How can I lower my power bill?

Good news: cutting down your power bill doesn’t have to mean sitting in the dark or freezing through winter. Small changes really do add up, and the right plan can make a big difference.

Here are some practical ways to get that bill heading in the right direction..

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Use power more efficiently.

The basics matter. Swap old light bulbs for LEDs and you could save over $100 a year. Turn appliances off properly instead of leaving them on standby – those little red lights aren’t free. And don’t waste power heating or lighting rooms nobody’s in. Simple habits like flicking off the lights when you leave a room can trim your usage.

Tackle hot water costs.

Hot water is a big chunk of most bills. Shorter showers are the fastest way to save. A family of four could cut around $900 a year just by going from 15-minute showers to 5. Using a water-efficient showerhead helps too. Stick to cold washes when doing the laundry, and only run your dishwasher when it’s full. You’ll barely notice a difference, except when the bill arrives.

Keep the heat in.

Heating chews through power, but insulation and considered use can keep costs down. Stop draughts, close curtains at night, and keep your heat pump at a sensible 18–20°C. Only heat the rooms you’re actually in. These small tweaks keep your place cosy without burning extra kilowatts.

Shift usage to off-peak times.

When demand is lower, power costs less. That’s why we created MoveMaster, with cheaper rates at night and on weekends – perfect for charging your EV or running the washing machine overnight. No matter which plan you’re on, every Electric Kiwi customer gets the Hour of Power: one free off-peak hour every day. Stack your chores for that hour: washing, dishes, vacuuming. Customers who plan around it can carve a real chunk off their bill.

Watch the big appliances.

Old, inefficient appliances can quietly drain your wallet. A second fridge running half empty can add up to $200 a year. Heated towel rails left on full-time can cost up to $170. A timer or just flicking the switch saves money fast.

Check your plan.

The right plan matters. Got an EV? Then overnight rates can make charging far cheaper.

Got solar panels? Run appliances while the sun’s out and look for a retailer with a solid buy-back rate. At Electric Kiwi, we offer one of the best solar buy-backs in NZ, so you get rewarded for the extra power you generate.

And of course, always compare providers – you deserve a deal that suits you.

Use the tools at your fingertips.

Our app gives you daily and even hourly insights into your usage. Track it for a week while trying a few of these changes and you’ll see the difference. It’s about making power work for you, not the other way around.

For more tips, check out our Consumer Care page.

Bottom line: With a few smart shifts and the right plan, you can absolutely cut your power bill without giving up comfort. We’re here to help make that easier.

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