Waipā, check your power plan ahead of winter

With cooler months approaching and household electricity use expected to rise, we’re encouraging locals to take a few minutes now to check whether their current electricity plan is still right for them and whether they could be paying less.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, electricity is generated, transported through the national grid and local networks, and sold to households and businesses by electricity retailers, which are the retail brands customers typically deal with.

Waipā Networks is the local electricity distribution business, often referred to by customers as a lines company, and owns and maintains the local electricity network that delivers power to homes and businesses across the district.

As winter sets in, increased use of heating, lighting and hot water often leads to higher power bills. Reviewing your plan ahead of time can help avoid unnecessary costs over the colder months.

Last week, the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko, Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent electricity regulator, launched Billy, a new electricity plan comparison and switching tool. Billy replaces the former Powerswitch website, making it easier for Kiwis to understand their electricity use, compare plans across different retailers, and switch to the option that works best for them.

“Electricity pricing and plans are set by retailers, not electricity distribution companies like us,” says Anna Watson, General Manager Customer and Community at Waipā Networks.

“Our role is to deliver safe and reliable electricity across the district. What we can do is help people understand how the system works and where they can go to make informed decisions about their power use.”

Power bills can vary depending on factors such as daily fixed charges, peak and off-peak rates and the times of day electricity is used most. A plan that works well in summer may not always be the best fit in winter, particularly as household routines change.

Billy does not promote any particular power company or receive commissions. It simply shows how different plans could work for a household, based on the information people provide about their electricity use.

Waipā residents can review their power use using tools like Billy, or speak directly with their electricity retailer if they have questions about their current plan or want to explore other options.

“Supporting the uptake of tools like Billy, which help people understand their choices, manage their power use, and make cost savings where they can, is part of our role in supporting a resilient and informed Waipā community,” says Watson.

Anyone with questions about their current plan or pricing should contact their electricity retailer directly.