How to switch
Switching your electricity company is easy and can be done either online or over the phone.
All you need is your last bill from your current electricity company, because you’ll 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’re 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, apart from your contribution to solving the problem of climate change. 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 close 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 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. If you want to generate your own electricity and set up a netmetering agreement to be paid for excess generation that you feed back into the grid, you would need a new meter for that.
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.
Remember, your OLD electricity company will probably contact you asking you why you’ve switched. Make sure you take the opportunity to tell them you want them to switch to clean renewable energy.
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