Consumer NZ is urging New Zealanders to consider switching electricity providers following the release of its latest power satisfaction survey. The s
Consumer NZ is urging New Zealanders to consider switching electricity providers following the release of its latest power satisfaction survey. The survey revealed a disappointing customer satisfaction rating of 54% across the board. However, smaller retailers have outperformed larger ones in keeping customers satisfied.
Powershop emerged as the top performer once again, earning Consumer’s People’s Choice status for the sixth time since 2015. Frank Energy also received the award, with satisfaction scores of 74% and 67% respectively. Contact and Trustpower scored below the industry average, while Meridian received a meager score of 46%.
Consumer highlighted that power providers scoring below the satisfaction average serve 56% of Kiwis. Paul Fuge, Consumer’s Powerswitch manager, noted that switching providers could lead to significant savings. On average, people are saving around $400 per year by switching, which has increased by 25% compared to 18 months ago. Fuge mentioned that around 90% of visitors to the Powerswitch website discover savings of at least $100 or more.
Despite the potential benefits, only about 6% of people are currently switching providers, with many customers remaining loyal to their current provider for five years or more. Fuge emphasized that switching is relatively easy through the Powerswitch website, which allows people to compare plans and providers. If desired, switching providers usually only requires a simple button press. Fuge also highlighted the option of negotiating with the current provider for a better plan.
Consumer believes that increasing the number of people switching providers will put pressure on retailers to reduce prices, as the current lack of switching allows them to keep prices high.
