prices are highest in the early evening could prove a financially costly mistake.

Where can you find the cheapest electricity prices in SE Queensland?

While our customer satisfaction ratings offer an insight into the ‘value for money’ electricity providers in SE Queensland are deemed to offer (i.e. price versus the quality of service you receive), Canstar Blue also calculates electricity prices for households to show which providers deliver the cheapest overall costs to customers. ‘Cheapest’ doesn’t automatically mean the ‘best’, but for a helpful guide on electricity prices in Brisbane and the surrounding areas, consult our dedicated cost comparison report. You will notice there is a huge difference in costs between providers, so it’s a smart move to regularly shop around.

What to consider when choosing an electricity provider

Picking a new electricity provider is not a simple decision, but the good news is that most companies offer plans with no contract agreements – or at least no exit fees – meaning you can easily switch if things don’t work out as you had hoped (i.e. they prove too expensive or their service isn’t up to scratch). Our customer reviews offer a helpful insight into how existing customers rate the biggest operators in SE Queensland – and our electricity database shows where you can find the cheapest rates in the Brisbane area – but you will only really know an energy company once you have signed up to it. However, here are some things to consider before doing so, and some questions you may want to consider:

• Do you want a variable or fixed rate electricity plan? Remember that fixed rate plans come on a one or two-year contract but offer some protection against price changes. Variable rate plans, on the other hand, can change prices at any time.
• What are the usage and supply charges? Your electricity bill will consist of usage charges for the power that you use, plus supply charges simply for being connected to the grid. Supply charges in SE QLD are typically around $1.20 per day, but can vary significantly. The cheapest usage rates for general usage will typically be around 28-29 cents per kWh. Rates during other times will likely be lower on time of use tariffs. While you may find supply charges lower than $1.20 a day, these may be compensated for by high usage rates, so it pays to get to know these charges to help you find a better deal.
• What fees could you be charged? Some energy plans have no exit fees, but others may charge you if you want to break your agreement early. Plenty of other fees could also be applied if you miss a payment or move home, for example. Connection and moving fees are common, so make sure you know what you will be paying if you’re renting a home and are likely to move before the end of your contract.
• What discounts are available? Most electricity plans offer some kind of discount for paying on time, by direct debit, for signing up online, or receiving bills via email. Find out what you need to do to qualify for the discount and make sure it’s something you’ll be able to fulfil. Remember that the plans with big headline discounts don’t always work out the cheapest overall and that failing to meet the conditions means you will be left to pay a much higher price.
• What is the contract length and benefit period? It can be easy to sign up to an electricity plan without realising that you’re being locked into a contract with exit fees, so be sure to check these details carefully. In the case of discounts, be sure that you check how long the benefit period lasts because once it expires you’ll be left paying more.

All energy companies are required by law to publish price fact sheets for each of their products, where you will be able to find the answers to these questions, and also check the usage and supply charges you will pay. However, these documents are not always the easiest to interpret, so don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask for some straight answers to straight questions.

As an energy customer, you have consumer rights, so if you’re not happy with your existing agreement, make sure you contact your retailer and seek a resolution. If you decide to switch providers, you have a 10-day cooling off period to change your mind without incurring any fees. When comparing offers, be sure to check the costs you’ll be charged, and keep our customer ratings in mind. Everyone wants cheap prices, but good customer service can be just as important. The Queensland electricity market has never been so competitive, so be sure to take advantage of this and find a better deal.

Compare QLD Gas Suppliers