Press release:

www.billy.govt.nz 

 

New Zealanders can now compare and switch power plans with confidence using Billy, the new, free and publicly-owned comparison and switching site launched today by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko.

 

Named as a nod to the power ‘bill’, Billy will make it easier for households to take control of their power costs.

 

“Billy gives people a simple way to check their plan and make sure they’re getting the best deal for them,” says Authority Chief Executive Sarah Gillies. “As Billy says, ‘there’s power in checking’. We want people to be confident they’re getting good value for their power by providing clarity and choice.”

 

Gillies says Billy builds on other changes the Authority has made to strengthen competition and empower consumers with better bills and clearer information.

 

“Electricity is a lifeline not a luxury. It warms our homes, powers our lives and connects us to opportunity. But for too many people, it’s a source of stress. Heading into winter, many households will face an increase to their power bill. It’s more important than ever to check whether your plan is delivering good value for your household, and whether you could save money with a better deal.”

 

Owned and operated by the Authority, the interactive site uses real data from 27,000 Kiwi households to model how people use power and create personalised comparisons. The Authority does not receive commissions or promote any particular power company. Billy simply shows how different plans could work for each household.

 

“Electricity is one of the biggest regular costs for most New Zealanders,” says Gillies. “Power bills rose by an average of about 10% in the first half of last year – around $17 per month for the average home.”

 

Research commissioned by the Authority in 2024 highlights why tools like Billy are needed. Of the households surveyed, half of those who switched power companies did so to save money. Among those who hadn’t switched, the main barriers were uncertainty whether savings would be real (50%) and feeling the benefit might not be worth the hassle (37%).

 

Billy makes it easy to see what you could save by either uploading a recent power bill or answering a few simple questions. Within seconds, you will receive personalised comparisons based on your electricity use and be guided through a simple process if you choose to switch. 

 

“The Authority has no commercial interest in whether someone switches. For many people, the outcome may simply be reassurance that their current plan is working well.”

 

Gillies says trusted information makes a big difference.  “Billy will help people better understand their options and make informed choices.”