Switchme.co.nz helps eliminate the impact of GST

Switchme.co.nz helps eliminate the impact of GST and energy price increases

Simple to use energy comparison website Switchme.co.nz can help New Zealand families reduce and even eliminate the impact of the 1 October GST increase, as well as electricity and gas price increases.

"The GST and energy price increases that will take affect on 1 October are likely to have serious consequences for many fixed income families as they struggle to pay higher power bills,” says Brett O’Donnell, Director of Switchme.co.nz.

“But the reality is that many of these families could be paying less for their power as it is.”

A recent government survey found that on average New Zealand households could save $100 per year if they change their power company, and some households could save well over $1,000.

1 October also marks the introduction of regulatory changes that mean customers will be able to change their power companies and benefit from savings a lot quicker. Under the new regulations, energy retailers will be required to switch customers within 10 working days of being asked, and half of all switches must occur within five working days. The previous rule allowed up to 23 working days for a switch.

“There has never been more incentive for customers to change their power company, but the problem is that most of us remain in the dark about where to get the best deal on electricity,” says Mr O’Donnell.

“We do not have the time to invest in understanding the plethora of electricity plans available from different retailers and working out which plan is best for us. So we simply stick with the company we know and hope we’re getting a good deal.”

Switchme.conz is an online service that removes the uncertainty around which energy company to go with by allowing customers to compare prices for electricity and gas supplied in their area.

Customers simply enter their area, meter type and energy usage on the website, and Switchme.co.nz will offer options for better customer service, more suitable payment plans and the lowest-charging provider.
Mr O’Donnell also says, “That if more consumers become active in shopping for competitive energy prices, energy retailers will come under increased pressure to offer more competitive rates. This will help deliver significant long-term cost savings for all of us.”

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