Energy Queensland is the parent company of Queensland’s two distribution networks: Energex (south-east QLD) and Ergon Energy (regional QLD). While they share ownership, the two networks have different characteristics — Energex serves a dense, high-population metropolitan area; Ergon Energy operates one of Australia’s largest geographic network territories, with significant variability in network infrastructure from large regional centres to remote communities.
Energex: South-East Queensland
Territory: Energex serves approximately 1.5 million customers in south-east Queensland — the most densely populated part of the state.
Key areas: Brisbane (CBD, inner suburbs, outer metro), Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast (Tweed region via Energex), Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim.
Export limit: 5 kW single-phase for standard residential connections. Three-phase connections may qualify for higher limits. Systems above 5 kW must configure the inverter to limit export to 5 kW.
Application process: Online through Energy Queensland’s portal. Standard residential applications are typically assessed within 10 business days.
Network characteristics: Energex’s SE QLD network is relatively well-maintained and has significant hosting capacity upgrades underway. While some suburban feeders have high solar penetration, the 5 kW export limit is consistently applied across most of the territory without the feeder-by-feeder variation seen in SA.
Ergon Energy: Regional Queensland
Territory: Ergon Energy serves approximately 750,000 customers across the vast geographic extent of Queensland outside the south-east corner.
Key areas: Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Toowoomba (some outer areas), Longreach, Mount Isa, Cape York communities, island communities (Thursday Island, etc.).
Network variability: Ergon’s network ranges from well-built regional centre infrastructure in Cairns and Townsville to very long rural feeders serving single properties hundreds of kilometres from a substation. This creates enormous variability in hosting capacity.
Hosting capacity tool: Ergon Energy publishes a Network Opportunities Map showing hosting capacity by feeder segment. For any regional QLD installation, this map is the starting point — before designing, before quoting, check the feeder’s hosting capacity at the installation address.
Export limits in regional QLD:
| Location Type | Typical Export Limit |
|---|---|
| Regional cities (Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton) | 5 kW standard — similar to Energex |
| Large country towns (Emerald, Charters Towers) | 5 kW — check for feeder constraints |
| Small rural towns (< 2,000 population) | 2–5 kW — frequently constrained |
| Remote communities and agricultural feeders | Often severely constrained or zero export |
Remote community and off-grid context: Some Ergon Energy remote communities have standalone power systems (microgrids) rather than being connected to the main grid. For these, the solar connection rules are different — often involving Ergon Energy’s own managed microgrid systems rather than standard network connection.
Queensland’s Solar Incentives
Minimum feed-in tariff: The QCA (Queensland Competition Authority) sets the minimum feed-in tariff for solar customers. For 2025–26, the minimum is approximately 8 c/kWh. This is the lowest rate any retailer must offer — many retailers offer higher rates through competitive offers.
Battery Booster Programme: The Queensland Government has run battery incentive programmes. Check the current Queensland Government energy website for any active battery rebate or incentive programmes at time of installation — these change periodically.
STC scheme: Queensland is mostly in Zone 2 (Brisbane, most of SE QLD) and Zone 1 (Cairns, north QLD) — some of the higher STC zone ratings nationally. A 6.6 kW system in Brisbane (Zone 2, 4-year deeming) creates approximately 41 STCs, worth approximately $1,560 at $38/STC.
Smart Meter Requirements
Queensland’s metering is contestable — customers choose their metering provider (usually their electricity retailer). For solar systems above 5 kW, a smart (advanced) meter is required to enable export monitoring. Customers should request a smart meter upgrade from their retailer before or concurrent with solar installation to avoid delays.
Pro Tip: Use the Network Opportunities Map Before Quoting Regional QLD
Ergon Energy’s Network Opportunities Map is available on the Energy Queensland website and shows feeder hosting capacity across regional Queensland. Before quoting a customer in regional QLD, check the map for their feeder — if it shows constrained or no capacity, the standard 5 kW export assumption is wrong, and a battery storage conversation needs to happen before finalising the design. This single check prevents a significant percentage of regional QLD redesign situations.
Design Queensland Solar Projects for Energex and Ergon Network Requirements
SurgePV handles Energy Queensland’s export limit inputs and generates connection documentation formatted for Energex and Ergon Energy applications — from Brisbane metro to regional Cairns installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Energex and Ergon Energy?
Both are owned by Energy Queensland. Energex serves SE Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba). Ergon Energy serves all other Queensland — regional and remote areas.
What is the export limit in Queensland?
5 kW for standard single-phase Energex connections. Ergon Energy’s limits vary by feeder — check the Network Opportunities Map for regional addresses.
Is there a minimum feed-in tariff in QLD?
Yes — set by the QCA at approximately 8 c/kWh for 2025–26. Check the current QCA determination for the exact rate.
How do I apply for solar connection?
Through Energy Queensland’s online portal. NMI required. Standard applications within 10 business days for Energex; Ergon may take longer for regional areas.
Are there network constraints in regional QLD?
Significant variability. Check Ergon Energy’s Network Opportunities Map before designing any regional QLD system.
