Contact Energy is New Zealand’s second-largest electricity gentailer, generating approximately 25% of the country’s electricity from hydro, geothermal, and gas-peaking plants. Their geothermal generation from the Taupō Volcanic Zone is one of the cleanest electricity sources in NZ. They also supply natural gas and broadband, making them one of the few NZ utilities that can bundle all three services.
Type: Gentailer (generates + retails)
Generation: Hydro, geothermal, gas peakers (~80–85% renewable)
Plan types: Fixed-term, variable
Extras: Gas supply + broadband available
Notable: Listed on NZX; strong geothermal generation in Taupō region
Contact Energy Plans (2026)
Standard Variable Plan
- Unit rate: approximately 31–38c/kWh (varies by region, incl. GST)
- Daily charge: approximately 50–80c/day
- No lock-in contract
- Online-only discount typically available (~5–8% off unit rate)
Fixed-Term Plans (12 or 24 months)
- Rate locked for contract period
- Typical break fee: $100–$150 for 12-month, $150–$200 for 24-month
- Sometimes offered with sign-up incentives (bill credits)
Power + Gas Bundle
- If your home has piped natural gas (available in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, and parts of Christchurch), bundling power and gas with Contact can simplify billing
- May attract a small discount vs. separate accounts
Power + Broadband Bundle
- Contact offers fibre broadband separately and as a bundle with power
- Bundle discounts vary
Contact’s Strengths
1. Strong geothermal generation Contact operates some of NZ’s largest geothermal power stations (Wairakei, Ohaaki, Te Huka, Poihipi). Geothermal generation is highly reliable (not weather-dependent) and very low-carbon. Approximately 80–85% of Contact’s generation is renewable.
2. Gas + power bundling Contact is the best option for homes with piped natural gas. They’re one of the few retailers offering both electricity and gas from the same company, simplifying billing and customer service.
3. Broadband bundling Contact’s broadband offer means households can potentially manage all utilities through one account. Broadband quality and pricing is discussed separately.
4. Competitive South Island pricing Contact has historically been competitive in South Island regions where their hydro generation is located. If you’re in Canterbury or Otago, Contact often rates well on Powerswitch.
5. Solid customer service Contact consistently performs reasonably in customer satisfaction surveys — not top-rated, but reliable for resolving issues.
Contact’s Weaknesses
1. Gas supply narrows the appeal The gas + power bundle only applies to homes with a gas connection. Most NZ homes don’t have piped gas, so this advantage doesn’t apply.
2. Not usually the cheapest overall Like Meridian, Contact’s scale doesn’t automatically translate to the cheapest prices. Independent retailers often beat Contact’s standard rates. Always check Powerswitch.
3. Website and app are functional but not great Contact’s digital tools work, but they’re not as slick as some competitors. Some customers report difficulty navigating billing and plan management online.
Who Is Contact Energy Best For?
- Households with piped natural gas wanting a single provider for power + gas
- South Island households — Contact often rates well in Powerswitch comparisons in Canterbury and Otago
- Households wanting to bundle broadband + power
- Customers who prefer a large, established retailer
Contact Energy vs Competitors
| Feature | Contact | Meridian | Genesis | Electric Kiwi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable generation | ~80–85% | 100% | ~60–65% | Grid mix |
| Gas supply | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Broadband | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Price rank | Average | Average | Average | Competitive |
| Contracts | Optional | Optional | Optional | None |
Verdict
Contact Energy is a good all-round retailer, particularly for gas households and South Island customers. Their geothermal generation credentials are strong. But for most NZ households without gas, pure electricity pricing from independent retailers like Electric Kiwi will often be cheaper — always check Powerswitch.
Rating: 3.5/5 — Best for gas households and South Island customers. Others should compare.