Carl Hansen, Chief Executive of the Electricity Authority explains “we have a very active market, with many retailers offering a range of competitive deals aimed at different lifestyles. This means it is vital for consumers to shop around to find the retailer which best meets their needs.

“The switching process when changing electricity providers is very simple. The new retailer will handle the entire process for consumers and on average it only takes three to four days,” Hansen says.

“It is also important for consumers to know their rights; there are lots of different deals available including options that involve pre-pay or fixed-term contracts. Different options suit different people. A simple and fast way for consumers to check what deals might suit them best is to visit What’s My Number(external link), a free and independent tool run by the Electricity Authority and Consumer New Zealand.

Electricity is covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act, and consumers have seven days to change their mind once they have switched. If a consumer decides not to go ahead with the switch, they can contact their current provider who will reverse the action for them.

If consumers have a complaint, they should contact their supplier as soon as possible. The majority of issues are solved by doing this. However, if consumers do not get resolution they should then contact the independent Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner Scheme(external link).

Visit the Authority's web page on your rights as a an electricity consumer.

To check that you’re on the best deal with the best provider for your needs, visit www.whatsmynumber.org.nz(external link).


For further information please contact:

Frances Coles
Acumen Republic for Electricity Authority
P: +64 4 494 5126
E: fcoles@acumenrepublic.com