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Black Box Power kWh electricity rates and energy plans

Compare every Black Box electricity plan currently on the market: tariff structure, contract length, exit fees, renewable share, solar buy-back and what each plan suits best. Data refreshed daily from the Selectra Energy-Core API.

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Black Box Power is one of the licensed electricity retailers operating in New Zealand, regulated by the Electricity Authority. On this page you will find every Black Box plan currently published in our comparator, with the tariff structure, fees, conditions and target audience for each one. Use it to understand what Black Box actually charges before you call them or sign up online.

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Black Box plans in detail

Every Black Box Power plan, decoded card by card.

Contract length, exit fees, tariff structure, who each plan suits best — straight from Black Box's published terms, with zero marketing spin.

Plans listed

2

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Covers

All NZ

North & South Island

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Black Box domestic plan

Electricity User Plan

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type: Variable (flat) electricity plan with a per‑kWh Energy Rate and a Daily Fixed Charge. Customers select either a Low User or Standard User option based on annual usage thresholds (8,000 kWh/year for most regions; 9,000 kWh/year in parts of the lower South Island). No time‑of‑use free periods are included.
  • How charges are calculated: your bill itemises Energy (per‑kWh), the Daily Fixed Charge, Network Services, Metering, Retailer Services and the Electricity Authority levy. Black Box Power states there is no mark‑up on electricity Network Services charges. On networks that publish time‑of‑use prices, Black Box converts them to a flat rate for customers.
  • Prices: Exact per‑kWh and Daily Fixed Charge rates are not publicly listed; they are provided in your Welcome Letter and can be viewed in your account. Contact the provider directly for current rates.
  • Smart meters and metering: a smart meter is not mandatory to join; where a smart meter is present, remote reads are used. Meter reads are obtained at least every two months for electricity.
  • Regional pricing notes (rates vary by local network; confirm with the provider): Northland – contact the provider for current rates; Auckland – contact the provider for current rates; Waikato – contact the provider for current rates; Bay of Plenty – contact the provider for current rates; Central North Island – contact the provider for current rates; Eastland – contact the provider for current rates; Taranaki – contact the provider for current rates; Whanganui – contact the provider for current rates; Wellington – contact the provider for current rates; Marlborough – contact the provider for current rates; Westland – contact the provider for current rates; Canterbury – contact the provider for current rates; Otago – contact the provider for current rates; Southland – contact the provider for current rates.
  • Eligibility highlights: residential customers only; must be or become a Black Box NZ member (Silver Membership provided while you stay on the plan). Low User pricing is for primary residences only and may be unavailable on some exempt networks.

Who this plan suits best

Best suited to households wanting simple, predictable pricing rather than managing peak/off‑peak windows. Small families with modest usage may benefit from the Low User option (lower daily charge, higher per‑kWh), while larger households that consume more electricity typically suit the Standard User option (higher daily charge, lower per‑kWh). The lack of prompt payment discounts simplifies bill comparison. Because the plan is a flat‑rate variable tariff without dedicated EV or night‑free features, EV owners who value simplicity over active load‑shifting may find it suitable; those seeking aggressive off‑peak charging incentives might prefer time‑of‑use offers elsewhere. The plan is residential‑only, so it is not aimed at small businesses. Solar users are not offered specific solar‑plan features on the website; if you export to the grid, confirm any buy‑back arrangements directly with the provider.

Additional services included

Optional broadband and home phone services are available to add to your electricity account. Broadband plans are offered on both BYO‑modem and supplied‑modem options; current plan prices (GST incl.) published on the Schedule of Fees include monthly charges such as $80–$85 for ADSL/VDSL or Standard Fibre, $60–$71 for Lite Fibre (BYO or modem‑included variants), $90 for 500/100 Fibre, and $106–$111 for max/500 Fibre. A Static IP add‑on is available for $13 per month. Modem delivery/return is $20, and modem equipment fees apply for the modem‑supplied plans. Home phone services can be added if you take a Black Box Power modem. The base National Landline plan is $10 per month, with a $20 per month add‑on for unlimited NZ mobile calling and unlimited international landline calling to selected countries. Standard electricity account fees (e.g., reconnection, meter reads) are listed separately on the Schedule of Fees and are not part of the electricity plan itself. Bundled energy is also supported: if you add gas (natural gas or LPG) to your electricity account, you receive the All Energy Discount of 30 cents per day. My Account online tools and the Fern chatbot are included at no extra cost to manage billing and usage.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Residential plan: available to residential electricity customers; you must be or become a Black Box NZ member to receive the plan’s Silver Membership perk.
  • Membership perk: complimentary Black Box NZ Silver Membership (at least one Black Box per year) is provided while you remain on the plan and complete Black Box NZ surveys; ceasing the plan ends the membership perk.
  • No long‑term contracts: you can leave at any time; if you received a joining credit, it may be reversed if you leave within 12 months.
  • Eligibility checks: standard credit check, proof of occupancy and metering check apply at sign‑up; supply may be declined at the provider’s discretion.
  • User categories: choose Low User (generally ≤8,000 kWh/year, or ≤9,000 kWh/year in parts of the lower South Island, primary residence only) or Standard User; Low User availability may be restricted on some networks.
  • Pricing disclosure: exact per‑kWh and daily charges are network‑ and property‑specific and are provided in your Welcome Letter and viewable in your account.
  • Network charges: electricity Network Services charges are passed through with no mark‑up; on some networks with time‑of‑use pricing, charges are converted to a flat rate.
  • Price changes: at least 30 days’ notice for fee/charge changes; individual notice (with reasons) if increases exceed 5%; delivery pass‑through adjustments may occur with 30 days’ notice where possible.
  • Plan changes: you may request to switch between Low User and Standard User (subject to lines company approval); one price plan change per year is free, additional changes may incur a fee.
  • Metering: smart meter not required; meter reads are taken at least every two months (electricity). Special metering or callouts may incur fees.
  • Fees: standard service fees (e.g., reconnection/disconnection, special reads) and broadband/phone charges (if taken) apply as per the Schedule of Fees.
  • Regional limitations: the plan is available only in selected regions; some areas (e.g., with Low Fixed Charge exemptions) may have specific conditions—confirm availability and rates directly with the provider.

Promotions and discounts

As of 3 November 2025, Black Box Power’s Electricity User Plan offers two ongoing electricity-related benefits: an All Energy Discount of 30 cents per day when you bundle both electricity and gas on the same account, and a complimentary Black Box NZ Silver Membership for customers on the plan (includes at least one Black Box per year and a Welcome Black Box on sign‑up). The Silver Membership is contingent on remaining on the plan and continuing to participate in Black Box NZ surveys; loss of membership does not affect your energy supply but removes the membership perk. The All Energy Discount applies to residential customers who hold both electricity and either natural gas or LPG with Black Box Power; it is applied daily while both fuels are active. There are no prompt payment discounts; pricing is positioned as “low price upfront.” A recent $150 sign‑up credit promotion for new residential electricity customers ended on 31 October 2025 and is not currently active. Standard eligibility for joining includes a satisfactory credit check, proof of occupancy, and a metering check.

How Black Box can change this plan's price

Black Box Power may change fees and charges with at least 30 days’ notice (sent by one of the standard notice methods). If a price increase exceeds 5%, they will write to you individually and provide reasons, except for specific exclusions such as customer‑requested changes or one‑off service fees. If you do not agree with a notified change, you may terminate the agreement. They also reserve the right to adjust and pass through Delivery‑related costs (e.g., transmission or distribution charges and wholesale market‑driven costs) where these are outside their reasonable control; where possible, 30 days’ notice is provided for such adjustments, and you can cancel if you do not agree. Standard terms and conditions themselves may be updated with 30 days’ notice via publication; the changes take effect 30 days after the notice date.

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Black Box domestic plan

Natural Gas Supply

Contract length

no fixed term

Exit fees

no exit fee

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type: Variable (no fixed term). Electricity charges comprise a daily fixed charge plus a per‑kWh usage charge. Customers are placed on Low User or Standard User pricing depending on annual usage thresholds (about 8,000 kWh/year, or 9,000 kWh/year in parts of the lower South Island).
  • Calculation: Your bill itemises daily fees and per‑kWh rates, with network charges passed through (no mark‑up) and, where exact per‑kWh pass‑through is impractical, calculated equivalents are used. No prompt‑payment discount; pricing is presented upfront. Load control may apply on eligible tariffs to help manage peak demand.
  • Prices per kWh: Specific per‑kWh and daily charges vary by network/region and plan (Low vs Standard User). If you bundle gas with electricity, an optional All Energy Discount of $0.30/day applies to your account.
  • Regional notes (rates not publicly listed): Northland – contact the provider directly to confirm current per‑kWh and daily charges. Auckland – contact the provider directly. Waikato – contact the provider directly. Bay of Plenty – contact the provider directly. Central North Island – contact the provider directly. Eastland – contact the provider directly. Taranaki – contact the provider directly. Whanganui – contact the provider directly. Wellington – contact the provider directly. Marlborough – contact the provider directly. Westland – contact the provider directly. Canterbury – contact the provider directly. Otago – contact the provider directly. Southland – contact the provider directly.
  • Eligibility: Low/Standard User selection depends on your usage and location; gas customers can receive the All Energy Discount when both electricity and gas/LPG are on the same account.


Who this plan suits best

Best suited to households wanting simple, variable pricing with no long‑term contract and the opportunity to bundle electricity and gas/LPG for a small daily discount—e.g., small families or larger households in the North Island already using natural gas for hot water/heating. The low‑vs‑standard user structure can suit both lighter‑use homes (lower daily fee, higher per‑kWh) and higher‑use homes (higher daily fee, lower per‑kWh). ([blackboxpower.co.nz](https://www.blackboxpower.co.nz/why-join-black-box-power/?utm_source=openai)) Less targeted to EV owners seeking aggressive off‑peak/time‑of‑use overnight rates (not advertised), and solar users should note that export buy‑back is available but varies by location rather than being a single nationwide rate—so potential value depends on your network and export profile. 

Additional services included

Optional add‑ons include Broadband (Unlimited data) and a Phone service that can be bundled with your electricity account. Indicative monthly prices (GST incl.) at current schedule: using your own modem, Starter ADSL/VDSL $80/month, Standard Fibre (100/20) $80/month, Lite Fibre (100/20) $60–$65/month depending on plan date, Everyday Fibre (500/100) $90/month, Fibre Pro (max/500) $106/month. If you request a Black Box Power modem, plan prices are $85/month (Starter ADSL/VDSL), $71/month (Lite Fibre), $95/month (Everyday Fibre), $111/month (Fibre Pro); modem delivery/return $20 and a modem fee may apply. Phone add‑ons: National Landline plan $10/month (base), plus $20/month for Unlimited NZ mobile calling and Unlimited international landline calling to selected countries. These services are optional and billed separately from energy. 

Plan conditions at a glance

  • To add Natural Gas/LPG you must be an existing Black Box Power electricity customer (bundling qualifies for the All Energy Discount).
  • Natural gas network coverage is the North Island (LPG is available more widely); availability at a specific address must be confirmed.
  • No long‑term contracts; you can leave at any time. A standard credit check is required at sign‑up and a join credit may be clawed back if you leave within 12 months.
  • Electricity/gas pricing includes a daily fixed charge and variable (per‑kWh) usage rates; Low User vs Standard User eligibility applies based on annual consumption and location.
  • Meter reads: gas meters without smart capability are typically read every second month (with interim estimates); customers can submit their own reads via My Account.
  • Switching timeframes: electricity switching typically up to 10 working days; natural gas connection/switching can take longer (up to ~23 working days) depending on circumstances.
  • Fees may apply for services such as special reads, (re)connections, site visits, and LPG deliveries; see schedule of fees for current amounts.
  • Network services charges are passed through without mark‑up (where practicable) and may change periodically; Black Box Power may adjust delivery/wholesale‑related costs with notice.


Promotions and discounts

Active: $150 sign‑up credit for new residential customers who join electricity with the promo code “150OFF”. The credit is applied to the first bill, runs from 3 June 2025 to 31 January 2026, cannot be combined with other offers, and is unavailable if anyone at the property has received a join credit in the last 12 months. Eligibility includes a satisfactory credit check, proof of occupancy and a metering check; if you switch away within 12 months, the $150 is clawed back on the final bill. ([blackboxpower.co.nz](https://blackboxpower.co.nz/offers-and-promotion-terms-and-conditions/)) Bundling: All Energy Discount of 30 cents per day when you have both electricity and natural gas/LPG with Black Box Power (discount continues despite the 1 October 2025 gas/LPG price change). Customers also receive complimentary Black Box NZ Silver Membership (guaranteed periodic “Black Boxes”) and a Welcome Box on sign‑up.

How Black Box can change this plan's price

Black Box Power may change fees and charges with generally 30 days’ notice. If an increase is more than 5%, they will notify you individually (e.g., letter or email) and give reasons. If you don’t agree to the change, you may terminate your agreement. ([blackboxpower.co.nz](https://blackboxpower.co.nz/assets/Black-Box-Residential-Standard-Terms-and-Conditions_250219.pdf)) They reserve the right to adjust delivery/network pass‑throughs and wholesale‑market‑driven costs that are outside their reasonable control (for electricity and gas). They aim to give 30 days’ notice where possible, and network service charge changes are typically flowed through without mark‑up; future changes (e.g., periodic network updates) are communicated via the price information page.

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Frequently asked questions

The Selectra expert answers your questions about electricity rates

  • Fixed rate: your unit price stays the same for the duration of the contract.
  • Variable rate: the retailer can adjust the unit rate at any time, with at least 30 days' notice. Prices broadly follow wholesale electricity costs.
  • Time-of-use: the unit price changes by period of the day — cheaper overnight and during off-peak hours, more expensive at peak times (typically 7-9am and 5-9pm).
  • Spot pricing: the unit price tracks the half-hourly wholesale market. Households with flexible usage can save when prices are low, but they are exposed to spikes during cold snaps or supply shortages.

The daily fixed charge covers the cost of staying connected to the grid: network maintenance, the lines from the street to your meter and the metering equipment itself. It is billed for every day you hold an active connection, regardless of how many kWh you use.

Households using less than 8,000 kWh per year (9,000 kWh in the lower South Island) may qualify for a low-fixed-charge tariff: a smaller daily fee paired with a slightly higher unit rate. This option is being phased out by April 2027, but it is still available today and is usually a good fit for small homes and singles.

Each part of New Zealand is served by its own local lines company (Vector in Auckland, Wellington Electricity, Powerco, Aurora, Orion and more). Each lines company sets its own delivery charges based on the cost of maintaining its network — and those costs vary widely:

  • Rural and low-density networks (East Coast, West Coast, parts of Otago) cost more per customer to maintain than dense urban ones.
  • Networks with significant underground cabling (central Auckland, Wellington CBD) are more expensive to upgrade but suffer fewer storm outages.
  • South Island networks pass through hydro-rich generation regions, which can lower the wholesale component on some plans.

For these reasons, a customer in Dunedin can pay a different rate from a customer in Hamilton on the same Black Box Power plan.

Comparing electricity plans is not just about the headline rate. Before signing, check:

  • Unit rate (¢ / kWh): what you pay for each unit of electricity. Lower is better.
  • Daily charge (¢ / day): a fixed cost added every day, regardless of usage.
  • Discounts: prompt-payment, direct-debit and online-billing discounts can knock 1-3% off the total.
  • Contract term and exit fees: open-term plans are usually free to leave. Fixed-term plans may charge a break fee.
  • Plan extras: free-power hours, EV night rates, solar buy-back, broadband bundle discounts.

Always cross-check your offer against several retailers using your real ICP and a 12-month consumption history before signing — the headline rate alone never tells the full story.

Under the standard terms used by most New Zealand retailers, variable rates and daily charges can be adjusted at any time, with at least 30 days' written notice to the customer. Notice is usually sent by email, on the bill, or via the customer portal. This 30-day minimum is industry practice rather than a hard statutory rule, so always check the price-change clause printed on the plan terms.

Fixed-term plans are different: the unit rate and daily charge are locked in for the duration of the contract (typically 12, 24 or 36 months). If you do not switch or renegotiate at the end of the term, you are usually moved onto the retailer's standard variable rate.