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Electric Kiwi is an independent New Zealand electricity retailer established in 2014, focused on providing affordable and smart energy solutions to customers with advanced smart meters. Known for its “Hour of Power” feature, which gives customers one hour of free off-peak electricity daily, the company offers flexible, competitive pricing plans designed to help users save on their energy bills.
Electric Kiwi Overview
Owned by Energy Collective Limited, the company has grown its customer base to tens of thousands, making it a recognised name in New Zealand’s retail electricity market. Its signature feature, the “Hour of Power”, provides customers with more control over their energy use and their NewZealand finance management.
Plans & Pricing
Electric Kiwi offers several electricity plans designed for different needs, with transparent pricing in line with New Zealand’s financial markets authority. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. As of 2025, the main plans are:
- The Everyday Plan (Stay Ahead): A flat-rate plan ideal for predictable bills, charging about 22.8 cents per kWh plus a daily fixed fee of around $1.20, with no disconnection fees.
- The MoveMaster Plan: A time-of-use plan providing very low rates during off-peak periods, roughly 17.8 cents per kWh at night.
- The Go250 Plan: A pay-in-advance plan offering competitive rates and free electricity on Sundays for the first year as a loyalty bonus.
Hour of Power
The Hour of Power allows customers to select one hour each day during off-peak periods (9am-5pm or 9pm-7am) when electricity use is free. This feature helps users save an average of $100 to $200 a year. Updating the chosen hour is easy and can be done daily using Electric Kiwi’s app or online account.
App & Smart Meter
Electric Kiwi’s Kiwi Central app allows customers to manage their electricity and other services in one place. It provides near real-time insights into electricity consumption, supports scheduling for the Hour of Power, and facilitates billing management.
Electric Kiwi customers need a smart meter installed, as the company’s pricing and service model depend on this technology. Smart meters record electricity use every 30 minutes, allowing accurate billing and features like hot water control.
How to Switch
Switching to Electric Kiwi is a straightforward online process. New customers provide some basic details, and the company handles contacting the current electricity provider. The switch normally takes up to 10 business days with no interruption to power supply. Customers get notified once their new account is active and can start enjoying features immediately.
Fees & Credits
Electric Kiwi does not charge exit fees or require fixed-term contracts, allowing customers to switch or cancel at any time without penalty. Customers can also earn credits through a high solar buyback rate that rewards excess electricity generated and fed back to the grid.
Electric Kiwi vs Others
Electric Kiwi is considered one of the most competitive electricity providers in New Zealand. Its low rates and innovative features like the Hour of Power differ from major providers such as Pulse Energy, Mercury Energy, Contact Energy, and Genesis Energy.
The company appeals particularly to customers comfortable with smart meters and app-based energy management. Time-of-use plans are a focus, especially appealing to electric vehicle owners and solar customers because of off-peak discounts and buyback opportunities.
Hour of Power Tips
Maximising savings from the Hour of Power involves everyday actions such as running washing machines, dishwashers, or dryers during the free hour. Customers typically save about 9.5% on their electricity bills by using the free hour well, with some saving more than 30%.
Using the Kiwi Central app is valuable for fine-tuning the chosen hour based on electricity use patterns. Changing the Hour of Power before midnight lets customers optimise it daily. For further efficiency, showering just before the free hour ensures hot water heating takes place during the free period.
Support & Billing
Electric Kiwi offers live chat support from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends. Customers can also contact them by email or request callbacks during business hours. The company prioritises fairness and transparency and aims to resolve issues promptly.
Billing can be managed through the app or website, which shows usage details and billing history. For unresolved complaints, customers can access free dispute resolution services such as Utilities Disputes and Telecommunication Dispute Resolution.
Terms & Eligibility
Customers must have a smart meter to join Electric Kiwi, as pricing and features like time-of-use billing depend on smart meter data transmitted every 30 minutes. Switching away can be done within a couple of days. Contract terms generally start once the local distributor confirms the switch.
Pricing can vary, with fixed and time-of-use options available, but prices are not guaranteed. After any fixed term, contracts usually continue month-to-month unless cancelled. Customers can reject renewal terms within three business days of receiving their first renewal bill.
FAQs
What is Electric Kiwi’s Hour of Power?
It offers customers one hour of free off-peak electricity daily, which they can use to run appliances and save on bills.
Do I need a smart meter for Electric Kiwi?
Yes. The company requires smart meters for time-of-use billing and usage data transmission.
Are there exit fees with Electric Kiwi?
No. The company charges no exit fees or penalties, allowing easy switching within a couple of days.
