Energy prices: New Zealanders’ average electricity bill falls to an all-time low

– By RNZ

Covid-19 has caused New Zealand’s average residential energy use to rise in 2020, but the average bill is the lowest in a decade.

Data released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment showed that the national average residential energy bill dropped by $ 126 a year compared to five years ago.

The average household bill in New Zealand was found to be $ 2,113 a year, one of the lowest annual bills in the developed world.

The Electricity Retailers Association said some customers still had high energy bills in winter due to the poorer quality of their homes, which required more use.

But on average, energy use had been declining over time as improvements were made in things like insulation.

The association’s executive director, Cameron Burrows, said several factors kept energy prices low.

“We have a lot of competition in the New Zealand power market, many power companies compete for customers and many customers are looking to get the best deal,” he said.

“About half of all households compared power plans this year and that’s a great way to make sure you get a deal for yourself and stay on top of pricing.”

However, Burrows said energy use had increased by about 2% overall this year, as a result of more New Zealanders staying home during the pandemic.

– RNZ