‘What’s My Number’ campaign to benefit even more

‘What’s My Number’ campaign to benefit even more New Zealanders

The Electricity Authority, the Independent Crown Entity running the ‘What’s my Number’ campaign encouraging New Zealanders to shop around for electricity, today annouced a nationwide association with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Three months since the launch of the Electricity Authority’s switching campaign, New Zealanders using the website www.whatsmynumber.org.nz have performed over 398,000 calculations identifying potential savings of around $62 million on their electricity bills, with 127,966 making the switch.

Through the website www.whatsmynumber.org.nz New Zealanders are able to make more informed choices about their electricity suppliers. Now, volunteers within the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will be able to assist people to make the switch. The Authority is also rolling out a training programme to budget advisory services across the country, to ensure as many New Zealanders as possible have the opportunity to compare and switch electricity retailers.

Vendor Sales Support Ltd is providing the training to the CAB and budget advisory services nationwide, on behalf of the Authority, to ensure that frontline staff understand how online tools such as www.whatsmynumber.org.nz can help their clients.

This training, along with the association with the CAB, will ensure that the potential to save money on their electricity bill is made accessible to a broader range of New Zealanders, including those who do not have access to the internet at home, or prefer to use a face-to-face service.

The www.whatsmynumber.org.nz website enables people to quickly identify whether they can save money on their electricity bills by using a simple calculator. If eligible, people wanting to access these savings can then link to Consumer NZ’s Powerswitch site www.powerswitch.org.nz to confirm a new retail deal and initiate the switch to a new retailer.

“People often come to us seeking advice on their electricity bills, including how they can keep costs down,” says Citizens Advice Bureau, Chief Executive, Kerry Dalton.

“We explore their options with them, including making the most of the online tools such as the ‘What’s My Number’ website.”

“Training CAB and budgeting services’ staff on the use of online switching tools ensures they can show their clients how to take control of their electricity bills,” says Authority Chief Executive, Carl Hansen.

“The more informed New Zealanders are about how easy it is to switch, the more motivated electricity suppliers are to offer consumers better deals and service.

“We’re looking forward to forming associations with relevant organisations and educating even more New Zealanders about the benefits of making a switch if they find a better deal.”

For more information visit www.whatsmynumber.org.nz

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