How to switch
Switching
your electricity company is easy and can usually be done
either online or over the phone.
You will need your last bill with your current electricity
company as you will need to know your account number.
- Select the area you live in and then
select the cleanest energy option available in that area.
Contact the company you wish to change to and fill in their
online form or call their 0800 number. Check
our list of things
to consider before switching below.
Remember to have your last electricity
bill handy and tell them that you’re switching to
them because they are using clean, renewable energy. They
will inform your old supplier that you are switching. A
date to change your account (within a month) will be set
by them.
- A meter reading will be taken on
this date either by your new supplier
or read or estimated by your old supplier. You may also
be contacted directly and asked to provide this information.
- Congratulations! You
have made the switch to clean, renewable energy. You
will start to receive your regular accounts from your new
supplier.
- Now, last but not least, make sure
you let
your old supplier know why you have changed so that
they get the message Kiwi’s want clean renewable
energy and not more dirty old fossil fuels!
You can
do this by calling them, sending them an email or via their
website. Some companies will call you and / or send you a
feedback form in the post. This is an excellent opportunity
to get the message through.
Things to consider before switching electricity companies
- Make sure you discuss with your new supplier what pricing
plan is best for you and how much you are likely to pay
each month, before you commit to changing.
- Your new supplier may ask you
to pay a bond, which would be refunded to you if you
ever closed that account with them. However you may also
have paid a bond with your old supplier, and providing
you aren’t breaching any
of the conditions of your contract with them, you will
get that refunded.
- In some instances, if you have only recently set up
an account with your existing supplier, the terms of your
contract may mean that you are not allowed to change. Greenpeace
does not support or encourage breaking a contract with
your existing company. Find out from them when you would
be able to change without breaching your contract.
Note: Greenpeace encourages people to make the switch to
clean renewable energy, but does not encourage people to
refuse to pay their electricity bills.
Frequently Asked Switching Questions
What will change after I’ve switched?
Not much will change after you’ve switched. You will
receive a monthly bill as usual, this time from your new
supplier.
What will it cost to switch?
Usually nothing. However in some instances you may be asked
to pay a bond by your new supplier. This would be refunded
to you if you ever closed that account with them. You may
have previously paid a bond with your current supplier, and
providing you aren’t breaching any of the conditions
of your contract with them, you will get your old bond refunded.
Make sure you discuss with your new supplier pricing options
and make sure you understand and how much you are likely
to pay each month.
It also pays to check with your
existing supplier if there are any disconnection or final
reading fees. If you are asked to pay any fees, particularly
for “special meter readings” check
with the Commerce Commission to make sure the company is
charging legally.
Changing to a different type of plan may require an adjustment
to your meter, which may require an extra fee.
Will someone need to come to my house?
No, but your meter will be read regularly to assess your
usage.
Do I need a new meter?
You shouldn’t need a new meter, but if you change
the type of plan, your meter may need to be adjusted.
What if I change my mind?
Your new contract may specify that you can’t change
company for a period of time. Make sure you check your contract
first.
Will my electricity be shut off to change companies?
No. There will be no change to your normal electricity
supply.
What happens if I move?
You should be able to still be supplied by the same company
if they also supply in the area to which you’re moving.
Check with your supplier.
Electricity company contacts |
|
