Switching power companies in New Zealand is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes. Your electricity supply is never interrupted — you use the same wires, the same meter, and the same physical power. Only your billing relationship changes.
1. Go to powerswitch.org.nz and enter your ICP number (on your bill)
2. Compare quotes for your address and usage
3. Click through to your chosen retailer's website and sign up
4. Your new retailer handles the switch — you don't need to contact your old one
5. The switch usually completes within 5–10 working days
There is no interruption to your power supply at any point.
Step 1 — Find Your ICP Number
Your ICP (Installation Control Point) number uniquely identifies your electricity connection. It’s required to get accurate personalised quotes.
Where to find it:
- On your current power bill (usually labelled “ICP”)
- In your online account with your current retailer
- On your meter (look for a number starting with 0004 or similar)
The ICP is an alphanumeric code, typically 15 characters long (e.g., 0004001234567890).
Step 2 — Compare Providers on Powerswitch
Go to powerswitch.org.nz and enter:
- Your ICP number
- Your recent electricity usage (in kWh, from your bill)
- Your address
Powerswitch is run by Consumer NZ and is independent — it shows results from all retailers available at your address, sorted by estimated annual cost. It’s the only tool that accounts for your region’s specific line charges and gives you a genuinely personalised estimate.
What you’ll see: A list of all available plans ranked by annual cost. You can filter by plan type (fixed, variable, spot pricing, low-user), renewable energy, and whether you want contracts.
Step 3 — Choose a Plan and Sign Up
Click through from Powerswitch to the retailer’s website to sign up directly. You’ll need:
- Your ICP number
- Your name and contact details
- A bank account number (for direct debit) or credit card
- Your current retailer’s name (so the new one can arrange the switch)
Most sign-ups take 10–15 minutes online.
Step 4 — Your New Retailer Handles the Switch
Once you’ve signed up, your new retailer coordinates the switch with the Electricity Authority. You don’t need to contact your old retailer — your new one notifies them on your behalf.
What happens:
- A switching date is set (typically 5–10 working days ahead)
- A meter read is taken on the switching date
- Your old retailer issues a final bill up to the switch date
- Your new retailer starts billing from the switch date
Your power stays on throughout. There’s no outage, no technician visit required (in most cases).
Step 5 — Check Your First New Bill
When your first bill arrives from the new retailer, verify:
- The unit rate and daily charge match what was quoted
- The billing period starts from the switch date
- Any welcome credit or sign-up bonus has been applied
Breaking a Fixed-Term Contract
If you’re currently on a fixed-term plan, check whether an early termination fee (break fee) applies. Typical break fees are:
| Plan type | Typical break fee |
|---|---|
| Fixed 12-month plan | $50–$150 depending on retailer |
| Fixed 24-month plan | $100–$200 |
| Variable / open term | Usually $0 |
| Special deal (e.g., low-join-fee plan) | May vary |
In most cases, if switching will save you $200–$400/year, even a $100 break fee is worth paying. Calculate the annual saving and divide by 12 to see the monthly benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does switching cut my power supply? No. The electricity delivered to your home continues uninterrupted. Only the company billing you changes.
How long does the switch take? Usually 5–10 working days from sign-up.
Do I need a smart meter to switch? No, but some plans (particularly time-of-use or spot pricing plans) require a smart meter. Your new retailer will arrange installation if needed — this is usually free.
Can I switch if I’m renting? Yes. Tenants in NZ have the right to choose their own power retailer regardless of who the landlord uses.
What about my final bill? Your old retailer will send a final bill covering up to the switch date, based on a meter read. You pay this to the old retailer and start paying the new one from the switch date.
What if I regret switching? You can switch again. There’s no rule preventing you from switching back or to another retailer, though break fees on fixed-term plans may apply.
How Often Should You Switch?
The NZ electricity market is competitive, with retailers regularly updating pricing. Consumer NZ recommends checking Powerswitch every 12–18 months, or whenever:
- Your fixed-term contract is about to expire
- You’ve received a price increase notice
- You’ve moved to a new address
- Your household usage changes significantly (new EV, new member, etc.)