The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) has set regulated electricity prices for regional Queensland for 2026–27. The good news is that most customers should see some relief, with average bills falling between 2% and 9%, depending on your tariff class, tariff and usage patterns.

However, according to Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray, the real opportunity to save money on electricity comes from regularly reviewing your electricity bills and ensuring you are on the optimum tariff.

“For example, if you can actively avoid using electricity between the peak period of 5–8pm on weekdays, and you are classified as a Large Business, you could literally save tens of thousands of dollars by switching from Tariffs 44A or 45A to Tariffs 50B or 50C,” Mr Murray said.

“Similarly, you should consider whether you can work with the Dynamic Interruptible Demand Tariffs 60A and 60B, as they avoid the punitive demand charges altogether.

“Likewise, Small Business customers should look at T 22D, 22E and 24C as an alternative to the Flat Price T20, or to T33 and T34.

“I realise selecting the right tariff can be confusing, but there are substantial rewards for getting it right.”

Mr Murray said that Cotton Australia had been engaging in the QCA regulated price-setting process for over 15 years, and it was pleasing that this year there had been some key improvements, including the establishment of T50C, which offered real savings, and some progress in working towards ensuring universal access to T 60A and T 60B.

Key parts of our advocacy to the QCA earlier this year highlighted how electricity tariffs applied to irrigated agriculture. The submission called for simpler and clearer pricing structures that better reflect how irrigation systems use electricity, particularly for seasonal and high-volume pumping. It also raised concerns about complexity in current tariff arrangements, including demand-based charges and daily supply charges, and how these can create uneven cost impacts for growers.

Cotton Australia also called for better tariff design to support efficient energy use without unfairly penalising irrigators with intermittent demand. It highlighted the need for reform to reduce the risk of growers shifting away from electricity to diesel due to high fixed and demand charges. The submission also called for lifting the Small Business–Large Business threshold from 100 MWh to 160 MWh per year.

Overall, while the 2026–27 decision provides some short-term relief through lower wholesale energy costs, it also presents opportunities for significant savings by actively reviewing your tariff choices.

Are you on the right tariff? Access support to help you save money.

The Queensland Farmers Federation’s Energy Information Service for Landholders is a free phone service for farmers and landholders and can assist by providing up-to-date and accurate information on a range of energy matters. Contact 07 3329 7500, Monday–Friday from 8:30am–5:00pm.

Alternatively, contact Michael Murray, Cotton Australia General Manager, on 0427 707 868.