It's the dawn of a new era in the south-east Queensland electricity market – but it may take a while for customers to reap any benefits.

After delaying the decision for a year, the Palaszczuk government moved forward with plans put in place by the LNP to deregulate the south-east Queensland retail electricity market from July 1.

The move opens up the market to further competition, with the price to be determined by the market rather than the statutory Queensland Competition Authority.

Outside the south-east corner, prices will continue to be regulated, with government subsidies staying in place to ensure those in regional and rural Queensland do not face additional costs for decentralised infrastructure.

But the "one-size-fits-all" approach in the south-east is no more, with the market opening up to more players and, consumers hope, more choice.

The National Electricity Market will continue to determine the base price for electricity, with other costs determined by the needs of state-owned energy generator companies, and prices are unlikely to fall in the near future.

Queensland's comparatively late move into the deregulated retail space will mean it will take some time for consumers to see real benefits, but it will mean retail costs will now be determined through the market.

Customer satisfaction and research agency Canstar Blue anticipate that Queenslanders can expect to pay between $10 and $30 more each quarter, depending on their retailer.

The opposition has attacked the government for leaving "Queenslanders in the dark" over the change, with very little having been done in terms of a public education campaign promoting the change.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said a campaign would be rolled out this month, alerting customers how best to navigate the change.

"I will also direct the Queensland Competition Authority to monitor the market to ensure it remains competitive and produce an annual report so customers and stakeholders can track the progress of deregulation over time," he said in a statement.

"We will also be monitoring to ensure vulnerable customers are benefiting from deregulation."

To compare deals and secure the best electricity offer visit the independent price comparator website EnergyMadeEasy -www.energymadeeasy.gov.au.