Globug is a prepay electricity brand. Its website says customers pay for electricity as they go, topping up credit rather than paying a bill after the power is used. The model can suit people managing tight cash flow or who want to track usage and spending. Status (checked 25 October 2026): Globug’s website says it is “temporarily pausing GLOBUG joins and new applications” and refers people who want to discuss moving to a Mercury product to Mercury.
Type: Prepay electricity retailer
Billing: Load credit and pay as you go; Globug says you never get a bill
Joining: Currently paused (see status above)
How Globug Works
- Joining: Globug’s website says it is temporarily pausing joins and new applications (see status above). Before the pause, its FAQ said there were no contracts, no bonds and no credit checks.
- Top up credit: Customers top up in the app or website, or in store at hundreds of dairies and convenience stores. The minimum top-up is $10.
- Use power: The app shows your current balance, an estimate of how many days of power remain, and your spending by day, week or month.
- Keep the balance above $10: Globug says that when the balance drops below $10 you have until the next day (about 11am to 11:30am, per its FAQ) to top up or the power is disconnected.
- Reconnecting: Customers can reconnect online, in the app, by text or by phone.
Globug Top-Up Fees
Globug’s website lists these fees for each top-up: 20c by internet banking in the app or website, 40c by debit or credit card in the app or website, and 75c in store. Check Globug’s site for its current electricity rates, which this page does not state.
Debt Balance
Globug says that if you have a debt balance (for example power used while your account was being set up, or debt transferred from Mercury), a percentage of each top-up goes towards reducing it: 25% of each top-up from 1 October to 31 May, and 10% from 1 June to 30 September. It says this debt does not incur interest or extra fees.
Alerts and Support
The app can send balance and low-balance alerts by text or email. Some text services cost 20c each. Globug lists a 24/7 helpdesk, and Utilities Disputes (udl.co.nz) handles energy complaints.