Residential Energy
Cheapest Electricity Rates Brisbane
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What Answers You’ll Get On This Page:
Important Points
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According to the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) September 2024 report, a residential customer could save up to $590 by switching from a standing offer to the minimum market offer in the Energex Network regions.
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Even though electricity prices have fallen in 2024, the ACCC, Australia’s consumer watchdog, warns that many Aussies are still overpaying because they haven’t switched to a more competitive plan.
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What’s more is that over 80% of households could be paying more than they should for electricity, according to the ACCC’s December 2024 report. If you haven’t switched plans in a while, it’s easy you could do this in as little as 15 minutes.
To find the cheapest deal in Brisbane, we’ve ranked the best electricity plans on a single-rate tariff currently available for residential customers in the Energex Networks area. Electricity plans are sorted by estimated annual cost, so you can easily compare your options. Later on, we’ll break down the numbers and show you the important factors to consider when shopping around.
Compare the Best Electricity Plans in Brisbane
1
How Do I Get the Best Energy Deal?
Before you even think about switching, you need to know what you’re working with. Here are some important questions you should ask yourself that can help you in your search for a competitive plan:
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Are you offering me the plan with the lowest usage rates available?
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What is the daily supply charge on this plan, and how does it compare to others you offer?
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What discounts are available, and are they conditional or unconditional?
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How long do the discounts or promotional rates last—do they expire after 12 months?
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Are there any sign-up bonuses or incentives available right now?
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Will I be notified when my plan’s benefit period ends or if the rates change?
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What happens if I miss a payment—are there late fees or penalties?
Even if you’re planning to stay with your current energy provider, it’s still worth asking these questions to make sure you’re not missing out on a better deal. Plans and rates change regularly, so checking in can help ensure you’re still on the most competitive option available.
Understand Your Usage
If you’re serious about getting the best electricity deal, understanding your usage is key. Let’s dive into two of the most common, but most important, charges you’ll see on your bill: usage charges and supply charges.
Supply charges are daily fixed costs that you pay simply for being connected to the national electricity grid. These charges apply regardless of how much electricity you use. You’ll typically see them displayed on your power bill as a daily rate—that is based on your electricity plan you are currently signed up with.
Usage charges are based on how much electricity you use and are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). These charges could fluctuate based on your household’s energy usage patterns and current plan.
Expert Tip
To calculate your usage charge, you can use this formula:
Electricity used (kWh) x Rate per kWh = Total usage charge
However, you also need to take your tariff type into account in order to get a more accurate calculation (we dive more into this below). Are you on a flat-rate tariff or a time-of-use tariff?
Knowing the difference between these two charges—and how they add up—can help you get a better estimate of your bill and help you choose the right type of plan. For example, a household with low usage but high supply charges could benefit from a plan that has a lower daily rate, even if the usage rate is slightly higher.
Know Your Tariff Type and How It Applies To Your Usage
As mentioned above, your electricity tariff could play a large role in your bill. Here’s a breakdown of three common tariff types you might come across as a residential consumer:
Tariff Type | How It Works | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
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Single Rate |
Flat rate regardless of the time of day. |
Households with consistent energy usage patterns throughout the day and night. |
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Time-Of-Use (TOU) |
Different rates for peak, shoulder, and off-peak times. |
Households that can use electricity to off-peak hours. |
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Demand |
Charged based on the highest 30-minute usage in a day. |
Households that can spread out their electricity usage to avoid high peaks. |
Retailer Perks Can Offer Added Value
Do you enjoy earning points towards rewards? These days, electricity plans often come with extras and perks that add real value. For example, energy retailers offer user-friendly mobile apps that let you monitor your usage in real-time, manage payments, and set alerts. This can be useful if you’re looking to make adjustments to your energy habits or just want to keep tabs on how much you’re paying without logging on to the retailer’s website portal. It’s convenient, and in most cases, free to use.
Then there are rewards programs. Certain providers let you earn points for every dollar you spend on your energy bills, which you can redeem for gift cards, retail discounts, or even bill credits—big-name retailers like Origin Energy and AGL are known for offering these types of incentives. While these features might not be for everyone, they can offer added value, especially if you’re stuck between two similar plans. When the price is right, getting a few extra benefits never hurts.
Hidden Fees Could Negate Your Savings
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Some electricity plans look like great deals upfront, but it’s what’s buried in the contract that could cost you. You might end up paying late fees if you miss a bill, or lose a discount after several months without even realising it.
Other charges to look out for? Things like connection or disconnection fees when you move house, extra costs for paper bills, or credit card fees. Every retailer will have specific fees that apply based on the terms.
So before you switch, take a minute to double-check the plan’s terms and conditions. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re getting a great deal, not just a generous offer with strings attached.
Expert Tip
Many retailers have a 12-month benefit period. Remember that discount you got when you first signed up for an electricity plan? It could have expired. If you haven’t switched to a new plan in a while, you could be on a higher rate. Give us a call at 1300 232 848 to double-check.
Switch to a Better Deal
Energy plans change. Discounts expire. Usage habits shift.
Getting the best electricity deal in Brisbane isn’t just about comparing numbers—it’s about understanding your usage, knowing your options, and being proactive.
You have two choices: go through the comparison process yourself or let Electricity Monster do it for you.
At Electricity Monster, we make switching to a new plan fast and easy. We’ll compare the market for you, sort the best-valued plans based on your usage habits and budget, and get you connected to the best plan we have within our network of partnered providers. You won’t lose power, don’t have to worry about filling out endless amounts of paperwork, and we may even be able to help you get set up over the phone in just minutes. Best of all, our service is 100% free to use.
2Have Solar? Here’s How You Can Maximise Your Savings
Queenslanders are making the most of their sunny skies. According to the Australian Energy Council’s 2024 Solar Report, Queensland came in second across the country for rooftop solar, accounting for 27% of Australia’s total solar capacity. That means more and more households are turning to solar.
If you already have a solar system—or are thinking about getting one installed—your electricity plan needs to do more than just offer low rates. It should also reward you for the energy your system exports back into the grid. This is where solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) come into play. A feed-in tariff is the rate your electricity retailer pays you for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy your home doesn’t use and instead sends to the national electricity grid.
Want to see the latest solar feed-in tariffs and plans in your area? Click on your state below:
Many households assume that a high feed-in tariff automatically means a better deal, but it’s not always that simple. Some retailers advertise generous rates but offset them with higher daily supply charges or inflated usage rates.
Some electricity plans that advertise high feed-in tariffs for solar energy come with a catch they often cap how much of your exported power gets paid at that boosted rate. This limit is usually set per day (often around 10 to 14 kWh). Once you go over that daily cap, the rate you get for the rest of your solar exports drops sometimes by quite a bit. Keep this in mind as it can be a problem if your system produces a lot of energy and you’re counting on getting paid the premium FiT for all of it.
Expert Tip
Some electricity plans have restrictions based on your solar system size—usually around 5kW or 10kW. If your system is larger, you might not qualify for certain solar benefits.
And don’t forget: solar owners should also review their plan annually. As electricity prices shift and feed-in tariffs are adjusted, that ‘great’ plan that you had last year might not be as cost-effective anymore.
In short, if you’ve gone solar, your electricity plan should complement your system, not compete with it. Comparing feed-in tariffs alongside usage rates and supply charges is important for maximising the value of your solar system.
Author
Benjamin TomBenjamin is a utility specialist passionate about creating informative content about the energy, internet, and solar markets. With extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, Benjamin drives our unique blog posts, articles, and reviews. He is focused on breaking down the technical jargon so our readers can better understand the telco market and industry. Whether he is comparing the latest internet deals or creating unique guides, Benjamin takes great pride in creating helpful, easy-to-read content.
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