Guide to electricity in regional Queensland

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This Canstar Blue guide discusses the electricity plan, price and provider options open to households in regional and Far North Queensland.

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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 referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/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.

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Based on the general usage^ in the Ausgrid network the AER reference price is: $1,810 / year

Netflix Plan Basic Plan Information Enjoy $100 credit when you join AGL electricity. Plus, get $96 RRP off Netflix value each year for the life of your plan with the AGL Netflix Plan. T&C’s apply

11% Less than reference price

$1,614 Price/year (estimated)

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*^View important information

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 referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/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 Citipower network the VDO reference price is: $1,456 / year

Netflix Plan Energy Factsheet Enjoy $100 credit when you join AGL electricity. Plus, get $96 RRP off Netflix value each year for the life of your plan with the AGL Netflix Plan. T&C’s apply

10% Less than VDO

$1,304 Price/year (estimated)

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View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue

*^View important information

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

Netflix Plan Basic Plan Information Enjoy $100 credit when you join AGL electricity. Plus, get $96 RRP off Netflix value each year for the life of your plan with the AGL Netflix Plan. T&C’s apply

4% Less than reference price

$1,990 Price/year (estimated)

Go to Site

View all electricity plans listed on Canstar Blue

*^View important information

What counts as ‘regional’ Queensland on the electricity grid?

The electricity grid in Queensland is broken up into two distribution zones – the Energex network and the Ergon Energy network. The Energex network is responsible for South East Queensland, while the Ergon Energy network essentially covers the rest, from regional areas such as Emerald and Roma, to Far North areas like Mackay and Cairns.

Below are some of the major cities and towns that fall under the Ergon Energy network in regional QLD:

• Airlie Beach
• Ayr
• Biloela
• Bowen
• Bundaberg
• Cairns
• Charters Towers
• Clermont
• Emerald
• Gladstone
• Gracemere
• Gympie
• Hervey Bay
• Mackay
• Rockhampton
• Roma
• Townsville
• Yeppoon.

Can I choose my own electricity provider in regional QLD?

Most customers, bar a few under certain circumstances, do have the option to choose their own electricity provider in regional QLD. However, there is next to no competition in the area for households to choose from.

This is because this area still technically falls under a ‘regulated’ price market, meaning that a regulatory body, in this case the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA), sets the regulated electricity prices that are passed onto residential and business addresses in regional QLD. These prices are set once a year.

With all retailers in the area required to offer the same rates for power, it brings little attraction for new competitors to then enter the market up north and out west. Furthermore, Ergon Energy, the dominating retailer in this area, receives additional financial support from the Queensland Government to help cover its operating costs each year. This is given in the form of a subsidy which pays the difference between the QCA set price and the actual cost of supplying customers for Ergon Energy.

While other retailers are technically able to supply regional Queensland if they want, many may choose not to simply as it’s likely not to be cost-effective for them to do so. That being said, there are still some retailers that offer plans in parts of regional Queensland.

How many electricity providers are there in regional QLD?

There are currently only two active electricity providers for households in regional QLD – Ergon Energy and GloBird Energy. With Ergon Energy, households have the choice of a single rate, time of use, demand, economy or farming tariff for their electricity. Those interested in switching to competitor, GloBird Energy, will only have the choice of a single rate, demand or controlled load tariff.

Prior to the wholesale market mayhem experienced in June and July of 2022, households on the Ergon Energy network had as many as five retailers to choose from, including Mojo Power, QEnergy, Bright Spark Power and LPE. Most of these retailers however, have either ceased retailing entirely or moved away from offering products in the residential electricity market.

If you were previously with Mojo Power or QEnergy for your electricity services in regional QLD, you’ve likely been switched to a new retailer as part of the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Retailer of Last Resort (RoLR) scheme. If you’re unsure which provider this may have been, you can find out by visiting the government’s Energy Made Easy website.

What are electricity prices like in regional QLD?

Since electricity prices in regional QLD are still regulated, you’ll be paying the same rates no matter the energy provider you choose for your home. Canstar Blue has listed the current regulated prices for regional QLD in 2024 below. These came into effect on July 1, 2024. Most customers are likely to be on Tariff 11 (single rate), but you’ll have to check your bill or call Ergon Energy to make sure.

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Source: ergon.com.au, Compare residential tariffs

Are there any energy rebates or concessions available in regional QLD?

The good news is that just like those living in SEQ, you may be eligible for certain energy rebates or concessions in regional areas.

Through Ergon Energy, you can apply for a rebate to assist with the cost of power. The ‘Electricity Rebate’ can reach up to $372.20 per year (GST inclusive). This is only available to some pensioners, seniors, health care card holders and asylum seekers.

Additional rebates may also be applicable for households managing life support or kidney dialysis equipment or extended heating and cooling support for those with a chronic condition. For more information it is best to visit the Ergon Energy or Queensland Government’s website.

Am I eligible for a solar feed-in tariff in regional QLD?

Yes, solar customers in regional QLD may currently be eligible for a solar feed-in tariff on their solar exports. For 2024-2025, this tariff is offering 12.377 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity exported at any time of day. To be eligible for this payment however, the solar system must be approved by the network business.

Households who had their system installed prior to July 10, 2012 may also still be eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme, which is set at 44c/kWh. Please note however that this scheme will end on July 1, 2028.

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Can I get natural gas in regional QLD?

Depending on your location, you may be able to connect to one of Queensland’s two natural gas networks – the Australian Gas Networks or Allgas Energy.

The Australian Gas Networks covers north of the Brisbane River, Ipswich, Gladstone and Rockhampton, while Allgas Energy looks after the south of the Brisbane River, South Coast, Toowoomba and Oakley.

To see if you may eligible for natural gas in your home is it best to visit either of the above network’s website and check the postcode search for your address.

Alternatively, you may be able to find an LPG supplier in your area.

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Original reporting by Monika Gudova
Image Source: yelantsevv/Shutterstock

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