Power bills creeping up? Here’s how to bring them back down — without freezing all winter
Power in New Zealand isn’t cheap — especially in winter. And if you’re on a variable rate plan or using electric heating, the numbers can climb fast.
Here are 10 real ways to cut your power bill, whether you’re renting, owning, or just trying to keep your costs down without sacrificing comfort.
🕒 1. Shift Usage to Off-Peak Hours
If you’re on a day/night or free weekend power plan, use it strategically:
- Bulk cook, do laundry, or run the dishwasher in the evenings or weekends
- Use timers to run appliances overnight while you’re sleeping
- Avoid using heat pumps and electric cylinders during peak rates (usually 7–9am and 5–9pm)
Tip: Some companies like Electric Kiwi, Flick, and Nova offer free hours or off-peak incentives — use them.
🍲 2. Bulk Cook + Batch Wash
Do your washing, drying, and cooking in bulk, ideally during cheap-rate windows. That includes:
- Batch cooking meals on Saturday morning
- Doing back-to-back loads of washing/drying
- Planning meal prep so the oven only runs once a day (or less)
🌞 3. Use the Sun Smartly
Your curtains aren’t just for privacy — they’re thermal tools.
- Open curtains during the day to let in free heat from the sun
- Close them before sunset to trap the warmth inside
- Use thermal or lined curtains if you can — even cheap ones from Spotlight or The Warehouse make a difference
If you’re renting and can’t drill, try tension rods with ready-made thermal curtains.
🛁 4. Turn Off the Hot Water Cylinder (Sometimes)
Electric cylinders are quiet energy hogs.
If you have a timer or switchboard control, you can:
- Turn it off during peak hours
- Set it to reheat at night only (especially if you don’t use a ton of hot water)
⚠️ Don’t do this without checking how your system works — and don’t turn it off if you’re on a fixed-rate or low-use plan where it makes no difference.
🛍 5. Shop Around for Power Deals
Most power companies in NZ offer:
- Sign-up credits ($100–$300 isn’t uncommon)
- Free hours or weekend power deals
- Bundle discounts if you combine internet, gas, or mobile
- Referral bonuses for switching – here’s mine for powershop (get your free $150)
Use sites like:
- Powerswitch.org.nz
- Powercompare
- Or ring providers directly and ask for a better rate
Tip: Ask before your current contract ends — or go open-term so you’re free to switch at any time.
🕹 6. Use Smart Plugs or Timers
If you forget to turn off the heated towel rail (again), smart plugs help.
- Use timers for dehumidifiers, towel rails, heaters
- Program devices to run only during free or cheaper hours
- Some smart plugs even track energy use so you can see what’s costing you
🛌 7. Heat the Person, Not the Room
Sometimes it’s cheaper to layer up than turn on the heater for an hour.
- Use heated throws (low wattage, high comfort)
- Wear merino socks, hoodies, or thermals inside
- Use hot water bottles instead of running a panel heater
You don’t need to suffer — but you also don’t need to heat the whole room if you’re only using a corner of it.
🔌 8. Unplug Energy Vampires
Even on standby, things like TVs, microwaves, gaming consoles, and chargers sip power all day.
- Switch off at the wall when not in use
- Use a power strip with a single switch for easy control
- Especially watch for old appliances — some draw more than you’d expect
🧊 9. Defrost the Fridge + Freezer
An iced-up freezer works harder and uses more power.
- Defrost when the ice gets thicker than 5mm
- Vacuum the coils behind the fridge (if it has them)
- Keep the fridge full — even with water bottles — so it maintains temp better
🛁 10. Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
Hot water = big power use, especially if you’re using an electric cylinder.
- Set a timer for showers
- Swap the shower head for a low-flow model
- Don’t use hot water for basic rinsing (like veggies or pre-dishwasher scrubbing)
💡 Final Word
You don’t need to live in the dark to cut your power bill — but you do need to be intentional.
Use the off-peak windows. Shop around. Heat smarter. And don’t be afraid to ask your power company, “Can you do better?”
Better Whare 
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