The Gisborne region recorded the highest switching rates in the country with 2.31 per cent of consumers* switching electricity supplier in June. In the Gisborne region in June there were 15 companies to choose from.  

The Authority encourages people to check the deal that they are on.

The Authority’s Acting Chief Executive, Androula Dometakis, says “When retailers have to compete by offering better prices or deals, consumers have more choices and can play a more active role in the market by switching providers or asking for a better deal from their current retailer. This encourages retailers to adopt new technology and offer more attractive deals, or risk losing customers.”

The Gisborne region was followed closely by the Waikato region and Canterbury both with monthly switching rates of 2.22 per cent.

The Tasman region was the least active region with only 1.22 per cent of consumers switching retailers.

In 2017, there were 439,765 switches* between electricity companies. 

It’s quick and easy to check the What’s My Number website(external link), to identify potential savings.

“Checking your deal doesn’t mean you have to change plans, and it also isn’t always about finding the cheapest provider. Sometimes it’s just a matter of knowing what alternative services are being offered and what other arrangements might be right for you”, says Ms Dometakis.

— ends —

Notes

*This is the switch of an ICP number which can be deduced as a household.

An ICP is an Installation Control Point, which is the physical point connecting a home to the local distribution network.

A ‘switch’ occurs when an ICP changes from one electricity retailer to another.

See switching trends here(external link)

For more information:

Jayne Cooper-Woodhouse
Senior Communications Advisor
Ph: 04 460 8844
MB: 0275 651 308
Email: Jayne.Cooper-Woodhouse@ea.govt.nz

The Electricity Authority is an independent Crown Entity with a statutory objective to promote competition in, reliable supply by, and the efficient operation of, the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers.