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Mercury Energy kWh electricity rates and energy plans

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

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Mercury plans in detail

Every Mercury Energy plan, decoded card by card.

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

Plans listed

5

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Covers

All NZ

North & South Island

Mercury Energy logo
Mercury domestic plan

Everyday Open Term

Contract length

no fixed term

Exit fees

no exit fees

Solar buy-back

8.5c per kWh (excl. GST)

Bond / deposit

Bond or prepayment may be required up to $150

How the tariff works

  • Plan type: Everyday Open Term is a no‑contract residential electricity plan with a variable tariff structure. Customers pay a daily fixed charge plus per‑kWh variable charges that depend on the meter tariff at the property (e.g., Anytime, Controlled, or Day/Night), the local network, and user category (Standard or Low User where available).
  • How charges are calculated: your bill combines the daily fixed charge × days and the variable charge × kWh recorded for each applicable meter register (e.g., Anytime, Controlled hot water, Night). Levies and GST are added. If Mercury updates prices part‑way through a billing period, the bill will pro‑rate old and new rates either side of the effective date.
  • Optional time‑based saving: eligible customers can add the EV Discount for 20% off variable usage consumed between 9pm–7am (smart meter and other conditions apply). This modifies the charge calculation during those hours but does not change the underlying tariff type.
  • Daily fees and kWh rates: these vary by region, network, and meter configuration. Mercury publishes personalised pricing during sign‑up based on your address and meter. If you need exact figures for your property, please contact Mercury directly.
  • Eligibility: residential supply only; credit checks and network/meter suitability apply. Smart meters are required for granular time‑based discounts and for precise Free Power Day credits.

Who this plan suits best

Everyday Open Term suits households that value flexibility and simplicity over locking into a fixed‑term: renters, small families, and larger homes that prefer standard variable pricing with the option to change plans without exit fees. It also fits customers on networks where Controlled or Day/Night meter tariffs are available and who want straightforward daily and per‑kWh charges. It can be particularly cost‑effective for EV owners who can shift charging to the night window and add the EV Discount (20% off variable usage from 9pm to 7am) to capture regular, predictable savings. Solar households can remain on Everyday Open Term while exporting excess power; Mercury’s standard residential buy‑back rate applies by default, with higher promotional buy‑back available only under specific fixed‑term solar arrangements. Everyday Open Term is not designed for business use; small businesses should consider Mercury’s business plans.

Additional services included

Optional add‑ons are available but not included by default with Everyday Open Term. Broadband can be bundled (fibre or wireless), with standard plan prices published and periodic promotions (e.g., months free on selected plans) offered when combined with electricity; availability and monthly charges depend on technology and address. A landline can be added to broadband from a low monthly fee with capped‑rate calling options. Mobile services can be added to an electricity or broadband bundle, with periodic promotions such as three months’ plan charges free; standard mobile plan prices apply thereafter. Piped gas can be added (Dual Fuel), which also attracts a small daily dual‑fuel discount at the same address. For solar users, Mercury provides a standard residential buy‑back for exported energy and can arrange import/export meter installation (typical installation fees vary by location and meter capacity). If no add‑ons suit your needs or are unavailable at your address, you can keep electricity only.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • No fixed term and no early termination fee; Everyday Open Term can be changed or cancelled at any time, subject to final billing.
  • Prices (daily fixed and per‑kWh) vary by region, network, meter configuration, and user category; Mercury provides address‑specific pricing during sign‑up.
  • Prices may change with notice (generally at least 30 days); bills may show pro‑rated old/new rates if a change occurs mid‑cycle.
  • Residential use only; successful credit check and network/meter suitability are required. Standard and Low User options are available where applicable.
  • Meter tariffs such as Anytime, Controlled, and Day/Night are subject to local network availability and meter configuration.
  • A communicating smart meter is required for time‑based discounts (e.g., EV Discount) and for precise calculation of Free Power Day credits.
  • Mercury Rewards (including Free Power Days) must be activated in the app or My Account; anniversary and points‑redeemed Free Power Days are credited after the day, with terms and eligibility applying.
  • Easy Pay Discount (direct debit from a bank account and e‑billing) reduces eligible electricity charges; exclusions and non‑combinability conditions apply.
  • Dual Fuel Discount applies when piped gas is added at the same address; credited daily and subject to eligibility.
  • Plan changes can typically be made once per billing period via the Mercury app or by contacting Mercury.
  • Additional fees (e.g., specific service fees, meter work) may apply; GST and regulated levies are added to charges.

Promotions and discounts

Everyday Open Term customers can access Mercury Rewards to unlock Free Power Days: a full 24 hours of free electricity credited within 35 days. You receive an annual anniversary bonus that scales with tenure (one day after 1–2 years, two days after 3–4 years, and three days after 5+ years), and you can also redeem points for additional Free Power Days. A communicating smart meter is required to calculate the exact value on the day; if one isn’t available, Mercury applies a credit based on your average daily usage plus an uplift. Terms apply and rewards must be activated in the Mercury app or My Account. EV owners can add the optional EV Discount: 20% off all variable electricity usage consumed between 9pm and 7am at the primary residence. A communicating smart meter is required, and the discount does not apply to daily fixed charges, levies, or GST. The EV Discount can’t be combined with some other promotional offers. Payment and bundle-related incentives include the Easy Pay Discount (2% off eligible electricity charges when you pay by direct debit from a bank account and receive bills by email; exclusions and conditions apply) and a small Dual Fuel Discount when you add piped gas to the same address (credited daily). Partner or channel offers may also be available from time to time for open‑term customers (for example, partner “mates’ rates” that discount headline prices and/or include a joining credit); these have specific eligibility, durations (often up to 24 months), and non‑combinability conditions.

How Mercury can change this plan's price

On Everyday Open Term, Mercury may change electricity prices by giving customers notice—typically at least 30 days before the effective date. When a change is driven by third‑party changes (for example, lines companies or regulators) and 30 days’ notice is not reasonably possible, Mercury provides as much notice as it can. Bills that span a change date are pro‑rated to show charges at the old and new rates. Valid reasons for price adjustments include updates to transmission and distribution (lines) charges set or constrained under regulatory settings, metering costs, market and wholesale energy cost movements, government or regulatory levies and compliance changes (including the multi‑year phase‑out of Low Fixed Charge regulations), inflationary or cost‑to‑serve impacts, and corrections if meter configuration or pricing category information was incorrect. Fixed‑term plans may have separate price‑change protections; Everyday Open Term has no fixed price period and remains subject to change with notice.

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Mercury domestic plan

Piped Natural Gas (Residential)

Contract length

no fixed term

Solar buy-back

8.5c per kWh (excl. GST)

Bond / deposit

up to $150

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type and plan structures: Mercury offers both Fixed (e.g., 1‑year fixed‑price plans) and Variable open‑term “Everyday” plans for residential electricity. Your variable usage charges follow the meter tariff at your property (e.g., Anytime/24‑hour, Controlled, Night/Day, Inclusive, and regional time‑bands). Night/Day off‑peak windows commonly run around 11pm–7am (network dependent). Charges comprise a Daily Fixed Charge plus per‑kWh variable rates; EA Levy and GST apply.
  • How charges are calculated: Daily Fixed Charge × billing days + (meter‑specific variable rates × metered kWh by register). For example, Controlled registers are priced lower in exchange for load control, while Night/Day splits price by time band. Customers may also unlock free periods via Rewards (a Free Power Day gives 24 hours free, credited within 35 days). EV Discount, if eligible, gives 20% off variable usage between 9pm–7am (smart meter required).
  • Bundling with piped gas: If you have both electricity and piped gas at the same address, a Dual Fuel Discount is applied to the gas charges (currently advertised as 17.25 cents/day incl. GST, equivalent to 15 cents/day ex GST). This discount does not change electricity unit prices but lowers your overall combined cost.
  • Price per kWh and daily fees: Mercury sets region‑ and meter‑specific prices. To confirm current per‑kWh and daily charges for your property and meter, contact Mercury with your address/ICP. If a region’s rate cannot be confirmed, please contact the provider directly.
  • Eligibility notes: Time‑of‑use and EV Discount benefits require a communicating smart meter; Free Power Day credits can still be applied without a smart meter (credit is based on average daily usage plus 50%).

Who this plan suits best

Small families and standard households: The combination of a simple open‑term plan or a 1‑year fixed plan plus Rewards (e.g., Free Power Days) suits families who value predictable pricing with occasional high‑use days (e.g., laundry, cooking, heating) and who want a Dual Fuel Discount on gas when bundling. • Large households and high users: Standard User pricing structures (higher daily charge, lower variable rates) and options like EV Discount (20% off variable usage 9pm–7am) can help heavier‑use homes or those able to shift usage overnight reduce costs. Free Power Days are particularly valuable if you can batch energy‑intensive tasks. • EV owners and night‑shift users: Customers who charge vehicles or can run appliances overnight benefit from the EV Discount and Night/Day or Controlled tariffs. Solar users should note some fixed‑price electricity plans don’t combine with solar buy‑back options; moving to a solar plan generally shifts you to open‑term rates, so solar households may prefer open‑term plans for flexibility.

Additional services included

Mercury Rewards (included): Eligible residential electricity customers can activate Rewards in the Mercury App/My Account at no cost. Rewards provides points, Free Power Days, and occasional targeted offers. Mercury App and My Account (included): Account management, usage tracking (hourly/daily where smart meters are communicating), bill payment and reward redemption. Price: free.  Broadband (optional add‑on): Residential broadband can be bundled on open or fixed‑term offers; public pricing indicates entry plans from $65/month for FibreLite (router or P&H may apply depending on the technology and offer). Periodic bundle promotions may include free months when linked to electricity. Mobile (optional add‑on): Post‑paid mobile plans can be bundled; current bundle promotions commonly provide the first 3 months of the monthly plan charge free when combined with an eligible energy/broadband offer. Standard plan pricing then applies after the free period. To retain the free months, at least one energy or broadband service must remain active during the offer period.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Service scope and availability: Piped natural gas supply is available only where pipeline infrastructure exists (primarily selected North Island regions). Check availability with your address/ICP.
  • Charges and billing: Gas bills include a Daily Fixed Charge and a variable usage charge per kWh; a Gas Levy and metering/distribution components apply. The gas “dollar value” is calculated from metered units × conversion factor × unit price.
  • Dual Fuel Discount: If you take electricity and piped gas at the same address with Mercury, a daily Dual Fuel Discount is credited to the gas section of your bill (eligibility confirmed via industry registry data). The discount ceases if either service is removed or the address changes.
  • Installation and maintenance: Mercury does not organise new gas installations. Customers must use a licensed craftsman gasfitter; a compliance certificate is required for any installation/alteration. Homeowners are responsible for ongoing maintenance per manufacturer guidance (typically annual servicing recommended).
  • Safety and control: Guidance is provided on how to turn off the main gas valve near the meter in an emergency; customers must follow gas safety best practices.
  • Contract and term: Residential gas supply is typically on open‑term unless bundled into a specific fixed‑term offer. Prices may change with notice; if you move, contact Mercury to transfer or close services.
  • Rewards linkage: Rewards (e.g., Free Power Days) apply to electricity services; dual‑fuel households can still benefit overall via the gas discount and consolidated billing.

Promotions and discounts

Dual Fuel Discount: When you take piped natural gas and electricity at the same address with Mercury, a daily Dual Fuel Discount is credited to the gas portion of your bill (shown as a separate credit on the gas charges line). Eligibility is determined using industry registry data confirming both services at the same address. The discount applies while both services remain active on the same account and address; if either service is removed or the address changes, the discount stops. The discount is presented inclusive of GST on public plan pages and may be described exclusive of GST in help content; the current advertised inclusive-GST daily amount is 17.25 cents/day (equivalent to 15c/day ex GST). Join offers for electricity: Mercury regularly runs join credits for new electricity customers on fixed terms (e.g., a $300 electricity credit on a 1‑year term). These typically require you to remain on the fixed term for its duration; early termination fees may apply if you leave early. Offer availability, amounts and eligibility can vary over time and by channel. Prices may change during the term where stated in the offer terms.  Ongoing electricity rewards and targeted discounts: Eligible residential electricity customers can activate Mercury Rewards in the app to earn points and unlock Free Power Days (24 hours of free electricity credited within 35 days). Anniversary bonuses scale with tenure (1 day after 1–2 years, 2 days after 3–4 years, 3 days after 5+ years). If you don’t have a smart meter or it isn’t communicating, the Free Power Day credit is based on your average daily usage plus 50%. EV Discount: eligible EV owners with a smart meter can receive 20% off variable electricity usage between 9pm and 7am at their primary residence (cannot be combined with selected promotional bundles). Mobile bundle: adding a Mercury mobile plan to certain electricity/broadband join offers provides the first 3 months of the mobile plan charge free, provided at least one energy or broadband service is retained throughout the free period.

How Mercury can change this plan's price

Open-term electricity prices can be changed by Mercury with advance notice (typically at least 30 days; if the change is driven by a third party and 30 days isn’t possible, notice is given as soon as reasonably practicable). Bills issued spanning an effective date may show charges at the old and new prices for the relevant periods. Reasons Mercury cites for price changes include updates to transmission and distribution (lines) charges, metering costs, market levies, regulatory or policy changes (e.g., Low Fixed Charge phase-out, determinations by regulators), and broader supply‑chain/wholesale cost movements. For fixed‑term plans, some offers fix energy prices for the term (excluding GST and service fees), while others allow price changes with 30 days’ notice as stated in their offer terms. If a fixed‑term price is permitted to change under the relevant offer, Mercury will notify you in advance and, where applicable, you may have the option to terminate without early termination fees if the change is detrimental, as described in the plan’s terms.

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Mercury business plan

Business Fixed Pricing

Mercury Energy logo
Mercury business plan

Business Spot Pricing

Exit fees

2.0c per kWh of forecast consumption remaining in the term + $140 admin fee per ICP (plus GST)

Solar buy-back

8.5c per kWh (excl. GST)

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type: Time-of-Use (TOU) with wholesale spot price pass-through. Energy is billed to your site in half-hourly intervals at the New Zealand Electricity Market spot price, plus any retailer and plan-specific charges set out on your Price Schedule. Smart/TOU metering and industry-compliant meter data are required. 
  • How charges are calculated: (a) Variable energy charge = market spot price per kWh for each interval at your ICP + plan-specific components (per your Price Schedule); (b) a daily fixed charge applies; and (c) "Other Charges and Costs" are passed through, including transmission/distribution (and any demand charges where applicable), metering, government levies, and GST. No guaranteed "free" periods apply under this plan. 
  • Billing mechanics: Prices specific to your account (e.g., daily charge and any retailer margin) are provided in your Price Schedule, which has an offer expiry date and may specify a contracted term. If a new arrangement isn’t agreed at term-end, pricing moves to Mercury’s then current standard rates or spot-market-linked pricing, as applicable. 
  • Regional rates: Mercury does not publish online region-by-region per‑kWh prices for Business Spot Pricing. For Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central North Island, Eastland, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, please contact Mercury to confirm your applicable daily charge, any retail margin, and pass-through network components under this spot-linked plan. 

Who this plan suits best

Business Spot Pricing suits organisations that can monitor and shift consumption to lower‑priced off‑peak periods or respond to market signals (e.g., light manufacturing, warehousing, cold storage, irrigation, or facilities with flexible HVAC/process loads). Customers already on TOU metering and comfortable with wholesale price variability can benefit when spot prices are low, but must be able to tolerate or manage volatility. It also aligns with small and medium businesses adding EV charging (able to schedule charging to off‑peak periods) or operating with on‑site solar where grid imports can be timed around production and market conditions. Households (small families/large households) are not the target audience because Rewards and residential offers differ from business eligibility, and business spot pricing is set up under Mercury’s business terms.

Additional services included

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Plan conditions at a glance

  • Agreement structure: Your contract comprises the TOU Wholesale Market Rate (Spot) Special Conditions, your Price Schedule (including offer expiry date and any contract term), and Mercury’s Business General Terms (and applicable Specific Terms).
  • Metering: Supply and billing rely on industry‑compliant half‑hourly meter data suitable for TOU/spot settlement.
  • Pricing and components: Energy is charged at wholesale market rates applicable to your meter type, plus applicable fees and charges. “Other Charges and Costs” (transmission/distribution, metering, government levies) are passed through; GST applies.
  • Contract start/end: The term and start date are set out in your Price Schedule. If no new arrangement is agreed at term‑end, pricing moves to Mercury’s then‑current standard prices or spot‑market‑linked prices according to meter type. 
  • Early termination: If you terminate early (or switch retailers) other than for Mercury’s breach, an Early Termination Fee applies, calculated as 2.0 cents per kWh of forecast remaining consumption to contract expiry, plus an administration fee of $140 per ICP (both plus GST). 
  • Assignment: You must not assign or transfer rights/obligations without Mercury’s prior written consent. The agreement takes effect only once signed by both parties. 
  • Additional obligations: Costs for auditing distributed unmetered load databases (if applicable) may be passed through to you. Mercury’s right to update terms and pricing is governed by the Business General Terms (including notice provisions).

Promotions and discounts

Mercury’s business accounts (including Business Spot Pricing) are not eligible for Mercury Rewards such as Free Power Days. Rewards require a residential account and do not apply to business customers. Active business-focused discounts are typically offered via Mercury’s partnerships. These include special partner discounts for members of the Early Childhood Council (ECC), PGG Wrightson, and n3. ECC states members receive 6% off their monthly recurring electricity invoice with Mercury (eligibility: active ECC membership; applies to centres). PGG Wrightson promotes a 6% discount on everyday fixed and variable electricity rates plus the option to consolidate billing via a PGG Wrightson Monthly Trade Account (eligibility: billing through a PGG Wrightson account; partner terms apply). Mercury’s small-to-medium business page also notes a partner discount for n3 members (percentage not disclosed; eligibility: active n3 membership). Always confirm whether a given partner discount applies to a spot/wholesale pricing plan, as some partner offers reference standard/everyday rates. 

How Mercury can change this plan's price

Under Mercury’s Business General Terms, changes to prices, fees, or plan terms generally require at least 30 days’ notice. If the change is minor and beneficial or of immaterial consequence, Mercury may make it without notice. For plans with energy price flexibility (such as spot/wholesale-linked pricing), Mercury notes it will not contact you for the routine movement of energy prices, which can change in a shorter timeframe in line with market conditions. If a fee or energy charge increase results in more than a 5% rise in the charge or total invoiced energy price (and is likely to have a material effect), a separate written notice with reasons is provided as soon as possible. For Business Spot Pricing specifically, the energy component follows the wholesale market. Invoices also pass through “Other Charges and Costs” (network, metering, and government levies), which may change when underlying third‑party or regulatory charges change; GST applies. At the end of any contracted term, if you do not enter a new agreement, pricing moves to Mercury’s then‑current standard prices or spot‑market‑linked prices according to meter type. 

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Mercury business plan

Business Blended Pricing

How the tariff works

  • Tariff type: Fixed blended business pricing. A single c/kWh usage rate bundles energy + network (lines) charges, paired with a daily fixed charge. It is typically offered on a fixed‑term agreement for eligible non‑half‑hour meters (Classic Fixed Rate option). No free‑power windows apply by default. Eligibility and meter configuration are confirmed at quote. 
  • How charges are calculated: You pay a daily fixed charge plus a per‑kWh variable charge for all consumption recorded by your meter(s). If prices are adjusted mid‑billing cycle, Mercury pro‑rates the bill at the different rates across the period. Any applicable government levies, GST, or changes to distribution/lines costs may be passed through per contract terms. 
  • Peak/off‑peak or free periods: Not generally applicable on the blended business plan (it’s an anytime rate). Where a site has controlled circuits or TOU metering, alternate pricing options may be quoted case‑by‑case. 
  • Price per kWh and daily fees: Mercury does not publish standard business blended rates online. Actual c/kWh and daily charges are site‑specific and depend on meter set‑up and local network. Contact Mercury for a written quote for your ICP(s).
  • Regional pricing: For Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central North Island, Eastland, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, specific blended c/kWh and daily charges are not published; please contact Mercury directly to confirm your site’s rates. 
  • Notable contract mechanics affecting price: Even on fixed/blended agreements, Mercury may pass through changes to GST, the forecast effect of ETS changes on energy costs, Mercury fees, and other lines/taxes/levies. Early termination fees can apply on fixed terms. 

Who this plan suits best

Best suited to small and medium businesses (including multi‑site SMEs) that want bill certainty and administrative simplicity via a single blended per‑kWh rate and daily charge, and whose usage is relatively steady across the day/week. It’s less suited to users who can reliably shift large loads off‑peak to capture time‑of‑use or spot‑exposed savings, or very large C&I customers who may prefer bespoke fixed/spot combinations and risk‑management structures.

Plan conditions at a glance

  • Eligibility: Business customers only; eligibility is determined by Mercury. Meter configuration (typically non‑half‑hour meters for Classic Fixed Rate) must be suitable for the plan. 
  • Term and renewal: Fixed terms apply for many blended/fixed agreements. Unless otherwise advised, agreements may auto‑renew for an equivalent term; Mercury will give written notice (at least four weeks before term end) of renewal energy prices or elect not to renew. 
  • Early termination: If you switch suppliers before the end of a fixed term, an Early Termination Fee may apply—calculated per ICP as $20 per month remaining in the term plus a $110 administration fee (plus GST, if any). 
  • Pass‑through items (even on fixed prices): Mercury may pass through changes to GST, the forecast effect of ETS changes on energy costs, Mercury fees, and other charges including distribution/lines charges and government‑imposed taxes/levies (e.g., the Electricity Authority levy). 
  • Price changes and notice: Minor/beneficial changes may occur without notice; otherwise, Mercury gives not less than 30 days’ notice and provides separate written notice (with reasons) where energy charges or total invoiced energy price increase by more than 5%. Detrimental changes allow termination without exit fees within a reasonable time. 
  • In‑cycle adjustments: If prices change during a billing cycle, billing is pro‑rated across the relevant rates for that period. 
  • Payment and non‑payment: Invoices are due by the stated due date; Mercury may apply late‑payment administration fees and (after required notices) can disconnect services for non‑payment. Disconnection notices provide at least seven working days to remedy. 
  • Confidentiality: Pricing, special terms, and commercially sensitive information must be kept confidential by both parties. 

Promotions and discounts

For business customers on Mercury’s business blended-style pricing (a fixed, single per‑kWh energy+lines rate with a daily charge), the primary published discounts are membership-based partnership offers. Mercury runs distinct plans for verified members of partner organisations such as n3 (procurement group), the Early Childhood Council (ECC), and PGG Wrightson account holders. These plans are only available while membership/account status remains current, cannot be combined with other Mercury plans, and are subject to eligibility at Mercury’s discretion. In the PGG Wrightson arrangement, Mercury bills your PGG Wrightson account and the discount may be withdrawn if the account is not kept in good standing.  Key terms include Mercury’s right to provide 30 days’ written notice of changes if a partnership contract ends or is amended, and that the general Business Terms and the Electricity & Piped Gas terms apply to these offers. Discount levels and per‑kWh prices are not published publicly and are typically set on a site‑specific basis; eligible businesses need to request a quote via Mercury or the relevant partner channel. 

How Mercury can change this plan's price

Mercury’s Business General Terms allow changes to pricing, fees, and other terms. Minor changes that are beneficial to you or of immaterial consequence (including alignment to good industry practice or mandated requirements) may be made without notice; Mercury can reduce charges/fees at any time without notice. If you are on a plan that provides for energy price flexibility, energy prices relating to the time/volume of energy may increase in a shorter timeframe in line with that plan. In all other cases, Mercury gives not less than 30 days’ notice of changes. If an energy charge/fee increase or the total invoiced price of the energy supplied is more than 5%, a separate written notice including reasons for the increase is provided. You may choose an alternative pricing plan within 30 days of notice, and if you reasonably believe a change is detrimental, you may terminate the affected service/contract without exit fees by notifying Mercury within a reasonable time.  If prices change during a billing cycle, Mercury pro‑rates the bill across the applicable rates. On fixed price business agreements, Mercury reserves the right to pass through changes to GST, the forecast effect of ETS changes on energy costs, Mercury fees, and distribution/lines and government taxes/levies (including the Electricity Authority levy). Automatic renewal and end‑of‑term price notifications are set out in the fixed‑price special conditions. 

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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 Mercury Energy 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.