As the Winter Energy Payment begins for another year, ERGANZ is highlighting the support available to help New Zealanders manage power costs and keep their homes warm and dry.
ERGANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says there are options for people finding it difficult to pay their energy bills.
“Winter can put extra pressure on household budgets, but people do not have to wait until things become difficult before asking for help,” Abernethy says.
“Our members have consumer care initiatives that support access to affordable electricity, including for those in energy hardship. Customers should not hesitate to contact their retailer early if they are worried about winter power costs.
“Retailers can talk through payment options, check whether a customer may be eligible for a Power Credit, and connect people with budgeting or financial mentoring services where that would help.”
The Power Credits Scheme provides $110 credits directly on power bills for eligible low fixed charge customers in energy hardship. A second $110 credit may be available when customers also work with budgeting or financial mentoring services.
The scheme was established in 2022 and is funded by both ERGANZ members and Electricity Networks Aotearoa members. To date, it has issued around $3.5 million worth of credits to consumers in hardship.
“There are also a wide range of government-led and community-focused initiatives and support for consumers, and I encourage anyone struggling with their power bill to look at our Consumer Resource, which can be found on the ERGANZ website,” Abernethy says.
The support sits alongside the Winter Energy Payment, which starts today. You must be getting a main benefit, pension, or Jobseeker Support Student Hardship to receive the Winter payment, which is paid automatically to those who meet the criteria.
