Powershop: Anyone with them?

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KellyP

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#60908 5-May-2010 14:53

Well, I'm currently with Meridian. I'm pretty happy with them but I've heard great things about Powershop and I've been thinking about switching.

Would switching to Powershop make a difference in my case considering that they are owned by Meridian?

Note: I have a 1st Gen Smart meter

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#326928 5-May-2010 14:57

I am with Powershop since before they went public... The costs seem to have been less than with my previous provider (Genesis). And yes, the prices at Powershop will be different from Meridian.

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langi27

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#326930 5-May-2010 15:02

I've just joined up with them (about 1 month ago), so far I'm very impressed with their web based system. You buy blocks of power at different rates, lets you enter the meter reading (daily if you really want) and calculates the amount you've used, estimates how much you have got left. Lets you also pick green types of energy companies, Crusaders Energy or no-frills budget energy packs all at different rates.

Looking back at previous months, I'm saving about 30% compared to this time last year on Contact Energy, being in Christchurch Power shop also give me a 20% discount of my weekend power usage as well.

I like the fact I can have more control over how I spend my power money, if I see a good deal for Aug, Nov, Dec I can buy it now and use it during those months. Your not stuck to a set rate. I also assume this could go the opposite direction as well, if they can only source expensive power then your forced to pay the higher rate. But so far so good, gets the thumbs up from me.

SCM

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#326939 5-May-2010 15:16

Well worth changing over to Powershop. The power may cost more in the winter moths but over the summer they are way cheaper than any other company.
Dont think I've herd of anyone who has made the jump that hasent saved power

xpd

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#326949 5-May-2010 15:40

With Powershop as well - some the cheap deals are limited, but overall we're saving a few dollars with them :)

XPD / Gavin

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#326953 5-May-2010 15:59

I would be.. but they're still not in Hawke's Bay :(

mule

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#326954 5-May-2010 16:00

If they come to the Hawkes Bay I will sign up as well

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kiwitrc

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#326961 5-May-2010 16:26

Have our holiday place with them and work is with them.

I was with them at home but found that because we use day/night meters and lots of stuff at night ie water heating, they were not competitive.

StarBlazer

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#326962 5-May-2010 16:26

I've just moved to them at the end of March. Can't tell yet whether I'm saving money as I'm bulk buying for the winter and spring - which is saving me around 4c per unit - probably more now as I understand Genesis are putting their prices up!

It does require a wee bit of micro management - that's the only downside! To get the best deals you have to log on at least weekly - update your reading and buy the latest best pack - especially if you are new and not around for the Autumn packs. I guess that when I get to the winter months and the packs I've been buying start kicking in I will see the difference.

Unless you aleady know what you are likely to be using in a particular month (compare previous years bills) it's hard to know if you are overbuying. If you buy too much of a pack and don't use it that month, you lose the unused units - do that too many times and you lose any benefit of joining them.

If you have the time and inclination to manage your account - join them. If you don't you may find yourself better off with a 'normal' provider - IMO!!

Procrastination eventually pays off.

chiefie

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#326973 5-May-2010 16:50

In Chch and been with Meridian for ages until late last year and switch... been great and definitely see some saving.

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#326984 5-May-2010 17:24

I've compared it a few times to the plan/usage we have at home and it wouldn't save me enough to be bothered with the micro management.

Keeping an eye on it.

chiefie

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#326988 5-May-2010 17:29

You don't have to micro manage it at all if you don't want to, you'd still be saving a fair little bit. It will be like direct debit at the end of the month.

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#326990 5-May-2010 17:31

I live in Christchurch and I was with Powershop for just under a year. In that time I saved a good amount of money.

However, on the 1st of April their prices went up by almost 30% and even their cost savings calculator said I would be better off with Genesis.

So, last week I switched to Genesis, I expect powershops prices will drop again in summer so I will check them out again.

The switchover process these days is very painless and usually takes less than a week, so no problems changing suppliers regularly.

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#327010 5-May-2010 18:01

chiefie: You don't have to micro manage it at all if you don't want to, you'd still be saving a fair little bit. It will be like direct debit at the end of the month.

Last time I compared it, if left it on automatically add blocks of power as needed it wouldn't work out any cheaper for us.

DarkShadow

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#327011 5-May-2010 18:05

Since you are posting on geekzone, you are probably a geek. You will love Powershop: you get data galore plus lots of control.

Ragnor

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#327014 5-May-2010 18:07

andar: I live in Christchurch and I was with Powershop for just under a year. In that time I saved a good amount of money.

However, on the 1st of April their prices went up by almost 30% and even their cost savings calculator said I would be better off with Genesis.

So, last week I switched to Genesis, I expect powershops prices will drop again in summer so I will check them out again.

The switchover process these days is very painless and usually takes less than a week, so no problems changing suppliers regularly.

I'm sure you used to be able to see the shop/pricing for various types of power without having a login, doesn't appear like you can now (or I'm blind?).

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