When is the best time to switch power providers?
All energy providers in New Zealand regularly add new plans and change tariffs, making it more challenging to determine the best time to switch power providers.
So how often should you check for new power deals? Many energy experts agree that it is worth your while to check and compare prices at least once every six months or once a year. To compare prices, all you need to do is enter your address into the Power Compare address finder and you will find the information you need within seconds.
Why switch power providers?
When it comes to bill - your gas and electricity bill will make up a large percentage of your costs. If you are on an incorrect tariff, or an out-of-date power plan, it can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars being spent unnecessarily on bills over the years.
When they move home, most people will sign up for a 12 or 24 month contract. When the term expires, most people simply allow their power contract to auto-renew or move onto a rolling contract. In this case you can end up on a more expensive tariff and pay more than you should for your power.
Increases in gas and electricity price
Although it is not always predictable, there are times when the general public gets informed of an impending price increase. Usually, when one provider increases costs, other providers will follow suit. If you want to avoid paying higher rates for your power, switch to a new plan or fixed rate plan as soon as possible.
Sites like Power Compare offer a convenient way to quickly compare services from different providers to find the best deal on power or gas.
When was the last time you switch power providers?
New customers usually get a better deal, but this deal is for a limited amount of time only. When it expires, expect to pay a higher tariff. If you allow your power contract to auto-renew or roll onto a monthly contract, you will often end up paying more as a result.
Luckily, switching power providers is a straightforward process. Simply enter your details into the Power Compare address finder to start comparing plans. Select the plan that suits you best, and enter a few basic details to get started.
Switch before winter sets in
Cold weather combined with fewer daylight hours means higher energy consumption. Naturally this means that your power bill will go up. Ideally, start comparing prices in summer or early autumn to get the best deal and choose a fixed-rate contract before winter arrives.