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7 plans live in our comparator

Ecotricity kWh electricity rates and energy plans

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

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Ecotricity plans in detail

Every Ecotricity plan, decoded card by card.

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

Plans listed

7

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Covers

All NZ

North & South Island

Ecotricity logo
Ecotricity domestic plan

ecoANYTIME

Contract length

no fixed term

Exit fees

$150 break fee if you do not give 30 days’ notice before switching or disconnecting

Bond / deposit

$150 residential bond if required

Ecotricity logo
Ecotricity domestic plan

ecoSAVER

Contract length

no fixed term

Exit fees

$0

Bond / deposit

$150 bond if required (residential)

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type: Time‑of‑Use (TOU) import pricing with peak and off‑peak energy rates. Off‑peak rates are available on weekdays during lower‑demand hours and all weekend; exact windows can vary by network and meter configuration.
  • How charges are calculated: you pay a variable kWh energy rate that is lower in off‑peak periods and higher in peak periods, plus fixed daily charges (network lines charges, metering fees, and an admin & climate‑positive certification component). Bills are typically issued monthly.
  • Typical TOU windows: peak periods on weekdays commonly align with 7–11am and 5–9pm; off‑peak periods commonly cover 11am–5pm and 9pm–7am on weekdays, with 24‑hours off‑peak on weekends. Actual times may differ by network; check your address‑specific schedule.
  • Indicative savings: off‑peak import rates can be up to 50%–56% lower than peak rates depending on your network and usage profile.
  • Daily fees: fixed charges apply each day (e.g., lines/network, metering, admin/certification). Amounts vary by network and metering type.
  • Price per kWh: varies by network and meter type. For current import rates at your ICP/address in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central North Island, Eastland, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, please contact the provider directly.
  • Eligibility/requirements: a smart meter is generally required for TOU plans; availability depends on your network. No long‑term contract term; lines charges are passed through at cost.

Who this plan suits best

ecoSAVER is best suited to customers who can shift a meaningful share of their usage to off‑peak times and weekends: e.g., EV owners without solar who can charge overnight, work‑from‑home households able to run appliances in weekday off‑peak windows, and families who can schedule laundry/cooking for weekends. The plan’s positioning emphasises up to 50% cheaper off‑peak rates (network‑dependent) and explicitly calls out EV charging for those without solar.  Customers whose usage is concentrated in weekday evening peaks (e.g., 5–9pm) may see less benefit unless they can shift demand. If you have solar and a battery, you might compare ecoSAVER with ecoSOLAR (which pays higher export rates at peak times) to see which aligns better to your import/export profile. 

Additional services included

Optional EV charging offer: Ecotricity customers can access an Evnex charger promotion — $100 off hardware for the single‑phase E2 with code ECO100, or $150 off when purchasing hardware plus installation (installation and shipping costs apply). This is optional and limited to eligible models/customers. Virtual Power Plant/ResiFlex: In the Orion network, eligible customers with solar plus a battery can join Ecotricity’s VPP and receive 60c/kWh for peak exports during events. This is optional and contingent on programme enrolment, network location, and equipment. Pricing reflects credits paid to participants, not a fee.  Solar export buy‑back (alternative plan): If you switch to Ecotricity’s ecoSOLAR plan instead of ecoSAVER, export credits are currently 21c/kWh at peak (7–11am, 5–9pm) and 16c/kWh off‑peak (other times). This is an optional alternative plan for solar homes rather than an add‑on to ecoSAVER.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Time‑of‑Use import pricing with lower off‑peak rates and higher peak rates; off‑peak applies on weekdays during lower‑demand hours and all weekend (exact times vary by network).
  • Smart meter generally required for TOU; availability depends on your local network and metering configuration.
  • No long‑term contracts and no joining fees; lines and metering charges are passed through at cost.
  • Monthly billing is typical; invoices are usually due 10 business days after issue.
  • Fixed daily charges apply (network, metering and admin/climate‑positive certification); plus the EA levy per kWh.
  • Off‑peak import rates can be up to 50–56% lower than peak rates depending on your network and usage.
  • Ecotricity may change distribution and energy charges with at least 20 Business Days’ notice and reasons (except where an energy price freeze applies to a fixed‑price term).
  • Best results when you can shift usage to off‑peak windows (e.g., overnight charging, weekday off‑peak appliances, weekend usage).
  • Address‑specific prices and time windows are determined by your network; check your exact rates and eligibility during sign‑up.

Promotions and discounts

ecoSAVER is Ecotricity’s time-of-use plan that offers cheaper electricity during off‑peak periods, including all weekend, with potential savings of up to 50–56% off peak rates depending on your local network and usage pattern. Off‑peak windows typically align to when grid demand is lower (weekday late morning/afternoon and overnight), and the plan is promoted as especially helpful for shifting household tasks to cheaper times. Savings are dependent on your metering setup and the specific network schedule at your address. Ecotricity periodically runs partner offers relevant to ecoSAVER households. Current examples include an EV charging hardware promotion with Evnex for existing Ecotricity customers ($100 off hardware only for the single‑phase E2 when using code ECO100; or $150 off when purchasing hardware plus installation), with normal installation or shipping costs applying. Eligibility is limited to Ecotricity customers and specific charger models. Related incentives that some ecoSAVER customers may qualify for include Ecotricity’s virtual power plant initiatives (e.g., ResiFlex in the Orion network) that pay 60c/kWh for peak exports when you have solar plus a battery and are enrolled in the programme. Note that solar buy‑back rates of 21c/kWh (peak) and 16c/kWh (off‑peak) apply to Ecotricity’s ecoSOLAR plan rather than ecoSAVER, but they illustrate additional provider incentives for flexible/solar households. Ecotricity also states that it passes distribution network fee reductions through at cost when distributors lower prices. 

How Ecotricity can change this plan's price

Ecotricity’s residential terms state that it may amend distribution network charges when distributors change their prices and may amend energy charges, with at least 20 Business Days’ notice and reasons for the change. Notice of broader term changes (excluding charges) is also provided with an opportunity to comment, either directly or by public notice. Where a fixed‑term “energy price freeze” applies (e.g., to a fixed‑price plan), energy prices are not changed during the fixed term. Ecotricity also notes that standard pricing can be fixed for up to three years unless otherwise specified. Separately, for wholesale spot‑linked plans, billing frequency and amounts can adjust to reflect wholesale market price movements.

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Ecotricity domestic plan

ecoSOLAR

Contract length

no fixed term

Exit fees

NZ$150 break fee if you do not give 30 days’ notice (after 10 days from switch)

Solar buy-back

21c per kWh (peak, 7–11am & 5–9pm weekdays); 16c per kWh (off-peak)

Bond / deposit

Residential bond, if required: NZ$150

Who this plan suits best

ecoSOLAR is best suited to households with rooftop solar, particularly those able to export during weekday peaks (7–11 am and 5–9 pm). Homes with batteries can maximise value by storing solar or cheap shoulder energy and exporting during peaks to capture the higher buy‑back rate; programmes like Flexibility Services or the Orion Resi‑Flex trial can further enhance returns. Small families or large households that already have solar and a smart meter will benefit from the simple flat import energy rate and strong export credits, especially if someone is home during the day to self‑consume and a battery shifts remaining solar to the evening peaks. EV owners with solar can charge from their own generation or at flat import energy rates; EV‑only households without solar typically fit Ecotricity’s ecoSAVER off‑peak plan better. Small businesses usually require business connections and may be better served by Ecotricity’s commercial solar export plans (e.g., Export 144) rather than residential ecoSOLAR.

Additional services included

Optional add‑ons frequently available to ecoSOLAR customers include: (1) Flexibility Services Programme, which remotely optimises eligible solar‑and‑battery systems in exchange for a $30 monthly bill credit for 12 months and peak export pricing; opt out with 30‑days’ notice. (2) Orion‑area Resi‑Flex trial, paying 60c/kWh for peak exports through 30 September 2026 for eligible battery customers on the Orion network. Both are optional and require being an Ecotricity customer with a compatible system. Included/low‑cost services relevant to ecoSOLAR: import/export smart‑meter installation is typically covered by Ecotricity up to about $80 (standard jobs; travel surcharges may apply). Partner offers appear from time to time (for example, EV charger discounts such as $100 off hardware or $150 off hardware+installation for specific models). Access to Ecotricity’s customer portal and time‑of‑use data is included at no additional charge.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Eligibility: residential customers with rooftop solar and an import/export smart meter; smart meters are required on all Ecotricity price plans.
  • Export pricing: credits of 21c/kWh (weekday peaks 7–11 am, 5–9 pm) and 16c/kWh at other times; credits appear on monthly bills and GST applies if you are GST‑registered.
  • Import pricing: flat retail energy component (ex‑GST) across the day; total delivered price varies by network, with network and metering fees passed through at cost.
  • Metering: standard import/export meter installation is typically covered by Ecotricity up to about $80; additional travel fees may apply.
  • Term and exit: generally no fixed‑term contract for residential customers; you can leave at any time (standard switching timeframes apply).
  • Billing: billed monthly; due ~10 days after invoice issue; direct debit and standard payment methods available.
  • Price movements: network fee changes may be passed through; energy charges may change with at least 20 business days’ notice unless a fixed price term applies.
  • Add‑on programmes (optional): Flexibility Services and, in Orion/Canterbury, Resi‑Flex may provide extra export credits/bonuses subject to eligibility and programme terms.
  • No prompt‑payment discounts; pricing is presented up‑front with pass‑through of external charges at cost.

Promotions and discounts

Active incentives tied to ecoSOLAR focus on rewarding solar exports and supporting solar/battery customers. The plan’s defining promotion is elevated buy‑back pricing for exported solar: 21c/kWh during weekday peak periods (7–11 am and 5–9 pm) and 16c/kWh at other times. These credits appear on your monthly bill and are intended for residential customers on ecoSOLAR with an import/export smart meter. Two optional programmes may further boost value for eligible customers. The Flexibility Services Programme offers a $30 energy credit each month for 12 months when you allow Ecotricity to remotely optimise your connected solar and battery system; typical eligibility includes being an Ecotricity customer with at least a ~5 kWp solar array, ~5 kW inverter, and a battery, and you can opt out with 30‑days’ notice. In the Orion (Canterbury) network, the Resi‑Flex trial pays a premium 60c/kWh for exports during extended weekday peaks (7–11 am and 5–10 pm) through 30 September 2026, with standard off‑peak export at 16c/kWh; participation requires an eligible battery, being on an Ecotricity plan, and consenting to managed charging/discharging. Additional customer perks that commonly accompany ecoSOLAR include standard import/export meter installation covered by Ecotricity (valued up to about $80; travel surcharges may apply) and occasional partner offers (e.g., EV charger discounts). Ecotricity does not use prompt‑payment discounts; network and metering charges are passed through at cost rather than discounted.

How Ecotricity can change this plan's price

Ecotricity’s residential terms allow it to vary contract terms (other than charges) with notice and consultation, and to change prices in defined circumstances with advance notice. Specifically, changes to distribution/network charges may be passed through whenever the local network updates its fees, with at least 20 business days’ notice and reasons provided. Energy (per‑kWh) charges can also be amended with at least 20 business days’ notice and reasons, except where an Energy Price Freeze/Fixed‑term price applies. Ecotricity also indicates that its standard retail energy and daily charges are typically fixed for up to three years unless otherwise specified, after which they may be reviewed. Valid triggers for price changes include network/distributor fee updates, changes in wholesale energy costs (where applicable to the plan), regulatory or tax changes (e.g., GST), and adjustments required to reflect cost movements in metering or market services. Notices are generally provided directly (e.g., email/bill message) and take effect after the stated notice period.

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Ecotricity domestic plan

ecoWHOLESALE

Contract length

no fixed term

Exit fees

$0

Bond / deposit

$150 bond if required (residential)

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type: Variable (spot-linked). Import energy is billed at the wholesale spot price that changes every 30 minutes, plus Ecotricity’s admin fee, applicable network charges, metering charges, and GST. There is no fixed peak/off-peak retail rate or free-power period on ecoWHOLESALE.
  • How charges are calculated: per half-hour kWh at your network node’s wholesale price + Ecotricity admin fee (amount quoted with your address) + pass-through network/lines charges (fixed daily + variable) + metering + GST. Ecotricity passes network and metering costs at published cost.
  • Price characteristics: spot prices can be extremely low (as low as 1 c/kWh) and are uncapped during tight supply/demand periods. Customers should actively manage usage to lower-cost periods.
  • Billing & metering: smart meter required; billing is typically monthly by direct debit. For significant spot price events, invoices may be issued more frequently. Wash-up adjustments may occur when interim spot prices are replaced by final prices.
  • Regional rates: wholesale prices vary half-hourly and network charges differ by region. Daily and variable network charges apply in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central North Island, Eastland, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, but specific cents/kWh and daily fees depend on your ICP/address. If your region’s current rates cannot be confirmed in your quote, please contact the provider directly.
  • Eligibility notes: suitable for customers who understand spot pricing and can shift load. A smart meter and acceptance of half-hourly variable pricing are required.

Who this plan suits best

ecoWHOLESALE suits EV owners, solar-and-battery users, small businesses, and larger or energy-aware households that can shift discretionary load (EV charging, water heating, laundry, battery charging) into low-price periods. These users can actively monitor prices and benefit from very cheap half-hourly spot rates when supply is abundant. It is less suitable for customers who want bill certainty or who consume most of their power during typical evening peaks. Small families with relatively inflexible schedules may prefer fixed or time-of-use plans unless they can automate shifting loads.

Additional services included

• Flexibility Services (optional): An add-on available to eligible Ecotricity customers with a qualifying solar + battery system. Ecotricity helps manage charging/discharging; participants receive a $30 monthly energy credit for up to 12 months and earn a peak export rate of 21c/kWh on weekday peak exports. No exit penalties; 30 days’ notice to leave. • Smart meter upgrade (included/conditional): Ecotricity arranges smart meter upgrades where required for plan eligibility; in many cases this is provided free, though non-standard metering charges can apply depending on site conditions. Pricing is quoted case-by-case. If you do not have solar/battery or do not wish to participate in load management, there are no other ecoWHOLESALE-specific add-ons publicly advertised. If you require export buy-back rates, Ecotricity’s ecoSOLAR plan has defined export pricing rather than ecoWHOLESALE.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Import energy is billed at wholesale spot prices that vary every 30 minutes; prices can be very low at times and are uncapped during peaks. Active price monitoring and load shifting are recommended.
  • Smart meter required; Ecotricity will arrange upgrades and may charge non-standard metering fees depending on site conditions.
  • Network and metering charges are passed through at cost (fixed daily and variable components) and vary by your local lines company and address.
  • Billing is typically monthly by direct debit; invoices may be issued more frequently during significant spot price events. Wash-up adjustments may occur when interim spot prices are replaced with final market prices.
  • No long-term fixed-term contract is required. Standard Terms of Use apply, including credit checks, potential security bond, and notice requirements for account changes or switching.
  • Price-change notices: at least 20 Business Days for changes to network or energy charge components set by Ecotricity; spot prices themselves change half-hourly by design.
  • Eligibility for optional Flexibility Services requires being an Ecotricity customer and having a suitable solar + battery system; separate participation terms apply.
  • Regional-specific cents/kWh and daily charges depend on your ICP/address; contact Ecotricity for a quote for your region.

Promotions and discounts

As of 3 November 2025, ecoWHOLESALE does not advertise plan-specific bill discounts or "free power" time windows. However, Ecotricity operates an optional Flexibility Services programme that ecoWHOLESALE customers can join if they also have a suitable solar and battery setup. The programme credits participants with a $30 energy credit each month for up to 12 months and pays a peak export rate of 21c/kWh on energy exported during weekday peak periods. Eligibility includes being an Ecotricity electricity customer, having at least a ~5 kWp solar system with a battery (and allowing Ecotricity to manage charge/discharge as needed), and providing 30 days’ notice to leave; there are no penalties to exit. Ecotricity also states it will arrange smart meter upgrades for customers; in some cases this is provided free, though non-standard metering charges may apply depending on site conditions. No separate sign-up credits or referral bonuses for ecoWHOLESALE are currently advertised on Ecotricity’s NZ site.

How Ecotricity can change this plan's price

For ecoWHOLESALE, the per‑kWh energy price inherently changes every half hour with the wholesale market; these fluctuations are not a “retail price change” but the design of the plan. Ecotricity may, however, change non-spot components (e.g., admin fee, and pass-through items) and will provide at least 20 Business Days’ notice when amending Distribution Network Charges (if the local network updates prices) and when amending Energy Charges, except where a fixed-term energy price freeze applies on other plans. Network and metering prices are passed through at the distributors’ published costs and are typically updated annually. For customers on spot pricing, Ecotricity may invoice more frequently than monthly during significant spot price movements and may adjust billed amounts when interim spot prices are replaced by final market prices. General account changes may require 30 days’ notice from the customer. These provisions sit alongside Ecotricity’s standard Terms of Use for residential or commercial customers.

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Ecotricity business plan

ecoWHOLESALE Commercial

Contract length

3 years

Exit fees

10% of remaining contract value

Who this plan suits best

ecoWHOLESALE Commercial suits small to medium businesses, multi‑site operators, and energy‑aware users that can actively manage or shift consumption to low‑price periods. It is a good fit for operations with flexible loads (e.g., refrigeration with storage buffers, EV fleet charging, process heating, batch production, or data/IT loads) and for customers who monitor prices and are comfortable with volatility in exchange for potential savings. It is less suitable for organisations needing budget certainty or those with inflexible, consistently peak‑time usage. Solar customers who primarily want premium export buy‑back rates may find Ecotricity’s solar‑focused plans more predictable, while wholesale can still work for sites with high daytime self‑consumption and flexibility to time-shift imports.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Available to business/commercial customers; pricing and eligibility are provided via a site‑specific quote.
  • Requires a smart or time‑of‑use meter capable of half‑hourly data for wholesale settlement.
  • Energy is billed at half‑hourly wholesale spot prices; prices are variable and uncapped during peaks.
  • Network and metering charges are passed through at cost; regulated/market levies and a retail/admin component apply.
  • Invoices are generally monthly; Ecotricity may invoice more frequently during significant wholesale price movements.
  • A bond or credit/security may be required; non‑standard service fees (e.g., meter work, site visits) may apply per Ecotricity’s published fee schedule.
  • Terms (and some charges) may change with notice; distribution network price changes are passed through with advance notice where required by the terms.
  • Supply is 100% renewable and Toitū climate positive certified on an annualised, matched‑purchases basis.
  • Regional daily charges and structures vary by network; confirm your ICP’s details directly with the provider before switching.

Promotions and discounts

No publicly advertised discounts or bill credits are specific to ecoWHOLESALE Commercial at this time. The plan’s value proposition is exposure to wholesale spot prices, which can be very low at times but are uncapped during peaks. Savings therefore depend on a customer’s ability to shift load to cheaper half‑hour periods rather than on fixed promotional discounts. Eligibility generally includes being a commercial/business customer with a smart or time‑of‑use meter capable of half‑hourly reads, acceptance of spot‑price volatility, and standard account/billing requirements. Duration is ongoing (quote-based for business sites), with the ability to move plans or switch retailers subject to any customer‑specific terms in your agreement. If you need confirmation of any current promotions or bill credits applicable to ecoWHOLESALE Commercial, contact Ecotricity directly.

How Ecotricity can change this plan's price

For commercial customers, Ecotricity’s terms allow updates to charges and contract terms with notice. Distribution network charges may be amended when the local lines companies change their prices, with at least 20 Business Days’ notice and reasons provided. Ecotricity may also change other contract terms (except charges) with notice and an opportunity to comment before changes take effect. Third‑party and pass‑through components (e.g., network and metering charges, market/industry levies) can change, sometimes without advance notice from Ecotricity if upstream parties alter their fees; Ecotricity will advise as soon as reasonably practicable (for example via invoice notes or email). For customers on spot‑price plans, Ecotricity may increase invoicing frequency during periods of significant wholesale volatility. Valid drivers for price adjustments include wholesale market cost shifts, distribution network fee updates, metering cost changes, regulatory/levy changes, and inflationary movements embedded in third‑party charges.

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Ecotricity business plan

ecoSAVER commercial

Contract length

3 years

Exit fees

10% of remaining contract value (early termination of term agreement)

Who this plan suits best

ecoSAVER commercial suits small to medium businesses that can shift a meaningful share of their load outside weekday peaks—such as offices running early or late, hospitality/retail trading on weekends, workshops with flexible processes, and sites with overnight heating/cooling or refrigeration. Because off‑peak hours and weekends are cheaper, the plan rewards businesses that can schedule EV charging, hot‑water/heating, dishwashing/laundry, or other discretionary loads into those windows. It also fits EV fleet owners and solar users who want to charge/store energy off‑peak and consume/export strategically. Businesses needing a simple flat rate at all times or operating mostly during weekday peaks may find ecoSAVER commercial delivers fewer savings than fixed‑rate alternatives.

Additional services included

Solar export buyback for businesses: Ecotricity’s commercial price plans (including ecoSAVER commercial) support exporting surplus solar, with integrated buyback paid on a time‑of‑use basis across the half‑hour periods of the day. This functionality is included if you have an appropriate import/export smart meter and an approved solar setup; buyback rates are plan/network‑specific and quoted per site. Flexibility/virtual power plant (VPP) options: Ecotricity runs a flexibility services programme that pays participating customers a monthly bill credit and a peak export rate when the provider manages solar/battery systems to support the grid. Participation is optional and subject to technical eligibility (solar + battery, smart controls) and regional availability; credits/rates and business eligibility should be confirmed with Ecotricity before enrolment. EV charging partner offer: Ecotricity customers can access partner discounts on selected smart EV chargers (e.g., a fixed dollar discount on hardware and a separate discount when bundled with installation). This is optional hardware, not an electricity‑rate discount; final pricing and availability are set by the partner and may change.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Business account with an eligible smart (TOU‑capable) meter is required; Ecotricity may require a meter upgrade at cost if the existing meter is not suitable.
  • Off‑peak/peak time windows and pricing are network‑specific; all per‑kWh and daily charges are quoted per site/address and may vary by price code.
  • Invoices are issued monthly; direct debit is the standard payment method; charges are exclusive of GST and applicable levies, which are added to invoices.
  • Network, metering, and market/levy costs are passed through at cost; these third‑party charges can change and will be reflected on bills.
  • Ecotricity may change distribution pass‑throughs and retail energy charges with at least 20 Business Days’ notice and reasons; if a fixed‑term “Energy Price Freeze” is agreed, energy prices will not change during that term.
  • Commercial customers are not eligible for Low User price plans; eligibility for specific price plans depends on site characteristics and network rules.
  • Load management (e.g., hot‑water control) may occur where applicable, and customers must allow safe access for metering and equipment.
  • Solar export/buyback requires an import/export meter and an approved connection; buyback rates and any programme participation terms are site‑ and plan‑specific.
  • If a fixed‑term commercial agreement is signed, early termination may incur a fee; otherwise, standard open‑term conditions apply.

Promotions and discounts

ecoSAVER commercial is a time-of-use (TOU) plan that discounts electricity used outside weekday peak periods and across weekends. On Ecotricity’s business page, the plan is described as offering up to 30% cheaper off‑peak rates, with cheaper pricing after hours and through weekends; the exact off‑peak windows and the level of discount depend on your local network and price code. Eligibility typically requires a smart (TOU-capable) meter and a business account; rates are quoted per site/address. Ecotricity does not advertise free‑power periods or sign‑up bill credits tied specifically to ecoSAVER commercial. However, Ecotricity customers (including those on business plans) can access occasional partner offers (for example, discounted EV chargers via an official supplier) and solar export buyback where applicable; these are optional add‑ons rather than usage‑rate discounts and have their own terms, availability, and pricing. To confirm any current partner offers that may apply to your business, contact Ecotricity directly.

How Ecotricity can change this plan's price

Under Ecotricity’s commercial terms, third‑party pass‑through charges (for example, distributor/network fees, metering fees, and levies) may change without advance notice; Ecotricity will advise customers as soon as reasonably practicable, which can be via invoice notes, email, or letter. Distributor (network) charges are passed through at cost or average cost as published by the local distributor. Ecotricity may amend both distribution pass‑throughs and its retail energy charges by giving at least 20 Business Days’ notice with reasons. Where a fixed‑term “Energy Price Freeze” has been explicitly agreed, Ecotricity will not change the energy price during the specified term, but non‑energy pass‑throughs can still vary. Charges are exclusive of GST and other applicable taxes/levies, which are added to invoices. Valid drivers for price changes include distributor price updates, wholesale energy cost shifts, metering/market levies, or regulatory changes.

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Ecotricity business plan

Export 144

Contract length

up to 10 years fixed term

Exit fees

10% of remaining contract value

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type: Time-of-Use export tariff for commercial solar customers; export energy is paid at different rates for each 4-hour period across the day. Rates are contract-specific and intended for sites that are net generators.
  • How charges are calculated: payment per exported kWh at the applicable 4-hour block rate agreed in the contract; import is not required (export-only ICPs supported). Public price sheets are not published; rates are bespoke to the site and term.
  • Contract term: option for fixed terms up to 10 years to provide revenue certainty for export; shorter terms may be available by agreement.
  • Daily fees: any ICP, metering or network service charges (if applicable) are applied per network arrangements and contract; confirm with the provider for your premises.
  • Eligibility requirements: commercial solar generators, ideally with low peak and winter load; smart import/export metering is required (installation support available).
  • Regional rates: Ecotricity does not publish region-specific Export 144 kWh rates. For Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central North Island, Eastland, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, please contact the provider directly for confirmed Export 144 rates and any applicable daily charges.

Who this plan suits best

Export 144 is best suited to commercial premises with substantial rooftop or on‑site solar that regularly export more electricity than they consume. It is designed for businesses with low on‑site demand during peak and winter periods, enabling them to monetise exports via time‑blocked (four‑hour) export rates rather than focusing on import savings. The option for export‑only ICPs also makes it a good fit for multi‑tenant or low‑load buildings where the generation asset is independent of tenant consumption. It is less relevant to typical households, EV owners seeking cheap import rates, or users primarily looking for off‑peak import discounts. Solar users with a commercial profile and consistent surplus generation—and installers/developers seeking long‑term, bankable export revenue—are the archetypal customers for this offer.

Additional services included

Included: in‑house metering support and free smart import/export meter installation for solar customers (valued between $80–$150), plus the ability to configure export‑only ICPs where appropriate. These operational inclusions support Export 144 deployment and settlement but are not priced as add‑ons to the tariff.  Also included/available by arrangement: dedicated onboarding for solar partners and the option to structure long‑term (up to 10‑year) export contracts. No separate price is advertised for these services beyond the contracted export rates; site‑specific network or metering charges may apply depending on the ICP and local network. If additional paid services are required (e.g., non‑standard works), Ecotricity publishes a schedule of non‑standard charges separately. 

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Commercial solar export offer designed for net‑generating sites; ideally low peak and winter load.
  • Export is remunerated at contract‑specific rates for defined 4‑hour time blocks; public regional rate sheets are not published.
  • Option of fixed terms up to 10 years; export‑only ICPs supported.
  • Smart import/export meter required; Ecotricity provides metering support and installation at no charge for eligible solar customers (valued $80–$150).
  • Subject to Ecotricity’s general Terms of Use, including notice provisions; pass‑through network charges may change with required notice.
  • Billing, settlement and any applicable fees follow the agreement’s pricing schedule and the local network’s requirements; confirm site‑specific details with Ecotricity before committing.

Promotions and discounts

Export 144 is positioned as a commercial solar export offer rather than a retail consumer plan, and Ecotricity does not advertise public-facing bill discounts or time-limited promotions specific to this product. The core value proposition is contractual: export is paid at different rates across 4‑hour time blocks, with the option of a fixed term of up to 10 years to lock in revenue certainty for net‑exporting sites. This structure is designed to maximise value for customers that generate more than they consume, rather than to provide short-term discounts. ([get.ecotricity.nz](https://get.ecotricity.nz/seanz?utm_source=openai)) For solar partners and customers onboarding to Ecotricity’s solar products, Ecotricity highlights operational benefits that can accompany Export 144 deployments, including support for export‑only ICPs and in‑house metering with free import/export meter installation (valued at $80–$150). These are presented as standard inclusions rather than promotional discounts, and eligibility may depend on partnering/installation pathways. No consumer welcome credits, weekend free power, or similar promotions are currently promoted for Export 144.

How Ecotricity can change this plan's price

Ecotricity’s terms state they can amend Distribution Network charges when network companies change their prices, and can amend energy charges with at least 20 Business Days’ notice and reasons for the change. Where a fixed-term price has been agreed (e.g., an Energy Price Freeze or a fixed-term contract), Ecotricity will not change the energy price for the specified term. In practice, for Export 144 customers on a fixed-term export agreement, the contracted export rates are intended to remain fixed for the contracted term, while any pass-through network or third‑party charges (if applicable to your setup) may be adjusted with required notice in line with the general terms. Customers should review the pricing schedule attached to their agreement for specific triggers and notice mechanisms.

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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 Ecotricity 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.