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Hawkes Bay consumers have seen an increase in their power bills on average by $107 in 2012, but some consumers are still paying $250 more than in 2011.
National figures showed on average electricity bills rose on average of $117, though some customers were slammed by an increase of $400 or more.

Far North residents were slammed with the largest increases, with average power prices jumping $306.
Properties supplied by the lines company “Centralines” saw the largest increase in 2012 showing on average of $254 hike. Centralines transmission fee made up about 9 per cent of that increase. Price changes to the wholesale energy and everyday business costs also played a huge factor in the prices increase.
Ari Sargent from Meridian Energy owned Powershop said, these prices increase were due to more expensive retail costs and increased transmission prices.

Sargent also added that in this year he expects to see power prices increase again due to the upgrade of the national grid, which will then be passed down to the consumer.

“On average, I think most people would expect to see relatively flat prices, maybe a slight increase, In most cases we shouldn’t be expecting large increases” Mr Sargent said.

According to the Electricity Authority, in November over 29,000 kiwi’s switched power companies to find a cheaper electricity company. In Hawkes Bay alone over 700 residents switched power companies.

Ari also added “timing played a huge factor in price rises, Electricity companies decide for themselves when to pass on the increases in lines charges to their consumers”

“About 90 per cent of what a consumer pays is fixed either through the wholesale energy costs or transmission and distribution charges.”

Profit margins set by the electricity companies, GST and customer servicing costs make up the rest. Ari said.

If you’re looking for a cheaper electricity provider or aren’t happy with your current provider, then the team at Switchme may be able to help. For a free comparison please call one of our friendly staff on 0800 179 482 or visit our website Switchme.co.nz to see if you can save!

Source: http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz

The Commerce Commission’s has set new monopoly prices which could see Auckland consumers save up to $60 a year on their power bills, while other regions could pay more.

After the release of the regulator final decision on price caps and minimum quality standards for the 16 nationwide power distribution companies.

Vector in Auckland and Horizon in the Bay of Plenty, will be lowering their prices, while the other 14 remaining distributor companies may increase their prices by between 1-10 per cent, if they choose too.

From April next year this new pricing structure will determine how much consumers will pay for their electricity. About a third of a customer’s bill is made up from distribution costs.

In the Far North the distribution company Top Energy will see the biggest increase, an estimated $106.80 a year, which can increase their cost by 10 per cent,

Last month the Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeal ruling that the Commerce Commission was not required to control a starting price input procedure for power distribution and gas line services.

Distributor Vector argued that the Commission should not be permitted to set its caps without first setting an input methodology.

Simon Mackenzie, chief executive of Vector said the commission’s decision to reduce prices by 10 per cent was, with a further price change in 2014, was little different from the earlier draft.

Vector and seven other parties will be appealing the ruling before a High Court judge.

Commerce Commission deputy chairwoman Sue Begg said “We aim to create an appropriate balance between providing incentives for these businesses to invest in their networks, while ensuring that customers are being charged based on the cost of services provided in each region,”

Customers would eventually be affected by the price rest by either a price increase or a price decrease on their electricity bills, all depending on where the consumer lives. Ms Begg also added.

“Businesses are free to decide how to spread the prices across their client base, or indeed, in the case of increases may decide not to take up the full amount of the allowable increase.”

The distributor Orion, the distributor in Christchurch has not had a reset in price from the commission as there is still discussion of whether or not to apply to customised price-quality path, to help deal with the earthquake rebuild.

If you’re unsure if your with the cheapest power company and would like to do a free comparison, please feel free to give the Switchme team a call on 0800 179 842 or visit www.switchme.co.nz and one of our friendly staff will be able to help you.

The Commerce Commission’s has set new monopoly prices which could see Auckland consumers save up to $60 a year on their electricity bills, while other regions could pay more.

After the release of the regulator final decision on price caps and minimum quality standards for the 16 nationwide power distribution companies.

Vector in Auckland and Horizon in the Bay of Plenty, will be lowering their prices, while the other 14 remaining distributor companies may increase their prices by between 1-10 per cent, if they choose too.

From April next year this new pricing structure will determine how much consumers will pay for their electricity. About a third of a customer’s bill is made up from distribution costs.

In the Far North the distribution company Top Energy will see the biggest increase, an estimated $106.80 a year, which can increase their cost by 10 per cent,

Last month the Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeal ruling that the Commerce Commission was not required to control a starting price input procedure for power distribution and gas line services.

Distributor Vector argued that the Commission should not be permitted to set its caps without first setting an input methodology.

Simon Mackenzie, chief executive of Vector said the commission’s decision to reduce prices by 10 per cent was, with a further price change in 2014, was little different from the earlier draft.

Vector and seven other parties will be appealing the ruling before a High Court judge.

Commerce Commission deputy chairwoman Sue Begg said “We aim to create an appropriate balance between providing incentives for these businesses to invest in their networks, while ensuring that customers are being charged based on the cost of services provided in each region,”

Customers would eventually be affected by the price rest by either a price increase or a price decrease on their electricity bills, all depending on where the consumer lives. Ms Begg also added.

“Businesses are free to decide how to spread the prices across their client base, or indeed, in the case of increases may decide not to take up the full amount of the allowable increase.”

The distributor Orion, the distributor in Christchurch has not had a reset in price from the commission as there is still discussion of whether or not to apply to customised price-quality path, to help deal with the earthquake rebuild.

If you’re unsure if your with the cheapest power company and would like to do a free comparison, please feel free to give the Switchme team a call on 0800 179 842 or visit www.switchme.co.nz and one of our friendly staff will be able to help you.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz

The sole owner of Bay of Plenty Energy, the TODD Energy group, has now changed their Eastern Bay brand name, to Nova Energy, its national brand name.

Chris Power, Nova Energy’s new business development manager said the change in the name was to have a consistent brand across NZ because of Nova’s expansion in their business department.

Power also adding “The Company is changing its name, nothing else. It’s just to avoid confusion that we decided to combine the same brand name into Nova Energy.”

Last week the company wrote to the Bay Of Plenty Electricity consumers, assuring them that nothing about the company would change except for the new brand name.

“Our customers will continue to receive the same quality of energy supply and service and we remain committed to operating our business from the Eastern Bay.

Mr Power also stated that with Nova Energy’s new expansion, more opportunities may be opening up for the locals.

“Currently we work with local suppliers where we can possible and employ nearly 100 people in Whakatane region.

This would be good for the Eastern Bay area, as more employment opportunities will be opening up in the future and Nova Energy is hoping to employ more than 100 local employee’s by the end of the year.

“We are proud to be part of the region’s growth,” Mr Power said.

Approximately 5 years ago Bay of Plenty Energy itself outgrew its name, previously known as Bay of Plenty Electricity was formed in the 1990’s when the company became a generator and electricity company after selling its power lines sector , now known as Horizon Energy.

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Source:http://www.opotikinews.co.nz

A proposed change to network charges could see Auckland’s electricity prices increase, said a chief executive from Vector, a lines company in Auckland area.

The Electricity Authority released a proposed methodology, which could change the transmission costs between the North and South Island on the HVDC (Cook Strait Cable) said Simon Mackenzie.

This could see some changes for customer’s, especially in the Auckland region, Mackenzie said,  “The amount will depend on the degree of competition between the in the wholesale energy market.”

If these changes were implemented, this might encourage generators to find ways of evading transmission costs, including being able to use older and more expensive systems.

Vector believes the Electricity Authority have not clearly considered how these changes would benefit or not benefit consumers.

Chairman, Michael Stiassny and Mackenzie gave details about the regulations of its power prices in a court case against the Commerce Commission.

Stiassny said the long running position Vector was in was misjudged. Customers tended to dismiss the argument as “self-serving” and focused more on the increases of power prices.

However, in actual standings, Vector’s prices have been lower than the inflation over the past 10 years.

No action needs to be taken now. Switchme will keep you posted with any further updates. In the meantime, we suggest viewing the Switchme website and working out if you can find cheaper electricity prices in Auckland. The majority of Aucklander’s are paying too much for their electricity.

Alternatively, call us now on 0800 179 482 to compare and switch power companies.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz

Families on the Glo-Bug system owned by Mercury Energy would rather risk illness and disease than to top-up.

Experts are saying children in homes with a pre-paid meter are at more risk of bronchial illness due to families running out of money to keep their meters topped up.

Otago University public health researchers conducted a survey of 324 households using this pre-paid system and found that 51 per cent of these households with children had to allow their power to go off at least once in the past 12 months because they could not afford to top up.

Nearly 70.5 per cent, that’s almost three-quarters of these households admitted they shivered inside at least once last winter as a result.

Abraham Tangiwai, a solo dad from Papakura has 12 children, 6 that reside with him, said after receiving a huge $900 power bill four years ago, went onto the Mercury Energy’s Glo-Bug system and now admits his 2 youngest children 8 and 4 have had more colds and have had more days out of school since joining pre-paid power. An older daughter, who is 16, has had rheumatic fever.

“We run out of power just about every week. Sometimes we spend a whole day or two days without electricity if it cuts out on a Friday or Saturday because you have to pay $5 to reconnect at the weekend.” Said Tangiwai.

The family has tried to reduce costs by cooking outside on the barbeque even in the colder months and the family never uses heaters rather than use power. The children “find it hard”

“Doris has had four colds this winter. She’s been off school for three or four days, sometimes all week,” he said. “She doesn’t like being outside in the winter having a feed.”

Professor Philippa Howden –Chapman a researcher in Otago, said that New Zealand’s Third World rates of rheumatic fever and other childhood diseases were mainly blamed on cold, damp and overcrowded houses.

Philippa also went on to say that pre-paid meters could be part of the solution if they offered cheaper electricity, but in May a survey conducted by Consumer NZ found an average household could pay between 3 and 38 per cent more for their pre-paid system then to receive a monthly bill.

Consumers on Mercury’s Glo-Bug system could pay more than 6.2 per cent more than a monthly bill because customers using this system pay full standard rates for their electricity and do not receive a prompt payment discount.

Consumers can also incur extra charges such as to top up credit at a local store would have to pay 65c and an extra 50c to text the company to inform them that they have topped up and need to be reconnected.

In Auckland alone Mercury’s Glo-Bug system has 17,000 consumers.

If you’re looking for cheaper power in Auckland, we suggest you call Switchme now on 0800 179 482. Will help you compare power companies.

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz

New Zealand’s larger electricity companies are making aggressive tactics to retention or win consumers as more kiwis are choosing to switch power companies to save on their energy bills.

The Electricity Authority began recordings 12 years ago of consumers switching power companies, and in the month of February 2012 nearly 36,000 customers moved electricity companies. In the past year numbers have shown one in four people have switched retailers to find a better deal on their power bills.

The Electricity Authority released these figures when an increasing number of households struggled to pay their electricity were reported by the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Even though consumers were becoming more open and perceptive, lower income people were often declined when trying to switch power companies, said energy experts and moving electricity companies was not available to everyone.

In the month of February five of the largest electricity retailers lost 4700 consumers, showing that people were preferring to move to a smaller retailer, picking up 4500. Powershop, which is part of the Meridian Energy group, alone picking up 1786 customers.

Powershop’s chief Ari Sargent said “As soon as you attempt to switch power companies, they throw everything they have at you to stay. For a growing number of people, it’s a case of too little, too late.”

Government owned, Mercury Energy suffered one of the biggest losses, after announcing its 5.8 per cent increase in electricity prices, starting from the 1^st of April, citing increased line charges as the reason. The company then losing 1640 consumers from switching to another provider.

In 2011, 6 per cent, or 23,200 consumers also left Mercury Energy to find a cheaper provider. In an interview with the Herald, James Munro general manager of Mercury Energy claims “We never like to lose customers. However, as our most recent half-year operating data shows, while numbers are down we are, on average, selling more electricity per customer….”

Contact Energy gained 260 consumers in the month of February, even though the company had announced prices increases with a 11.8 increase in the Far North and a 14 per increase for the region’s business sector.

The electricity companies’ attempts have become more aggressive to win business, some have resorted to offering an three year contract with fixed rates to customers who have complaints. Some retailers have even offered money on their power bills to get them to stay.

If you’re interested in comparing power prices for your home or business, please visit Switchme.co.nz or call us on 0800 179 489. Switchme have made comparing and switching power companies very stress free.

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz

When it comes to consumers switching power companies, New Zealand has been ranked number two, according to a World Energy global study, with New Zealand ranking up from 5^th place in 2009 to 2^nd place in 2011.

The report shows a steady increase in New Zealanders looking for cheaper options and getting the best deal for their money by switching energy retailers.

New Zealand was noted to be a fastest rising in rankings, fast approaching the ranked number one, Victoria Australia. Thanks to comparisons services such as the Electricity Authority’s What’s My Number campaign and independently owned Switchme.co.nz, both offering free energy comparisons.

New Zealand’s switching rate has been heading upwards since 2008, from an annual rate of 10.5% in the year 2008 to a high 19.5% in the year 2011. The report shows that there has been an increase in retail competition, giving the consumer more of an incentive to switch power companies. Proving the free comparison services such as What’s My Number and Switchme are working.

Carl Hansen, The Electricity Authority Chief Executive says placing greater pressure on the electricity companies has made the energy industry much more competitive, which is increasing the number of consumers to switch to another energy company that can offer them a better deal.

“From our perspective switching rates are part of a more complex equation. What we may in fact find in the future is that lower switching rates may also indicate a highly competitive market as it may show that retailers are being driven to offer very similar prices, removing the incentive for consumers to switch.”

Over 350,000 New Zealanders choose to switch power companies in 2011 and collectively stood to save $8.7 m. In the first six months of 2012 almost 180,000 made the switch to a new retailer.

The What’s My Number and Switchme have also combined to launch a free comparison tool (RFP) for businesses. This is the first free business comparison tool to be launched in New Zealand and will revolutionise the small to medium businesses compare sign sign up to a cheaper power company. So far the Request for Pricing (RFP) tool has proven to be very popular and already has saved businesses across New Zealand thousands on their power bills.

For more information regarding saving money on your energy bills for your home or business, please call the Switchme team on 0800 179 482 or visit Switchme.co.nz.

Article sourced from: http://www.voxy.co.nz

As residents of Hawkes Bay are feeling a decrease in temperature, they are also feeling the increase in their power bills due to the power companies price hikes.

Over the past year some customers have encountered power price increases of 19 per cent, the Ministry of Economic Development’s Quarterly Survey of Domestic Energy Prices to May 15 shows.

The survey showed customers who were with Energy Direct on average consumed 8000kwh, are paying $391 more for their power for the year to May 2012 in the Napier and Hastings area.

Energy Direct charges have also risen 17.1 per cent, that’s an extra $342 per year, in the Central Hawkes Bay.

If you’re a customer of Energy Direct it is probably an ideal time to switch to a cheaper option, especially in these cooler months, when a household’s consumption of electricity is at a peak.

It positive to see some power companies in the area are not increasing their power prices. Genesis Energy have not raised their prices in all 4 in Hawkes Bay lines companies.

However, one of the significant differences was with Contact Energy who charged 34.95 cents per kWh in Wairoa, a substantial difference of 22.6 per cent.

The survey also showed that electricity companies charged different rates in different areas and also different meter types.

In Napier and Hastings half of all households are with Contact Energy who charges there customers at 28.8 c/kWh.

There are three main costs to our electricity bills which include the National grid charges, local line companies and the electricity companies, who send the bill to customers.

Power prices are expected to continue to go up till 2015 while Transpower is upgrading the national grid.

The lines company charges account for about 40 per cent of the total bill.

Scanpower, the lines company in Dannevirke increased its line charge the most by 13.7 per cent in Hawkes Bay. The lines company that covers Hastings and Napier, Unison, was the second biggest increase at 4.6 per cent for the year.

Danny Gough, Unisons customer relations manager said “for an average residential consumer using 8000kWh per year on the 24-hours anytime meter type, Unison’s April price rises equated to $34.96 a year due to distribution and $11.96 for transmission” (Transpower).

Visit Switchme today and compare power companies in Hawkes Bay. Alternatively call us today on 0800 179 482 and find a cheaper energy company over the phone.

Source: Patrick O’Sullivan, Hawkes Bay Today

With our power prices increasing, so is the number of people choosing to switch electricity companies, this shows the power industry is very competitive says the Government.

Even the best deals are still leaving it difficult for families to keep up with the increasing costs of electricity.

Increasing power prices this winter will affect all New Zealand households, but it will be our low income families, beneficiaries and elderly who will be mostly affected by the price increases.

Budgeting services, health researchers and consumer advocates say the increase in electricity prices could lead to serious health issues for households that cannot afford to keep warm.

Already people are attempting to cut down on their power bill and taking small risks.

National president of Grey Power, Roy Reid said many older people had dinner and went straight to bed to try and stay warm.

“It’s a false economy really, because they might do that, but then the house gets cold, and they will get other illnesses because they are cold

Elderly people should keep the room temperature at about 18 to 20 degrees for their general health and wellbeing. People shouldn’t have to sacrifice their health just to keep costs down

Some families are all sleeping in the same room, sharing blankets and have one heater on just to keep the whole family warm. Some households are even resorting to taking fewer showers and cooking with one utensil to save power.

In 2011 New Zealand residential customers paid an average of 25.05c per kWh – considerably more than the United States at 15.16c.

Tony Ryall, State Owned Enterprises Minister said the Governments move to raise competition is this area was working.

Many New Zealanders are increasingly taking advantage of sites like Switchme to cut their electricity costs and changing power companies to keep cost down to as low as possible.

Some households maybe unaware of how many different power companies are available to them, in many cases, there are up to 12 energy retailers available to choose from.

Energy campaigner Molly Melhuishsaid said more people searching to better deals was not evidence that competition was bringing fair pricing. Rather, it was a sign of desperation as people fought to ward off fuel poverty, with even the best rates being too high for many residents.

Switchme have a free 0800 number (0800 179 482) to help the elderly and low income families who don’t have internet, to compare and switch power companies.

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz

Canterbury’s elderly and beneficiaries will be hit the hardest by a foreseen power bill increase of $90 for Christchurch home’s this winter, experts say.

Powershop an online electricity company produced figures showing an average Christchurch home’s electricity bill for June to August could rise 11.8 per cent from last year.

These figures predicted an average home in Christchurch could face a total electricity bill of up to $847.

The combination of major upgrades being carried out by Transpower, and raising wholesale prices caused by low hydro lake levels are the cause of these large increases.

Age Concern Canterbury chief executive Stephen Phillips said elderly people would be hit hardest by the power price increase.

“It is going to be very tough for them because many older people are on a fixed or limited income and the increase will be significant for them. Many are also living in earthquake-damaged homes, which are harder to heat.”

Phillips also adds he did not want elderly people to compromise their health for the sake of saving on their power bills.

“Ideally, older people should keep the room temperature at about 18 to 20 degrees [Celsius] for their general health and wellbeing. I don’t want to encourage people to sacrifice their health just to keep costs down.”

Low income families and beneficiaries will be mostly affected by these increases, he believes.

Dunedin’s projected bill increase was the lowest, at $58, followed by Invercargill with $61. Queenstown households faced an average $87 rise, followed closely by Cromwell with an $83 increase.

Ari Sargent, chief executive of Powershop urged households to act to avoid excessive energy bills over the coming months.

“The cold blast this week will be a wake-up call for South Island households. If the unseasonably cold weather continues, prices could climb even higher than our projections,” he said.

Choosing the right heating could make a substantial difference to winter power bills, Sargent said.

“Heat pumps are very cost-effective … If electric heating is your only option; make sure you have the right model for your needs.”

Mr Phillips is encouraging people to benefit from the Red Cross’s Winter Assistance grant, which helps the elderly, families with children under the age of 18 and the medically susceptible, with their winter power bills.

Residents can also check to see if they are with the cheapest power company by visiting Switchme.co.nz or call 0800 179 482. Quick and easy free energy comparison service, only takes a few minutes to determine if you’re with the cheapest power company

source: Stuff.co.nz