Different areas in Queensland have different tariffs (your rate paid for energy usage) available to them.
Regional Queenslanders may have limited choice of tariffs, as the market is regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority.
Residents in South-East Queensland however have more options when it comes to tariffs.
Keep in mind that the names of different tariffs may vary between electricity providers.
Residential electricity tariffs in Queensland
The following are examples of the types of tariffs that may be available in Queensland, and how the tariff names may appear on your energy bill. Tariff availability may be limited depending on where you live in Queensland and which electricity provider you use.
| Tariff 11 ‘Single rate’ tariff Also known as:
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This is a flat rate tariff where you’ll pay the same price for each unit of electricity used (i.e. doesn’t measure usage at different times). This tariff is the most common, especially for regional Queensland customers, as many regional Queenslanders don’t have a smart meter. |
| Tariff 12A ‘Time of use’ (TOU) tariff Also known as:
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This tariff is calculated on how much energy is used at certain times. It includes high usage charges during peak times, lower charges at other times, and a daily supply charge. You will need a smart meter to measure usage for this tariff, but it means you can use your high-powered appliances in off-peak times to possibly save money on energy usage. |
| Tariff 14 ‘Demand’ tariff Also known as:
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Customers need a smart meter to access this tariff. This tariff includes a lower daily supply and usage charges. However, it will also 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 peak season during a 30-minute period. |
| ‘Lifestyle’ tariff Also known as:
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This tariff may only be available in SEQ. It charges a flat rate for usage (cents per kWh) as well as also a fixed amount ($/month) for a specific allowance of energy during the summer peak period (November to March). You may also be able to access a summer peak ‘top-up’ at an additional cost per month. This tariff is only available for regional Queenslanders, whose retailer and distributor are Ergon Energy. This tariff is not available for those whose distributor is Energex (South East Queenslanders) or Essential (those on the New South Wales and Queensland border). |
| Tariff 31 and 33 ‘Economy’ tariff Also known as:
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With this tariff, appliances like pool pumps and hot water systems are metered. It’s generally cheaper than Tariff 11 because electricity may not be available at all times (it has an interruptible supply). Tariff 31 guarantees supply for 8 hours per day, while Tariff 33 supplies electricity for 18 hours per day. Regional customers must first be on tariff 11, 12 or 14 to access one of these tariffs. |
Electricity peak, shoulder and off-peak times & rates in Queensland
If you’re living in Queensland, you can take advantage of time-of-use tariffs through a digital smart meter. Prices in SEQ are generally divided between peak (high demand), off-peak (low demand), and shoulder rates (all other times).
South-East Queensland electricity peak, shoulder and off-peak times
If you’re in South-East Queensland, Energex divides residential time-of-use rates into:
- peak (4pm–8pm weekdays),
- shoulder (weekdays between 7am–4pm and 8pm–10pm,
- weekends between 7am-10pm) and
- off-peak (weekdays and weekends 10pm-7am), with off-peak being charged at the lowest rate.
Regional Queensland electricity peak, shoulder and off-peak times
If you are living in regional Queensland, Ergon energy only offers time of use pricing throughout summer. During this period, peak times are from 3pm to 9:30pm weekdays. From March to November, Ergon charges all electricity at off-peak rates, no matter which time it’s used.
If you reside close to the QLD/NSW border, Essential Energy classifies residential peak periods on weekdays from 7am-9am and 5pm-8pm, and shoulder periods on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and 8pm to 10pm. All other times are considered off-peak.
