Are you a Low User or Standard User?
Knowing the difference between a low user and a standard user can save you hundreds of dollars. While many Kiwis wonder about their power usage, and which type of power user they are, we are here to help you make the most informed decision on your electricity bill. So, what is standard power usage in NZ? And what is low power usage in NZ?
The key thing to remember is to not think that a low user plan will ensure low costs. Being a low user or a standard user for power will depend on how many people are in your home, the appliances you use, and what is used to cook and heat your home.
So, what is the difference between the two?
Am I a Low User?
If you consume a relatively small amount of power, this could be the plan for you. If you have only 1-2 people in the home, with a generally well insulated and ventilated home, and use energy efficient appliances, you may likely qualify for a low user plan.
Different parts of the country have slightly different requirements for qualifying for low user plans. For the North Island and top of the South Island, you must consume less than 8000 kWh over the year, and generally have a monthly power bill of $160-$180 to qualify for a low user plan.
However in the lower areas of the South Island, you can consume less than 9000 kWh across the year to qualify for a low user. The lower South Island has a slightly higher power usage allowance for low user plans due to the colder weather of this region.
Low user plans work with a lower daily charge and a higher charger for variable usage. If your family doesn’t use a lot of electricity, the low user plan, you can save hundreds of dollars on your power bill across the year. Low user plans are slowly being phased out in New Zealand.
Am I a Standard User?
The majority of households in New Zealand are standard users for their power bill. The household typically has more people, which increases the amount of electricity you will ultimately use. Standard user households in the North Island and upper South Island will use more than 8000 kWh across the year and have a monthly bill over $180. Lower South Island households will be standard users if they consume over 9000 kWh over a year.
It is important to note that standard user plans are charged differently than low user plans. Standard user plans have a higher daily charge but a lower charge per kWh or unit of power used.
Still a little unsure? Talk to a Power Compare Expert!
Our friendly, Auckland based team at Power Compare are there to help you calculate your power usage and choose the best power plan for your household and needs. Give us a free call at 0508 22 66 72 for bias-free, obligation-free advice on the power plans available to you. They can help you figure out whether you are a low user and standard user, and either let you know that you are on the right plan, or help direct you to some plans that might better suit you, so that you can compare, and make a fully informed decision on your power bill.
Go on, call us! It’s free.
Further reading: