The Queensland Competition Authority has set the regulated regional electricity prices for 2025–26.

The headline results are that, on average, prices will increase by approximately 3.8% for residential tariffs (Tariff 11), 3.2% for small business tariffs (Tariff 20), and 2.8% for large business customers (Tariff 44).

Read the summary report or the full details.

However, like all things involving electricity, the “devil is in the detail.” Cotton Australia had hoped that a new Tariff 49 might offer significant relief for users impacted by punitive demand charges. However, a $273 daily connection fee—more than four times higher than what was flagged in the draft determination—means this tariff is unlikely to be attractive.

Customers on Tariff 44, which will be phased out over the next 12 months, and who do not have electrical smart meters installed, may be able to transition to Tariff 43, which should be an attractive alternative.

Cotton Australia urges users to consider the dynamic interruptible demand tariffs (T33 & T34 for small business, and T60A & T60B for large customers) as cost-effective options. All users should regularly reassess their tariff options using a number of available tariff comparison tools, including the Federal Government’s Energy Made Easy or Ergon’s tariff calculator.

The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) offers a free phone service called the Energy Information Service for Landholders (EISL) to provide farmers with energy-related information.

This service, operated in partnership with the Queensland Government, offers guidance on a range of energy matters, including on-farm energy savings, renewable energy infrastructure, tariffs, and other energy-related inquiries. The EISL is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and can be accessed by calling 07 3329 7500.