Electricity laws and regulations
The electricity industry in Queensland is regulated by several Acts.
Electricity Act 1994
The Electricity Act 1994 and Electricity Regulation 2006 deal with:
- regulating the electricity industry and electricity use, including licensing of electricity industry participants and monitoring of licence compliance
- making and approving industry codes
- approving electricity prices for standing contract customers in regional Queensland
- assisting in settling disputes between electricity entities and between electricity entities and public entities
- administrating electricity restrictions and electricity rationing procedures.
The legislation is supported by the Electricity Distribution Network Code, which sets out rules for electricity distributors and is administered by the Queensland Competition Authority, which is also responsible for administering some matters under the Electricity Act.
The Electricity Act also allows the owner, occupier or user of premises to become an on-supplier who can supply electricity to the occupants of the premises (the receivers). The legislation contains provisions that must be followed in the on-supply of electricity to receivers.
Examples of on-suppliers are shopping centre owners, caravan park owners, owners of blocks of flats and bodies corporate associated with blocks of residential or commercial units.
Energy (Infrastructure Facilitation) Act 2024
The Energy (Infrastructure Facilitation) Act 2024 facilitates the development of energy infrastructure and investment to promote an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system in Queensland, and to support workers and communities.
The Act was amended in 2025 to align with the Queensland Government’s objectives for Queensland’s energy system as outlined in the 2025 Queensland Energy Roadmap.
Electricity – National Scheme (Queensland) Act 1997
The National Electricity (Queensland) Law, applied by the Electricity – National Scheme (Queensland) Act 1997, governs Queensland's participation in the National Electricity Market (NEM). This Act also applies the National Electricity Rules to the NEM in Queensland. The rules have the force of law and are made under the National Electricity Law.
Find the electricity law and rules on the Australian Energy Market Commission website.
National Energy Retail Law (Queensland) Act 2014
The National Energy Retail Law (Queensland) Act 2014 applies the National Energy Retail Law (Queensland) (NERL-Q), which regulates the supply and sale of both gas and electricity to retail customers. It forms part of an energy specific consumer protection framework commonly known as the National Energy Customer Framework.
The retail sale of electricity and gas is authorised by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) under the National Energy Retail Law (NERL).
The NERL is a schedule to the National Energy Retail Law (South Australia) Act 2011 and is supported by regulations and the National Energy Retail Rules. The NERL-Q and the National Energy Retail Law (Queensland) Regulation 2014 include a number of derogations from the national NERL framework to ensure it is fit-for-purpose for Queensland’s needs.
Electrical Safety Act 2002
Electrical safety matters, including licensing of electrical workers and contractors, are dealt with under the:
The Electrical Safety Office administers this legislation.
Energy and Water Ombudsman Act 2006
The Energy and Water Ombudsman Act 2006 was integral to the introduction of full retail competition. The main purpose of this legislation is to give small energy consumers a timely, effective, independent and just way of referring disputes about matters involving energy entities, and having the disputes investigated and resolved.
See the Energy and Water Ombudsman Regulation 2022 and the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland websites.