Figures say switch retailers and save power

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New figures from the Electricity Authority show 21 per cent of Northlanders switched electricity retailer in 2015 saving an estimated average of $160.

Northland consumers had 13 electricity retail brands to choose from in 2015, with Ecotricity a new entrant to the region.

Electricity Authority Chief Executive Carl Hansen says it’s great to see so many Northlanders are exploring their options.

“The New Zealand electricity market is very competitive. There are a wide range of deals and plans available to suit different families and lifestyles. I encourage all consumers to shop around.”

The Authority’s annual review shows national switching rates were the highest ever with 384,841 residential consumers switching electricity retailer in 2015.

If all eligible Kiwi households had switched to the cheapest deal during the year they could have saved $307 million collectively, or an average of $175 per household over a 12 month period.

Mr Hansen says a major trend in 2015 was an increasing variety of electricity plans and pricing models, with growth in pre-pay, options that bundled electricity with other utilities and time of use pricing plans, and an increasing range of web tools and apps now available to help consumers manage and monitor their electricity usage. To check your options visit www.whatsmynumber.org.nz. What’s My Number is run by the Electricity Authority in partnership with Consumer NZ, and puts choice in consumers’ hands by helping them to shop around. What’s My Number is free and independent. It only takes two minutes to check your options.