KCE completes handover of customers to Trustpower

Customers of electricity retailer and generator King Country Energy (KCE) have now had their energy services transferred to Trustpower.

The handover was completed in mid-July, following an announcement in March of a joint venture (JV) takeover of KCE by shareholders of King Country Energy Ltd (KCE), Trustpower Ltd (Trustpower) and King Country Electric Power Trust (KCEPT). As part of the JV, Trustpower has acquired KCE’s retail customers.

KCE General Manager Chris Fincham says he is pleased that all KCE customers have been smoothly transferred to Trustpower.

“KCE has worked closely with Trustpower to ensure a seamless transition process for its customers, without customers needing to do anything.”

KCE customers are each receiving Welcome Packs from Trustpower as they transfer.

Mr Fincham says KCE customers were transferred to Trustpower in line with their normal billing date, “So if they were receiving their KCE bill on the 20th of the month, their Trustpower bill will continue to come on the 20th of the month.

“The new Trustpower customers will continue to receive the same high level of service they have grown accustomed to and will continue to be looked after by New Zealand-based staff who really care about them.”

Customers of The Lines Company will continue to receive their monthly network bill as usual and customers requiring LPG will continue being serviced through Trustpower.

All KCE’s meter readers have been offered permanent jobs by a specialist metering company, FCL Metering.

Mr Fincham says the transition process also included exploring other employment opportunities for KCE staff working in the customer service centre and support team.

“I’m pleased to say the vast majority of the 43 KCE staff members have been offered jobs in other companies or in the community or have secured an alternative plan.

“KCE has always taken seriously its responsibility to support the King Country community through various sponsorships such as the Heartland Community Fund. It is a great outcome that Trustpower will continue to run these initiatives.

“We are grateful for the support of the King Country community and KCE staff throughout this process,” says Mr Fincham.

KCE will continue to own and manage the generation assets of the business, which are the Mangahao, Kuratau, Wairere, Mokauiti and Piriaka power stations. Its remaining staff will continue to be based in Taumarunui.

For further information on KCE customers’ transfer to Trustpower, visit trustpower.co.nz/landing-pages/KCE.

ENDS

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