Powerswitch is a free and independent energy price comparison website powerswitch.org.nz
Electricity
Rates & Prices
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What is Powerswitch?
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Currency
The currency used throughout this site is New Zealand Dollars.
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Are there any special or hidden fees?
No, Pulse Energy provides transparent billing by itemising the charges, so you know exactly what you are being charged for. To see our schedule of fees, click here.
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Why are the prices different for different people?
Electricity prices vary due to several factors such as where you are located, what lines company you are with and the configuration of the meter on your site. To find out what your rates with Pulse Energy would be, fill out the form here and one of our team will be in touch.
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How much will I save?
If you would like a price comparison to see if you could save money by switching, fill in your details here. You will need a recent power bill handy.
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Where can I see your prices?
Electricity prices vary due to several factors such as where you are located, what lines company you are with and the configuration of the meter on your site.
For a price comparison you can either
1. Complete the form here. If you have a recent bill handy, you can also upload it here.
2. Email a copy of your most recent power bill to joinus@pulseenergy.co.nz
One of our team will be in touch with your rates soon!
Power Shift
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What is the Power Shift plan?
The Power Shift plan offers different electricity rates throughout the day (peak and off-peak, night, and half-price weekends).
You can maximise your savings by shifting your power usage to off-peak hours by running appliances at night or during off-peak hours, charging your car (or anything with a battery) overnight, shifting any energy-intensive tasks (using your washing machine or clothes dryer) to Saturday and Sunday. You can find out more about off-peak hours here.
Shifting your power usage away from peak times, not only can help you save money on your power bill, but also contributes to a more sustainable energy future for New Zealand.
This plan is ideal for users who work from home, people who work odd hours, EV owners, night owls and early birds.
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Can I go on the Power Shift plan?
To be eligible for the Power Shift plan you must:
- have an eligible, and actively communicating, electricity smart meter. When you sign up, we'll double-check this and confirm your eligibility.
- be a new residential customer of Pulse Energy.
- be supplied electricity by Pulse Energy at your primary residence.
- satisfy our credit checking criteria.
- be on a standard, single-phase residential connection and not on a private network.
Not sure if your property is eligible? Please get in touch with us here.
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What are the rates on this plan?
On this plan, you will benefit from variable electricity usage rates during weekdays, as well as lower variable electricity rates from Saturday - Sunday.
Here’s an explanation of Power Shift’s hours:
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Peak Hours: 7am - 11am and 5pm - 9pm.
- During these hours, electricity rates are higher due to increased demand. It's best to minimise the usage of high-energy appliances during these times.
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Off-Peak Hours: 11am - 5pm and 9pm - 11pm.
- During these hours, electricity rates are lower than peak hours. This is a good time to run appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.
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Night Hours: 11pm - 7am.
- This is the most affordable time to use electricity. A good time to charge EV’s or anything with a battery.
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Half Price Weekends: Saturday 12am - Sunday 11:59pm.
- All electricity used between Saturday 12am and Sunday 11:59pm is half price. The more electricity usage that you shift into the weekends, the more money you can save.
To find the energy rates for your property on the Power Shift plan, click here and type in your address.
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Peak Hours: 7am - 11am and 5pm - 9pm.
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How much will I save?
Any savings associated with the Power Shift plan will vary depending on your meter setup, how you use electricity overall, and particularly how much usage you shift to the off-peak hours and weekends.
Everyone’s usage is different. However, the more usage you shift off-peak, the more you can save!
You can track your savings online through My Account – our online portal available to Pulse Energy customers to manage your energy account.
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What are Half Price Weekends?
On the Power Shift Plan we offer half price weekends. All electricity used between 12am Saturday and 11:59pm Sunday will be half price.
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What kind of savings can I get from Half Price Weekends?
The more electricity usage that you shift into the weekends, the more money you can save.
Here are some tips:
- Delaying starting the dishwasher until off-peak times/weekends.
- Scheduling all your clothes washing for the weekend or after 9pm when off-peak rates apply.
- Keeping your heat pump turned off during peak times and switching it on during off-peak hours.
Sign Up
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Do you have any Highlanders or Crusaders offers?
To check out our current Highlanders promotions please click here
To check out our current Crusaders promotions please click here
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Do you have any student offers?
Yes we do! You can get a $50 joining credit thanks to the FlatPack company. For more information, click here.
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Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Absolutely. You can freely terminate at any time.
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How long does it take to switch electricity providers?
It can take up to 10 working days to switch your electricity to Pulse Energy. We will take care of the switching process for you and your power will not be turned off.
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Am I locked into a long term contract?
We offer no long term contracts.
If you have received a joining credit, this may be added to your final bill if you leave within the first 12 months.
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Do I have to do a credit check?
Yes, we do require a standard credit check to sign up to electricity. For us to process a credit check, you must have a valid New Zealand drivers’ license or a valid passport, this could be a New Zealand or an international passport.
If you wish to sign up and use your passport for your credit check, please note we will request to have you send through a copy of your passport to our customer care team.
Meter
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What type of meter do I need if I have solar power?
If you have solar panels, you will need a EG Meter or an import or export meter.
If you do not have panels but wish to sign up to our Solar Zero brand, please fill out this form here and one of our SolarZero specialists will contact you back.
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Who will install my meter and how long will it take?
One of our contractors will install your meter for you.Before we raise this request, we recommend you check with your electrician that all necessary wiring have been completed, and a Certificate of Certified (COC) has been gained for if needed.The installation of the meter can take up to 30 working days to complete and will incur a $130.00 fee on your next invoice once installed.
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What do I do if there is an error message on my meter?
A meter fault is when there is a known fault with your meter. For an example, you can hear strange noises from your meter or there is an error message on it. Please contact our team customer care team to raise this request for you.Please note, this will take up to 10 to 15 working days to complete and will incur a $130.00 fee if there is no known fault found.
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Can I upgrade my meter to a smart meter?
Yes, you can upgrade your current meter to a smart meter. Please contact our customer care team to raise this request for you.This will take up to 10 working days to complete and will incur a $130 cost which will show in your next invoice or when the request has been completed.
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Can I move the location of my meter?
Yes, please contact our customer care team to organise a meter shift. We will need 10 -15 days’ notice. A fee of $130 will apply once the meter shift has been completed on your next invoice and your electrician will need to create a meter board, and complete a preparatory wiring, so our contractor can move the meter.
Please note, a Certificate of Compliance (COC) is required by your electrician once they complete their electrical work for our contractor to sight. -
Can I use my own meter?
No, we don’t allow customers to supply their own meters.