Kiwis, Crunched By Household Bills, Vote Flick Best Electricity Provider

Kiwis, crunched by household bills, vote Flick best electricity provider

As the cost of living crisis bites, New Zealanders are increasingly worried about basic household bills such as electricity. But new research shows many simply ‘set and forget’ about their electricity providers and habits, potentially missing out on the right supplier for their habits and budget.

Canstar’s research reveals a third of us have compared electricity prices in the last 12 months, but only 12% have actually switched providers. This is despite 40% of us worrying about our electricity bills, a figure that jumps to nearly half for Kiwis in their 40s and 50s, who are likely also facing a rise in other household costs, such as mortgages and fuel.

Overall, there is a 15% jump in the number of Kiwis who say they are worried about their electricity costs compared to last year, with 45% of us piling on the blankets and extra clothes to stay warm rather than turning on the heating.

And while each household’s usage and needs are unique, offerings currently in market include numerous different savings and service offerings. The market is highly competitive and offerings such as cheap off-peak rates, free power at certain times, and low fixed costs suggest many Kiwis will be able to save or find a better match if they assess how their household uses power, and if they’re on the right plan with the right provider.

Canstar’s survey was conducted as part of its annual research to find New Zealanders’ favourite electricity provider. We’re proud to announce the winner this year is Flick Electric!

Flick, a repeat winner, won 5-star ratings from its customers across key Drivers of Satisfaction including Customer Service, Bill and Cost Clarity and Ease of Sign-Up. It also won 5 stars for Overall Satisfaction.

Jose George, Canstar NZ General Manager, said Canstar’s research showed how tough it was for Kiwi households at this time, with rising inflation and mortgage costs squeezing budgets.

“It is a challenging time for many, with several factors contributing to rising household costs. Many of these are outside our control, but we can manage our own budgets and see if there are ways to save on costs, or find providers that are more suited to our household needs.

“Flick Electric this year won Kiwis’ favourite electricity provider, ranking highly in areas customers most care about. It’s an emphatic win and we congratulate them for their success.”

Flick Electric’s interim CEO, Sunil Unka, said: “Providing customer value is what drives us, and this is a wonderful recognition of the shared values and sense of purpose we have here at Flick.

“We have been fortunate enough to receive customer awards year-on-year-on-year, and that level of consistency shows that we have a truly great team, who genuinely give a Flick about our customers!”

For further details please visit the Canstar NZ site here.

CANSTAR provides Australia and New Zealand's only fully interactive online research service in retail and business finance. Founded in 1992, CANSTAR Pty Limited (formerly CANNEX) is Australia and New Zealand's premier researcher of retail finance information for over 250 institutions such as Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions, Finance Companies, Brokers, Mortgage Originators, Life Companies and finance related Internet Portals. CANSTAR customers use the extensive database for competitor analysis as well as a means of disseminating their product range. CANSTAR also distributes this information to print and electronic media for publication and to Agents, Accountants, Brokers and Internet Portals for use in advising their clients. CANSTAR researches, compares and rates a suite of banking products listed below. Results are freely available to consumers who use the star ratings as a guide to product excellence. The use of similar star ratings logos also builds consumer recognition of quality products across all categories. Please access the CANSTAR website at www.canstar.co.nz if you would like to view the latest star ratings reports of interest. © CANSTAR New Zealand Limited (3225469), 2008-2013. The recipient must not reproduce or transmit to third parties the whole or any part of this work, whether attributed to CANSTAR or not, unless with prior written permission from CANSTAR, which if provided, may be provided on conditions. To the extent that any CANSTAR data, ratings or commentary constitutes general advice, this advice has been prepared by CANSTAR New Zealand Limited (3225469) FSP 200146 and does not take into account your individual investment objectives, financial circumstances or needs. Information provided does not constitute financial, taxation or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. CANSTAR recommends that, before you make any financial decision, you seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser. A Product Disclosure Statement relating to the product should also be obtained and considered before making any decision about whether to acquire the product. CANSTAR acknowledges that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

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