Queensland, Australia’s second-largest state by area, is known as the Sunshine State. It has vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and diverse terrain. The subtropical climate and lots of sunshine attract both residents and visitors.
Brisbane: The state capital, Brisbane, is a dynamic city that blends old and new architecture, parks, and skyscrapers.
Gold Coast: This popular tourist destination is famous for its excellent beaches, thrilling theme parks, and vibrant nightlife.
Cairns: A tropical northern city with stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor experiences, Cairns serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Sunshine Coast: This coastal region is well-known for its breathtaking beaches, excellent surfing locations, and laid-back way of life.
As of June 2023, approximately 5.4 million people live in Queensland.
Queensland’s energy market operates differently depending on the region. The state is divided into two main areas: South East Queensland (SEQ), where the market is deregulated, and regional Queensland, where electricity prices remain regulated.
In 2016, South East Queensland deregulated the electricity market, allowing private companies to compete for customers. This deregulation made the market contestable, giving consumers the power to choose their electricity providers and promoting healthy competition among energy retailers. As a result, SEQ residents can select from various competitive energy plans, potentially leading to better rates and service options.
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) sets the Default Market Offer (DMO) annually on July 1. The DMO is a benchmark price, providing a reference point for comparing electricity plans from different providers. It caps the maximum amount a retailer can charge customers on standing offers, protecting consumers from excessively high electricity bills. Retailers use the DMO as a base to offer various discounts and incentives, making it easier for consumers to find competitive deals. For instance, a retailer advertising a 20% discount would typically apply this reduction against the DMO price.
If you move into a new home in SEQ and do not select a specific energy plan, you will automatically be placed on a standing offer, which the DMO regulates. While standing offers are generally more expensive, they make sure consumers are not charged above the benchmark rate.
Since the introduction of full retail competition in 2006, gas prices in SEQ have been deregulated, allowing consumers to choose from various gas providers and negotiate better terms.
Energy regulation in regional Queensland differs significantly from SEQ due to the logistical challenges and higher costs associated with servicing remote areas. In these regions, the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) continues to regulate electricity prices to ensure affordability and prevent overcharging.
Unlike SEQ, consumers in regional Queensland cannot choose their electricity providers. The QCA sets the prices, and electricity is supplied mainly through Ergon Energy, which serves as the primary provider. This regulation helps maintain consistent pricing across the state, ensuring that regional customers are not disproportionately affected by the high cost of delivering electricity to remote areas.
While electricity is regulated, regional Queenslanders do have some options when it comes to gas providers. Depending on their location and service availability, consumers can choose between reticulated natural gas, where available, or bottled LPG.
In addition to regulating electricity prices in regional areas, the QCA also provides oversight to ensure that electricity costs remain fair and reasonable. This regulation is essential for protecting consumers in remote locations, where the cost of energy delivery is significantly higher.
While deregulation primarily aims to enhance competition and consumer choice, it also indirectly supports economic growth by encouraging private investment in the energy sector. However, the primary focus remains on improving service quality and affordability for consumers rather than directly boosting tax revenue from privatization.
Queensland’s energy market showcases a dual approach: deregulated in South East Queensland, where competition drives consumer choice, and regulated in regional areas, where oversight ensures affordability. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers navigate their energy options more effectively, whether by leveraging the DMO for better deals in SEQ or relying on the QCA’s price protections in regional Queensland. This structure ensures that all Queenslanders have access to reliable and fairly priced energy tailored to their locations’ unique challenges.
In Queensland, there are two main types of gas available to consumers:
Not all Queensland homes have access to reticulated natural gas via pipelines. Consumers use bottled gas (LPG) as an alternative in areas without pipeline access. LPG is typically delivered in 45 kg bottles; when you run out, you must order replacements. A certified gas fitter usually delivers and connects the new bottles to your home.
You can save money by shopping around. However, only South East Queensland homes are eligible for this. Suppose you have moved into a new property and still need to get a chance to do your homework on energy deals. It is an excellent time to shop for a cheaper energy provider. Moveinconnect is only one of the few connection services that offer a comparison for your electricity & gas and NBN plans.
Comparing electricity and gas plans is crucial for potential savings, but this primarily applies to households in South East Queensland. Because it costs more for retailers to service regional areas, this is done to safeguard customers from being overcharged.
You can compare gas plans for some homes.
For those of you who can compare gas and electricity plans, the following is a summary of the reasons it’s important to do so:
You can also compare plans with Moveinconnect. Moveinconnect makes moving home in Australia easier by helping you compare and connect to energy plans. We offer a full range of moving services, taking care of all the essential utilities like gas and electricity. Our platform lets you effortlessly compare plans from various providers on our panel suited to your needs and location. With Moveinconnect, you can save time and money while ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
Distributors of electricity in QLD are:
The following suppliers can supply both gas and electricity. Please be aware that providers might not offer a combined package and that billing might occur on different dates and under different contracts. Consumers can sign one contract for both electricity and gas. However, billing frequency can vary. For electricity, some providers give an option for quarterly or monthly. For gas billing frequency, can be bimonthly or monthly
The following is a list of QLD gas and electricity suppliers:
Two distinct charges determine energy expenses in Queensland:
A set daily supply fee (in cents per day) keeps your home powered and maintains infrastructure.
The consumption rate for natural gas and electricity is measured in megajoules (MJ) and kilowatt-hours (kWh).
One standard rate may be applied to usage rates. However, if you have a smart meter, you might benefit from variable rates, also known as time-of-use tariffs, which charge you based on your energy use. Alternatively, you could pair your single rate tariff with a controlled load tariff for your appliances with high energy consumption.
The retailer will determine the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) in Queensland.
The average usage charge for single-rate tariff plans (postcode 4000) is approximately 32.77 cents per kWh, and the supply charge is 117.8 cents on average.
Like electricity, the price you pay for gas will differ based on the supplier.
The average usage charge for gas plans ranges from 4.21 to 4.49 cents per megajoule (MJ). The supply is 122.9 cents on average.
Residents in regional Queensland might only have a small selection of tariffs, whereas residents in South East Queensland might have a broader range. But bear in mind that different QLD electricity providers may use other names.
Tariff 11: Single Rate Tariff. This is a flat rate tariff where you pay the same price for each kWh of electricity used. It’s the most common, especially for regional QLD customers.
Tariff 12: Time of use (TOU) tariff. This tariff is calculated based on how much energy is used at certain times. It includes high usage charges during peak times, lower charges at off-peak or shoulder times, and a daily supply charge. You’ll need a smart meter to measure usage for this tariff.
Tariff 14: Demand Tariff. This tariff includes lower daily supply and usage charges but will include demand charges for peak periods, usually in summer. Demand charges are based on how much power is used or how fast you use electricity in high-demand periods. You’ll need a smart meter to access this tariff.
Tariff 31/33: Controlled Load Tariff (also known as dedicated circuit, night rate, super economy) With controlled load tariffs, appliances like pool pumps and hot water systems are metered. Tariff 31 guarantees supply for 8 hours daily, while Tariff 33 supplies electricity for 18 hours daily.
Regional customers must first be on Tariff 11, 12 or 14 to access one of these tariffs.
Solar Feed-in tariff: If you install a solar power system, any unused energy you produce can be converted into the electricity grid. For eligible households, this may be available through a solar feed-in tariff.
If you own a solar PV system and a solar PV system, you generate more power from what you use. In that case, You can export to the grid and enjoy the buyback from retailers So that your energy retailer pays you to return electricity to the grid. Here are some things to consider:
Establishment fees are the costs of setting up a new connection with an electricity retailer.
Savings might be available to South East Queensland residential customers if they move to a new electricity plan or when moving homes. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) states that transferring from the DMO to the best available market offer could result in significant savings.
Naturally, the savings may differ, so make sure you know the terms of each plan you are comparing.
To assist qualified citizens in reducing their overall cost of living, the Queensland government provides rebates for gas and electricity. Those who possess at least one of the following qualify for the majority of rebates:
Starting July 1, 2024, the Queensland government will provide every household with a $1,000 energy rebate, which your energy retailer will directly credit your accounts with.
The federal government has also committed to paying a $300 national energy bill relief in instalments starting July 1st 2024.
QLD households will receive a minimum of $1,300 overall.
You might be qualified for additional benefits if you are a senior citizen or pensioner, come from a low-income family, or have special medical needs.
Alternatively, you can discuss your options with your energy retailer over the phone.
Cost of Living Rebate for Households: Queenslanders can receive dividends because the public owns power assets. This concession strengthens the current asset ownership dividend for electricity. If you are a residential customer who receives a separately charged electricity bill to help with the cost of living, these payments are applied as rebates to your electricity bill. Customers who operate on card-operated meters receive their rebate transferred to their linked card. In contrast, on-supply customers who live in embedded networks and are eligible for the refund are credited directly through the on-supplier (e.g., landlord, property manager, body corporate).
The Electricity Rebate: To assist with paying for electricity bills, pensioners, senior concession cardholders, holders of Services Australia Health Care Cards, holders of Veterans’ Affair DVA Gold Cards, and individuals seeking asylum may be eligible for an annual rebate of $372.20.25
Emergency assistance program for home energy: Should an emergency or temporary financial difficulties prevent you from paying your electricity or piped gas bills, you might be eligible for a one-time emergency payment. You must meet the eligibility requirements and can only get the payment once every two years. To begin the application process, get in touch with your energy retailer.
Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate: Veterans’ Affair Gold Card, pensioners, and seniors concession cardholders may be eligible for a rebate of $86.75 on reticulated natural gas bills. Contact your gas retailer to apply.
Electricity Life Support: If you are a concession cardholder, this concession can assist with the costs of using an oxygen concentrator or kidney dialysis machine at home. The amount you get is paid quarterly to qualified customers and varies depending on the kind of machine you use.
Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme: You may be eligible for an annual concession ($479.03) to help with electricity bills if you have a chronic health condition made worse by temperature changes.28 These ailments include multiple sclerosis, inflammatory skin conditions, and malfunctions of the autonomic nervous system. The Queensland government has set an annual credit amount for this concession.
For more information about rebates and concessions in QLD, consult https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions
The Queensland government has set an emissions target for the Sunshine State, aiming for a 30% reduction in emissions (based on 2005’s emissions) by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
The good news is that, as of October 2023, the first goal is expected to be achieved. However, how does that affect your house’s electricity costs?
This implies that the source of electricity you generate will change. In 2022, coal accounted for over 60% of Queensland’s power generation, with renewables coming in second at 22%. 14
However, the government has an extensive plan called the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan that aims to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2032 and 80% by 2035. Things are moving nicely here, especially now that homes and businesses in Queensland are producing their energy thanks to rooftop solar. If these properties also have that solar feed-in tariff, they may receive some cashback on their bills.
However, these emission targets and the gradual transition to renewable energy sources may still benefit you even if you’re not using renewable energy sources or producing your electricity. Wholesale electricity prices can decrease when renewable energy sources are prioritised over alternative methods of producing electricity. Since these costs are included in your electricity bill, your total bill might decrease if you’re on the DMO. By embracing renewable energy, you can also lessen the extremes of price increases for electricity, such as those caused by the global energy crisis.
Queensland aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, 70% by 2032, and 80% by 2035.
With one in three homes installed solar, the state has the highest rate of solar installations nationwide.
If you’d like to start some clean energy initiatives but don’t currently have solar panels installed, you can sign up with a provider that offers:
GreenPower: Your electricity provider cannot deliver renewable energy directly from the grid to your home. Through a government program, energy retailers can buy renewable energy at a rate that varies from 10% to 100% of your consumption. This is an optional feature that you can purchase.
Carbon Neutral Plans: Your energy provider can offset the carbon emissions from using gas or electricity if you would rather not pay more. Specific plans will state that they are carbon neutral at no additional cost, while others charge a small fee for the option to be carbon neutral.
Additional resources for energy providers in QLD:
No, they don’t. The electricity market in that area does not follow strict rules. People must check with different retailers to find the best deal on feed-in tariffs.
No, there is not. Retailers choose their own rates, so people need to shop around to see who has a better offer.
This program offered people who signed up in the past 44 cents per kilowatt-hour for their solar power. But no new people can join. Those already signed up will receive the same rate until 1 July 2028.
Check different offers from electricity providers on websites like Moveinconnect. Rates and who qualifies might change.
The Queensland Competition Authority decides the rate to give people in regional Queensland to make sure a fair deal is provided for the electricity they send to the grid.
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To compare energy in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, the ACT and TAS, call Move InConnect on 1300 786 045 or enter your details online.
