Cost of living: How to get $110 off your electricity bill through Power Credits Scheme
Some Kiwis can expect their power bill to rise this month for the third year in a row as the low-user charge is phased out – but there's a payment available for people who are struggling.
It's the third year in a row that low-power users are facing increasing fixed costs as the low-power users scheme is phased out.
To help the industry set up the $5 million Power Credits Scheme which means eligible households can access credit during the transition.
The phase out which began in 2022 will see fixed costs for low users rise every april for five years.
The scheme means households who are supplied by Contact, Meridian, Mercury, Genesis, Nova, Wise, Globug, Powershop, Frank or Toast Electric can access a $110 payment if they’re in hardship. So far $1.4 million has been paid out.
The scheme is run by the Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand. Chief executive Bridget Abernethy told Consumer NZ households showing signs of energy hardship can get the payment. But Abernethy said each power company will have its own criteria for what energy hardship looks like.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said removing the "low Fixed Charge Tariff regulations is essential for creating a fairer playing field for all New Zealand households".
However, the MBIE website acknowledged the phase-out could be challenging for some households.
"While all households are expected to benefit in the long term from the regulations being removed, some households may face higher power bills," the website said.
The credit can help households adjust, it added.
The decision to remove the low user charge was made by the then Labour Government in 2021 who called it "poorly targeted".
Then Energy Minister Megan Woods said it would mean three in five households could benefit from lower power bills.
============================================
www.newshub.co.nz....
=============================================
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
-
41.1% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
-
57.4% No, I enjoy it
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
MEGA EASTER SALE – NOW ON!
Hi Neighbours,
Looking to upgrade your sleep this Easter? Now’s the perfect time!
Enjoy UP TO 65% OFF a huge range of beds and bedding across our stores – plus even more exciting offers to make it worth your visit!
- FREE Local Delivery
On purchases over $1099 (valid where shipping is under $99)
- SPIN & WIN – EVERY PURCHASE GETS A GO!
Try your luck on our Easter Wheel and win amazing prizes:
• FREE 2x Lavender Pillows
• FREE 1x MLILY Pillow
• FREE Coral Classic Mattress Protector
• Spin Again – another chance to win!
• Bedding Bundle (Worth $500)
• WIN YOUR PURCHASE BACK! (Store credit to the value of your order)
✨ Big savings, great prizes – there’s never been a better time to upgrade your sleep!
- Visit your nearest store today and take advantage of these limited-time Easter offers.
Don’t miss out – once it’s gone, it’s gone!
Illuminate Market 2026 is tomorrow in Mt Albert!
Gather your friends, whānau, neighbours, colleagues etc. and join us at Illuminate Market 2026!
>> We chatted to Kathryn Ryan on RNZ's Nine To Noon about Illuminate Market this morning, listen here:
www.rnz.co.nz...
Our special guest and MC, Jaden Movold, will be officially opening the festivities at 4pm on the Live Stage in the Reserve – you don’t want to miss this!
For full event details, including how to get there, parking and accessibility, visit: www.recreate.org.nz...
Sat 28th March, 4pm – 8pm
Mt Albert War Memorial Hall & Reserve
Free entry, all welcome!
Loading…
