Electricity Authority Chief Executive Carl Hansen says “this high level of switching is really positive as it shows that West Coast consumers are actively shopping around to get a better deal.”

“Traditionally the West Coast switching rates have been low. The August level is a huge jump from the July level which indicates that electricity retailers are actively marketing and offering competitive deals. I’d encourage all consumers to check www.whatsmynumber.org.nz(external link) to make sure they are still on the sharpest deal.”

The West Coast led the country in switching rates with 3.2% of the population switching their electricity retailer in August 2015. That is compared to a national average of 1.7%.

In 2014 the West Coast had the lowest switching rate in New Zealand, but consumers who switched to the cheapest deal available could have saved an estimated average of $224 annually, the second highest average saving in the country.

 

Editor’s note: Please find attached the links to view the graphs with the supporting evidence for this release

www.emi.ea.govt.nz/r/ficv0(external link)

www.emi.ea.govt.nz/r/ifgkk(external link)

 

For more information:

Leah Chamberlin 
Communications Adviser
021 073 7777

Nicky Chilton
Communications Manager
021 321 831