More choice as retailers innovate in options
More choice as retailers innovate in product, payment
options
Consumers now have even more choice over who supplies their electricity, the products on offer, and ways to pay than they have ever had, says the Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ).
Chief Executive Jenny Cameron welcomed the Electricity
Authority’s 2015 market performance review, which shows
there now are 31 retail brands backed by 20 retailers, all
offering something different in a bid to attract customers
and increase service options.
“Electricity retailers
continued to innovate in 2015, particularly by offering new
products and alternative ways for consumers to pay for and
manage their electricity use, and the report reflects
that.
“Customers are increasingly better off in terms of price and service because of this ongoing innovation, and it’s coming from all parts of the retail sector – big and small.
“Examples of new innovative products include a ‘free hour of power’ at selected time periods, passing on spot electricity pricing, bundling of services such as internet broadband with electricity and gas, useful apps and website tools, more and improved pre-pay options, targeted pricing plans for owners of electric vehicles, batteries or solar panels, and options to spread payments or choose a payment date.
“These are just some of the standouts. All companies are committed to giving customers more choice to suit their individual needs.
“This report not only reinforces the fact
that the industry is highly tuned to customers’ needs but
is also working hard to come up with ways of making the
process more accessible, flexible, and efficient for
everyone. High customer satisfaction rates with electricity
retailers in 2015 demonstrate that.”
The Electricity
Authority report can be found here.
About the
Electricity Retailers Association of New Zealand
ERANZ
was established in August 2015 to represent the electricity
retail industry on important sector-wide issues such as
delivering value to stakeholders and consumers, and
supporting the continued development of an open,
competitive, sustainable and effective electricity market.
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