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.
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Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.9% Critical thinking
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29.6% Resilience and adaptability
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2.8% Other - I will share below!
Chapter Book and Tea Shop Jan-Feb 2026 Book Catalogue
📚 JAN-FEB 2026 BOOK CATALOGUE 📚
Welcome back and best wishes for 2026! The new year sees the arrival of lots of goodies including Ilona Andrews’ BEAST BUSINESS (Hidden Legacy Series—Novella), Mary Balogh’s REMEMBER THAT DAY (Ravenswood Series), Christine Feehan’s DARK JOY (Dark Carpathian Series), Jayne Ann Krentz’s THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE (Set in Fogg Lake), Lauren Palphreyman’s THE NIGHT PRINCE (Wolf King Series), Leigh Rivers’ INSATIABLE (Edge of Darkness Series), J.D. Robb’s STOLEN IN DEATH (In Death Series), Nalini Singh’s SUCH A PERFECT FAMILY and more. Enjoy your reading!
NB. We have temporarily sold out of Mary Balogh’s “REMEMBER THAT DAY” and we expect it to be back in stock in around two weeks’ time.
Check out the catalogue at
chapter.co.nz...
Please see p.2 for the:
• Order link for signed copies of Nalini Singh’s SUCH A PERFECT FAMILY
• Pre-order link for signed copies of Nalini Singh’s ARCHANGEL’S ETERNITY
• Details of the Romance Writers of New Zealand Short Story Contest sponsored by Chapter (in April 2026).
• Details of the Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Monthly Meetings and Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Facebook Group.
For Orders, Enquiries or to check instore dates:
✉️ info@chapter.co.nz ☎️ 09-6232319 📱 021-635027
NB. Chapter’s trading hours are Tue–Sun 10–4. We are CLOSED on Mondays.
#ChapterBookandTeaShop #Tea #TeaShop #Books #Bookshop #RomanceBookshop #RomanceFictionSpecialist #BiMonthlyBookCatalogue
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This setup is ideal for two girls or a couple looking for a quiet, safe, and relaxed place to call home.
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If you're looking for comfort, privacy, and a peaceful lifestyle — this could be your perfect new home 💛
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