Questions on Powershop

rayonline: I've read some articles on the net including here. Powershop doesn't allow one to look at what's on the e-store and check how they work or what the general offerings are, neither with the phone app you have to logon first as a customer. Be great if anyone can answer these questions .. .
1. I heard that you can treat it as a normal utility company how are the rates like?

The rates goes up and down throughout the year. Every month, you may get one or two 'specials' = discounted rate.

2. Does these regular rates fluctuate thru out different months? The normal utility companies have the same daily rate and the same unit rate right unless they hike up the fees but usually fixed for 9 months....

As above. Powershop only charge rate per kwh. Most companies have daily charge + rate per kwh.

3. Is there a minimum period of time a customer needs to be with Powershop?

No contract

4. What are some of the plans like that you buy on their e-store? Do some of these "packs" only work on a particular month or week? What happens if you go over or don't use it up?

The rules for consumption of products are:

Powershop will use the product that expires first, if a clash

We will use the product that is a special first, if still a clash

We will use the cheapest product first and if still a clash

We will use the product that you bought first.

Unused credit will be refunded to your account.

5. I read that future packs are not that cheaper, is that right? I read this on their FB page ...

You have already quoted the answer. So far, I only buy the specials. Mind you, they may not have specials depending on demand / supply for that month.

@Linda: Hi Linda, future packs aren't discounted - the prices are based on your estimated top-up price for the month so our special packs at the time will always be cheaper than the future packs. Future packs are something we offer for those customers who like to budget and pay for things on advance - particularly winter power when bills are going to be higher. Apologies that it's all caused you some confusion. I'll take a look at your account in the morning and see if we can put you right with the pricing MC

I was a Trustpower customer. My bills is always above $250 a month (averaging just over $300 a month ~850 to 1000 units a month). We have heatpump on during cold days and air conditioner during the hot summer. I decided to review my power usage after 2 years, and do rough estimate based on average given by powershop. My savings come out almost $1000 a year. Sure enough, my first month with powershop, my bill is less than $150. That is a huge difference.

rayonline

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