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Who Are New Zealand’s Electricity Retailers?
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New Zealand households can choose from a variety of electricity suppliers, including major providers such as Genesis Energy, Mercury, Meridian Energy, Contact Energy, Nova Energy, Electric Kiwi, and Flick Electric. These companies offer diverse plans tailored to different needs, including off-peak rates, fixed-term contracts, and bundled services like gas and broadband, allowing consumers to select options that best fit their usage patterns and preferences.
New Zealand’s household electricity market is dominated by four major gentailers: Mercury, Genesis, Contact, and Meridian, companies that both generate and retail electricity. Together, they supply the vast majority of residential connections, leveraging their generation assets to maintain market share and brand recognition.
Major Gentailers in New Zealand Household Electricity Market
Market share
Last Updated: October 2025
Most of New Zealand’s electricity comes from low-cost renewable sources (hydro, geothermal, wind), with some high-cost thermal generation (mainly the Huntly power station) setting the wholesale price. The market design, which sets the wholesale price by the highest-cost generator, often results in higher electricity prices for households than the underlying cost of renewable generation.
Independent retailers such as Nova Energy, Pulse Energy, Electric Kiwi, 2degrees, and Octopus Energy provide alternatives for households seeking competitive rates, flexible plans, or renewable-focused options. Despite this, prices for households remain elevated due to entrenched market structures, monopoly power of the gentailers, and historical regulatory design.
⚡ New Zealand Household Energy Providers & Their Services
Provider
Electricity
Gas
Broadband
Mobile
Insurance
Contact Energy
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
Genesis Energy
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
Meridian Energy
✅
❌
✅
❌
❌
Mercury Energy
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
Electric Kiwi
✅
❌
✅
✅
❌
Nova Energy
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
Megatel
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
Pulse Energy
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
Frank Energy
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Powershop
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Ecotricity
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Globug
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Octopus Energy
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Tensor
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Toast
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Black Box Power
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
Grey Power Electricity
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
Just Energy
✅
✅
❌
❌
❌
Nau Mai Rā
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
Slingshot
✅
❌
✅
✅
❌
Wise Prepay Energy
✅
❌
❌
❌
❌
2degrees
✅
❌
✅
✅
❌
Who is the best electricity supplier in New Zealand?
Choosing the best electricity supplier depends on your unique needs and preferences. To make an informed decision, consider the following criteria:
Competitive Pricing: Look for suppliers offering competitive rates, discounts, and special offers.
Renewable Energy Options: Consider suppliers that provide renewable energy sources to align with sustainability goals.
Customer Service: Evaluate the reliability and responsiveness of customer support.
Customer Reviews: Check for positive feedback from current customers.
Special Services: Determine if they offer services like electric vehicle (EV) tariffs or microgeneration rates.
How much is the average annual electricity bill in New Zealand?
As of late 2024, the average Kiwi household consumed about 7,107 kWh of electricity per year. At an average rate of 33.89 cents per kWh, this works out to roughly NZD $200 per month or $2,400 per year.
What the Average Actually Means? When we talk about the "average" Kiwi electricity bill, it’s a national figure based on all households, combining high-use and low-use households across urban and rural areas. If your bill is above average, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re wasting electricity; you might live in a region with higher rates or have higher energy needs.
Keep in mind: this is an average across the country. Your household may pay more or less depending on your location, usage, and the electricity plan you choose.
Why electricity bills vary across New Zealand?
Electricity costs aren’t the same everywhere in Aotearoa. Several factors influence how much households pay:
Regional Price Differences Electricity rates vary between regions due to differences in local supply, infrastructure, and demand. For example:
Kerikeri: $269 per month
Westport: $268 per month
Christchurch: $184 per month
Smaller towns or more remote areas often face higher bills because it costs more to maintain and supply electricity to these locations.
Household Usage Patterns How much electricity your household uses will also affect your bill:
Winter heating: Kiwis typically use more electricity in winter to keep their homes warm.
Appliances: Larger households, or those with high-energy appliances such as heat pumps or electric hot water systems, naturally use more electricity.
Off-Peak and Time-of-Use Plans Some electricity plans offer cheaper rates during off-peak periods. Shifting energy-intensive tasks—like running washing machines, dishwashers, or charging electric vehicles—to these times can help reduce your monthly bill.
Electricity Suppliers NZ FAQs
🔄 How to Switch Electricity Suppliers?
Switching electricity providers in New Zealand is generally quick and straightforward. Once you sign up with your new supplier, the switch typically takes a few business days to around two weeks. Your electricity supply will not be interrupted during the switch. Your new supplier will coordinate with your old provider to transfer your account.
💳 What Happens If I Owe Money to My Old Electricity Supplier?
If you have an outstanding balance with your previous electricity supplier, you cannot avoid payment by switching. The old supplier may pursue the debt through reminders or debt collection if unpaid. You’ll need to settle any overdue charges to maintain a good payment record and avoid issues with future accounts.
💸 Are There Exit Fees If I Switch Suppliers?
Most electricity providers in New Zealand do not charge exit fees for standard residential plans. However, some fixed-term or promotional plans may include early exit fees, so it’s important to review your contract before switching.
🔒 Can I Switch If I’m on a Fixed-Term Contract?
Yes, you can switch electricity suppliers while on a fixed-term contract. However, some retailers include a “break fee” in their fixed-term contracts. The break fee applies if you terminate the contract (by switching) before the fixed term ends. Before switching, make sure to check the terms and conditions of your current contract.
Contact Energy
Genesis Energy
Meridian Energy
Mercury Energy
Electric Kiwi
Nova Energy
Megatel
Pulse Energy
Frank Energy
Powershop
Ecotricity
Globug
Octopus Energy
Tensor
Toast
Black Box Power
Grey Power Electricity
Just Energy
Nau Mai Rā
Slingshot
Wise Prepay Energy
2degrees