Switching should happen within 10 business days. However, if there are inaccuracies with any part of the switch such as the details you provide this may take a little longer. In any case of disruption, the two retailers will liaise and contact you as required. If you are concerned your switch has not completed, please call Switchme on 0800 179482.
TopSwitching energy companies is usually free and you may switch as frequently as you like. However, it is important to note if you have signed a fixed-term contract with your existing retailer there may be penalties if you switch away. Please contact your existing retailer if you are unsure of your contractual obligations.
TopYour new retailer will contact you as soon as the switch has been fully completed via your preferred method. Typically this will initially be via email, followed by a phone call or posted welcome pack.
TopNo, your electricity supply will not be interrupted during the switching process.
TopNo, your new retailer will advise your existing retailer of the switch.
TopYour existing retailer may choose to contact you to enquire about your reasons for leaving, it is important to remember that they cannot stop you from switching. They may also contact you to ensure that your account is closed accurately or to resolve any outstanding matters before the switch is completed.
TopAlthough you will not know precisely when you have been switched, the switch must be completed within 10 working days (a gas switch must be completed within 23 working days). Typically your new retailer will contact you to confirm the switch has been completed and they are now your supplier.
TopNo. Industry regulations allow consumers to switch as frequently as they like providing they meet any contractual obligations to their current retailer.
TopMost retailers will not charge a bond for business customers. However, there may be special circumstances where they may request a bond such as, but not limited to, an adverse credit history or previous defaults on monthly accounts.
TopMany businesses dread the bi-monthly estimate bill, and begrudge paying for retailer's guesses on their monthly consumption.
But did you know that you are able to provide your power company with a reading yourself, and have your invoice re issued based on your own accurate reading ?
Follow these simple steps to read your meter and never pay an estimate again !
There are two possible types of meter. A modern version will have a display which looks much like the speedometer on your vehicle (Diagram A). The older style meter dials look like clock faces (Diagram B).
Modern Meter: Simply read this meter from left to right. Ignore the figure showing on the far right which is marked underneath as either 0.01, 0.1 or 1/10. On many meters this last figure is red in colour - but not in all cases. On most of the new smart meters with a single display, it will play a series of information, flashing from one screen to the next. The actual meter reading will appear after the row of 8's. The meter reading in this example is 05619 kWh.
Old Style Meter: The two top dials (shown in red) 1/100 and 1/10 are for testing purposes only, so you can ignore them when taking a reading. Read the black dials from left to right starting with the dial with the highest number under it. Eg. 10,000 as shown to the left.
When the hand is between two numbers, always read the lowest number (even if it not closest to the hand). For example, if the hand is between 5 and 6, write down the number 5. When the hand looks like it is exactly on a number, look at the hand of the clock to the right. If the hand on that clock is between 9 and 0 then write down the lower number from the previous clock.
If the hand is between 0 and 1 then write down the higher number from the previous clock. The meter reading in this example is 05619 kWh.
Switchme has a team of industry-experienced staff ready to take your call and assist you with any queries that you may have. Please contact us on 0800 179482 or email us at business@switchme.co.nz. In the instance where you have a dispute with an electricity retailer or need legal advice, please contact the Electricity & Gas Complaints Commissioner on 0800 223340 or visit their website at www.egcomplaints.co.nz.
TopSwitchme is monitored and partly funded by the Electricity Authority of New Zealand to provide businesses with an accurate and independent resource to compare and switch energy retailers. In some cases, the winning retailer may also pay Switchme a commission for processing the switch.
TopSwitchme is currently developing a tool to accommodate multi-site customers and allow them to get the best deal possible and will be launched in December 2011.
TopYou may change your mind at any time and return to your previous retailer and the switch can be reversed, even if the site has switched completely. However, if you have been with the new retailer for any more than a couple of weeks, they may insist on billing you for the period spent with them and you will need to complete the switch process again. We recommend you use Switchme to complete this switch as you will get the best deal available, we do the leg-work to get you switched back, we can also assist you by calling 0800 1SWITCH and as always, it's completely FREE!
TopYour existing retailer cannot enforce penalties on you if you switch. However, if you are contractually obligated to your existing retailer for a set period of time, then you may incur fees as stipulated in the agreement's terms and conditions. In this case, the switch may be prohibited completely if the existing agreement stipulates. If in doubt, contact your existing retailer.
TopCapacity is measured in kVA and is relevant to the size of your electricity supply and the site's peak potential to draw electricity. It is not related to the amount of electricity you use. As larger sites require a higher level of supply, their capacity demand is higher and attracts higher transmission charges. The kVA value used on your bill to multiply the capacity tariff is based in your site's peak capacity to draw electricity. This value is determined when the site is first connected.
TopYes. Most energy companies have partnerships with all meter owners who supply smart meters. In the unlikely case of there not being an agreement between a retailer and a meter owner, the retailer can assign a meter reader to manually read the meter and provide you with an accurate monthly bill.
Top- Credit Declined by winning retailer
- Unauthorised person requesting switch
- Company details provided are inaccurate
- Installation or property details inaccurate
- If you've been disconnected for non-payment
- Retailer not actively acquiring customers
Buying groups are organisations that use their membership numbers to obtain preferential rates and discounts with energy retailers. If you are a member of a buying group or trade organisation that is affiliated with your new retailer, please provide your membership number when signing up.
TopIn order to provide an accurate comparison for your business, we do need to know your meter details. If you are unsure of these, please contact your current provider.
TopSwitchme has invited all electricity retailers in New Zealand to be represented on the site. For a full list of participating retailers click here.
TopSwitchme currently only provides comparisons for electricity but is developing a tool to calculate gas for businesses. This will be launched December 2011.
TopRetailers are not obligated to offer supply in all areas and may elect to not offer supply for various reasons. It may not be financially economical for a retailer to offer supply in a certain area, or a retailer is simply uncompetitive in the area and prefers not to supply, or in some cases may not have an agreement with the local lines company to supply energy. In any case, it is the retailer's choice whether or not to offer supply.
TopThis will not prevent you from switching energy retailers. Understandably, your previous retailer will endeavour to recover all monies owing once the switch is complete in line with their normal credit and payments policies. However, any credit or payments action with you previous retailer cannot affect your supply with your new retailer.
TopThanks, we'll be in touch soon.
