Understand Your Electricity Options and Rights

: 22 May 2015

Electricity Authority Urges Consumers to Understand Their Electricity Options and Rights

As Australasian Fraud Week comes to an end, the Electricity Authority is reminding consumers to check their electricity options and rights to make sure they are getting the best deal.

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, 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.

For more information on electricity consumer rights, click here.

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

ENDS

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