Call on the Electricity Authority to protect vulnerable households. Send an email today.
The NZ Herald’s Power to the People series in July 2025 highlighted the stories of those being disconnected from power and struggling to keep the lights on.
This week our message got out to tens of thousands, as our campaign made the front page of the NZ Herald!
A courageous mum and social work student, Liz, shared how rising power prices from Contact Energy and Mercury have swept her into debt. Determined to stay afloat, she uses Afterpay to buy food for her son.
Liz is among thousands being pulled into debt due to price rises outside their control. Power prices are the result of decisions - by our government, the Electricity Authority and companies – who could all be doing more to protect people.
The Herald series reported our research findings that most power companies WAIT until customers ask before telling them if they offer a cheaper plan! That means companies are likely overcharging thousands of people.
They also published an interactive showing how many people are being disconnected from power for not being able to pay their bill. In good news, Mercury Energy has shifted away from both disconnections and disconnection fees, except in cases of fraud
Join us in calling the Electricity Authority to change the rules so that companies are required to inform customers of better plans for them. Below is text you can adapt.
Our voices are powerful. Let’s speak up together for this simple change that would help make a fairer electricity system.
Learn more about the Everyone Connected campaign and the full responses from electricty companies at everyoneconnectednz.com
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Email the Electricity Authority to call for change!
Adapt this message then email it to info@ea.govt.nz. It will be most effective if you use your own words.
Dear Electricity Authority,
I was shocked to read in NZ Herald that most power companies will wait until customers ask before telling them about any cheaper plans they offer.
This is unfair. Companies are the ones who know what plans are cheapest for my use. I did not know I had to contact my company regularly to ensure I get the best deal they offer.
Please change the rules to require that companies check regularly and tell people if they offer a better deal. The onus should be on companies not customers.
Yours sincerely,