Sort your electricity before moving day so you know power will be ready when you arrive — and comparing providers first can save a genuine amount over a year.
How to do it
- Compare providers before you commit — pricing and sign-up deals vary more than most people expect, and switching later is easy if you didn't compare first.
- Book the connection at least a few days before move-in, ideally more — some retailers need lead time, especially if a physical meter reading or reconnection is required.
- Have your address and move-in date ready when you sign up so your retailer can give you an accurate timeframe — some connections complete quickly, while others may require a site visit or additional work.
- Check if gas is bottled or reticulated at your new place — this changes who you need to contact, since bottled gas is arranged with a supplier directly.
- Note your meter reading on moving-out day if your old property doesn't have a smart meter, and check the reading at your new place on arrival in case it's been vacant a while.
It's also worth asking whether your new retailer offers a sign-up credit or discount for switching — these change often, so it's worth checking even if you're leaning toward staying with your current provider.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until moving day to think about power — reconnections aren't always instant.
- Not comparing providers and defaulting to whoever the previous occupant used.
- Forgetting to arrange a final reading/close-out at your old address.
Related tasks
Sort your internet connection at the same time — bundling providers sometimes gets a better deal, and lead times are similar.
Useful links
- Compare power plans (Powerswitch) — a free, independent comparison run by Consumer NZ, ranked by price rather than promotions.
What goes wrong
Example scenario
Leaving power until moving day
- What can go wrong
- You arrange power on the day you move in, and the property needs a meter reading or reconnection first.
- The impact
- You may have no power until the retailer can complete the connection.
- How to avoid it
- Book at least a few days before move-in, ideally more, with your address and move-in date ready. Compare plans on Powerswitch before you choose a retailer.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to connect power at a new address?
- Often same day, sometimes within half an hour, if the property is already connected and you're just switching the account over. Book at least a week ahead regardless — two is safer — rather than relying on a same-day turnaround.
- Is there a cost to connect power when moving?
- Moving your account between two already-connected properties is typically free. A callout to physically reconnect a disconnected supply can incur a fee — check with your specific retailer.