Word of Advice

3 June 2008

Switch and Save

Have you ever glanced at the spinny thing on your electricity meter when you’ve got both the washing machine on and an electric heater or two warming up your home? Phew, it looks like it’s rotating faster than a ballerina after a few too many lattes.

However, the laundry has got to be done and you’ve got to keep warm, so during the winter months your power consumption is bound to rise.

So now is a good time to see if you could save money another way – by switching your power provider or by changing the plan you’re on.

How it works

Powerswitch is a web-based information service provided by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Consumer NZ.
You visit the website, enter details from your latest electricity bill, and the site compares providers and plans in your area. If you don’t have your power bill to hand, Powerswitch can estimate your yearly usage.

The results will show if there is a cheaper service from another supplier or a cheaper plan from your current (no pun intended) electricity provider.

How much can I save?

This depends on a number of factors, including where you are in the country, how many power providers are in your area, the plan you’re on and whether you make use of any discounts – like prompt payment schemes.

A medium sized household may be able to save between $180 and $360 a year by switching from the most expensive to cheapest provider. But alternatively you may find out that you’re already with the cheapest provider or on the best plan. It pays to check either way.

How do I go about switching?

If you do find a plan or provider which appears to offer you a better deal, Powerswitch will give you a link to the contact details of the provider. Simply call them to organise the change.

So don’t blow a fuse over your next power bill, visit Powerswitch to see if you can save.