How do I find out whether I can save money on my power bills by switching to another provider?
If I change power companies are there likely to be fees or charges I should know about?
I need to buy a new washing machine but want to make sure it is energy efficient.
Can my power company charge me for power not billed for a long period of time?
What is prepaid electricity and how does it work?
What are some ways to reduce power usage in my home?
How do I find out whether I can save money on my power bills by switching to another provider?
You can get a quick estimate of how much money you might be able to save by answering 5 basic questions on the Electricity Authority's Whats My Number website.
You can then go to the Consumer Powerswitch website for more detailed information. Using your current power bill to answer questions, you’ll be able to estimate your savings and compare a range of power providers’ pricing plans that might be suitable for you. The Consumer Powerswitch website also lets you switch providers.
If I change power companies are there likely to be fees or charges I should know about?
Unless you’re on a fixed rate plan it should be free for you to change power supplier, but make sure you ask the supplier you are leaving and the one you are signing up with whether there will be any hidden costs. For example, there may be a disconnection fee, a bond, to pay to the new supplier or. a fee for changing or modifying your meter.
If you are on a fixed rate plan (where your power is charged at a fixed rate over a fixed term) and switch power suppliers before the end of the term, you could be charged an “exit” fee. Your contract should specify whether this applies to you, and how much the “exit” fee would be. (Read our answer to Would I be better off on a fixed rate plan?)
I need to buy a new washing machine but want to make sure it is energy efficient.
There are two labels you should look out for. The first is the energy-rating label, which gives you information on how much energy a product uses so you can compare models. Every whiteware appliance and heat pump sold in New Zealand has to display this label. The more stars on the label, the less energy it uses. There is also a blue ENERGY STAR mark that is an independent international indicator of the most energy efficient products in each category. These models can use up to 50% less power than lower-rated models. For more information, you can read a full guide to buying energy efficient appliances.
Can my power company charge me for power not billed for a long period of time?
Unfortunately, you have to pay your bills, whether they arrive on time or not. It is up to the power company to make sure you get your bills within a reasonable time-frame. If there is a problem with your bill and you don’t get it for a long time, you might be able to pay it bit by bit or your power company might give you a discount. Make sure you ask your power company for your bill if it doesn’t arrive on time or set some money aside each month to pay for your bill when it does finally get to you.
What is prepaid electricity and how does it work?
This is a plan offered by some power suppliers, where you pay for your power in advance. It can be a good option for people on low budgets, as it allows them to control how much money is spent on power. However prepaid electricity is generally more expensive than other options.
Exactly how it works will depend on the electricity supplier, but in general:
- The power company installs a special meter at your house (they may charge for this)
- You buy electricity by phone, Internet or a member retailer
- When you pay, either you are given a PIN to type onto the meter keypad, or you have a smart card which is topped up, depending on your electricity provider.
Before you decide whether a prepaid electricity plan is right for you, ask the supplier about:
- Their other pricing plans, for example plans for low-usage customers.
- Whether you’ll be able to monitor your power usage (so it’s easy to tell when its time to top up your credit again).
- What you can expect if you don’t get around to topping up your credit before it expires (they may simply disconnect you, or provide an automatic top-up for you).
What are some ways to reduce power usage in my home?
You'll find a number of power-saving tips on our sustainable living page.