Best Standard And Low User Power Plans NZ

Many Kiwis are unaware that they're paying more than they should for electricity. Because of this, the government came up with the Low User and Standard Plan to make sure Kiwis are getting the right power plan for their needs.

Being in the wrong plan will only cost you more money in the long run. Low users and Standard users are determined by the amount of electricity consumed in your primary household. Your plan may change based on several factors, including the number of people living with you, the kind of appliances you use, and whether you use gas for cooking and heat at home.

What is a low user?

A low user is a power user that uses less than 8,000 kWh annually (North Island) and 9,000 kWh annually (South Island) at their household. A Low User plan is better for you if you don't consume that much electricity in your household. Low users have a cheaper daily charge and higher variable usage charge and have a fixed rate of no higher than 30 cents per day, except that the unit rate is a bit higher.

Low user plans are only applicable for your primary household. To qualify, your home must be the following:

Your home must be used mainly as a place of residence
Your home must be your principal place of residence
Your home has not covered an exemption to the Electricity Regulations 2004

Please note that you can't be avail of a low user plan for your holiday home, shed, etc.

What is a standard user?

A low user is a power user that uses more than 8,000 kWh annually (North Island) and 9,000 kWh annually (South Island) at their household. Standard user plans are considered the most cost-effective option for power users. They pay a higher daily rate than low users but get a lower price for each unit of electricity they use.

Are there different charges for Low User or Standard User Electricity Plans?

Yes, which is why it's essential to choose the right plan for you! Check out some of the best plans from the best power companies in NZ below.

Best Standard and Low User Plans

Trustpower

Trustpower is one of the leading power companies in NZ that offers affordable electricity plans for your household. Aside from that, they also provide gas, broadband, and electricity bundles for all utility needs.

Why choose Trustpower?

Offers electricity bundles to suit your household needs
Deals and rewards such as $50 account credit if you get one of their bundles
Trustpower App where you can manage all your utilities, monitor your services, and pay your bills

Standard User Rate

Per kWh	20 cents*
Daily Charge	$1.8955*

Low User Rate

Per kWh	27 cents*
Daily Charge	28 cents*

*Rates may differ depending on where you live in NZ

Energy Online

Energy Online gives quality services and products, including affordable NZ electricity plans, natural gas, and more, which has earned them the Roy Morgan customer satisfaction for three consecutive years.

Why choose Energy Online?

No fixed-term contract and no break fees, so you can cancel whenever
$50 off your electricity if you join them online
Discount, deals, and special offers
Energy Online app to help you keep track of your power usage, pay bills, sign up for LPG, refer friends to join Energy Online and earn credits, and more.

Standard User Rate

Per kWh	24.42*
Daily Charge	30.00*

Low User Rate

Per kWh	33.45*
Daily Charge	37.50*

*Rates may differ depending on where you live in NZ

Contact Energy

Contact Energy is one of the top energy providers in NZ and was voted as NZ's most trusted energy provider this year. Aside from electricity, they also provide broadband, natural gas, and LPG nationwide.

Why choose Contact Energy?

Discounts and rewards such as $150 off your first bill
Offers plans with no fixed term and cancellation fees
Bundles that saves you more money
Contact Energy App where you can check your account balance and bills to pay, set up direct debits, make payments, view transactions for the past 12 months, and more

Standard User Rate

All Day Economy	16 cents/kWh*
Daily Charge	$1.677*

Low User Rate

All Day Economy	22.2 cents/kWh*
Daily Charge	30 cents/day*

*Rates may differ depending on where you live in NZ

Contact Energy plans to consider:

Basic Plan

Reward: simple energy rates

Term: No fixed term, no break fees

Everyday Bonus Fixed

Reward: $150 discount on your first bill; 2% discount on your energy charges

Term: Fixed

Fixed energy rates until August 2023

Mercury Energy

Mercury Energy provides a wide range of products, and flexible power plans to cater to its customers' needs.

Why choose Mercury Energy?

Get amazing rewards and discounts when you sign up to them, including Airpoints and free power days. And if you consistently pay on time, you can get more deals.
An interactive app where apart from paying your bills and checking your power usage, you can also play fun games and challenges to score discounts

Standard User Rate

Variable rate	0.16 cents* per kWh
Daily Charge	$2.698*

Low User Rate

Variable rate	0.25 cents* per kWh
Daily Charge	0.32 cents*

Please note that rates are based on Auckland location

*Rates may differ depending on where you live in NZ

Mercury plans to consider:

Everyday Rates

Usage plan: Standard

Plan term: Open

Break fee: None

Reward: Up to 12% prompt payment discount

$75 Credit

Usage plan: Standard

Plan term: 1 year

Break fee: $150

Reward: $75 credit when you join, up to 12% prompt payment discount

$200 Credit

Usage plan: Standard

Plan term: 2 years

Break fee: $150

Reward: $200 credit, up to 12% prompt payment discount

If you think you're on the wrong power plan or currently planning to make a switch, consider a fast and reliable comparison tool to help make your search easier!