South East Queensland versus regional Queensland
A household in Townsville or Toowoomba pays almost the same as one in Brisbane, even though supplying power across regional Queensland costs far more. The Queensland Competition Authority sets Ergon's prices to track the south-east, and the government pays the difference, which the QCA put at around $604 million in 2025-26.
The AER benchmarks an Energex household at 4,600 kWh a year and caps the 2026-27 standing offer for that usage at $1,988, down 7.2%.
Queensland bills at low, medium and high usage
| Network | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| EnergexSouth East Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast | $350 | $455 | $630 |
| Ergon EnergyRegional Queensland (Tariff 11, QCA notified price) | $345 | $454 | $634 |
Energex has one of the highest supply charges in the country at $1.92 a day, so in the south-east a low-usage home still pays about $350 a quarter. A high-usage home, often one with a pool and ducted air conditioning, pays about $630.
Why Queensland bills peak in summer
Cooling is the big one. A split system running through a humid Brisbane evening, a pool pump on for eight hours a day and an electric hot water system can together push a summer quarter far above the medium level. Winter bills are usually the lowest of the year.
Two cheap fixes
Put the pool pump and electric hot water on Tariff 31 or 33 controlled load, which is far cheaper than your general rate, and set the air conditioner to 24 to 25 degrees rather than 20. Our controlled load guide explains the options.
Bringing a Queensland bill below average
- South East Queensland: compare offers against the Energex reference price and look at the Solar Sharer Offer.
- Regional Queensland: retail competition is thin, so focus on tariffs and usage rather than switching.
- Concession: the Queensland Electricity Rebate is $399.47 a year in 2026-27 for eligible card holders.
Price your own usage in the Queensland bill calculator.
Questions about average bills in Queensland
On 2026-27 regulated prices, 1,000 kWh a quarter costs about $455 in South East Queensland and $454 in regional Queensland, supply included. Many south-east households pay less on market offers.
At 4,000 kWh a year, a Brisbane household pays about $1,820 a year, or $455 a quarter, on the Energex reference price. The AER caps a standing offer at $1,988 a year for a household using 4,600 kWh.
About $152 a month in the south-east and $151 in regional Queensland at 4,000 kWh a year on regulated prices. Summer months usually cost more because of air conditioning.
Not much. Under the Uniform Tariff Policy, the QCA sets regional prices close to those in the south-east and the state government pays Ergon Retail the difference. A regional household using the same power pays within a few dollars a quarter of a Brisbane one.
Air conditioning, pool pumps and longer running fridges all work harder in hot, humid weather. Check the kWh on your summer bill against spring. If usage jumped, the bill is following it. Moving the pool pump to controlled load and raising the air conditioner setting are the quickest savings.
In the south-east, the regulated cap fell 7.2%, the biggest cut of any DMO region. Regional prices are set separately by the QCA. Whether your own bill falls depends on your plan and usage.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.