Take an electricity check-up during Money Week

Take an electricity check-up during Money Week

14 October 2014

The Electricity Authority is urging Kiwis to take a couple of minutes during Money Week (which runs from 13-19 October) to check www.whatsmynumber.org.nz and make sure they are getting the best power deal.

The latest data from the What’s My Number website shows users could save an average of $174.96 per annum by switching to the lowest priced retailer in their area. The savings varied depending on location and household size. Some areas (including the Hawkes Bay and West Coast) had identified average savings as high as $500 per annum.

What’s My Number is an initiative run by the Electricity Authority in partnership with Consumer NZ. The free and independent website allows consumers to easily compare deals offered by different electricity retailers.

Carl Hansen, Chief Executive of the Authority, says “New Zealand’s competitive electricity market makes it incredibly easy for consumers to switch retailers. We encourage everyone to be actively shopping around and regularly checking their power deal. This not only helps makes sure you are getting the best deal, but also adds to the competitive pressure on retailers.”

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said the hundreds of dollars Kiwis could potentially save simply by switching electricity retailers was worth the small effort required. “Consumer’s free powerswitch.org.nz website (which powers What’s My Number) included all retailers, all prices and makes the switching process easy.”

What’s My Number is one part of the Authority’s wider programme of work to improve retail competition and consumer participation in the electricity industry. Other key projects underway include work to improve the data available freely to consumers, and a project to improve the transparency of consumers’ electricity bills.

Don’t forget to check. Visit www.whatsmynumber.org.nz

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