Setting Up Utilities: Power, Internet & Gas

## Setting Up Utilities in New Zealand ### Electricity (Power) **Main Providers:** - Contact Energy - Genesis Energy - Mercury - Meridian - Electric Kiwi - Powershop - And many more **How to Connect:** 1. Compare prices at powerswitch.org.nz (free government tool) 2. Choose a provider and sign up online or by phone 3. Provide your new address and move-in date 4. Power is usually connected within 1-2 business days **Tips:** - Compare plans on Powerswitch before choosing - Check if there are sign-up discounts - Some providers offer apps to track usage - Average monthly power bill: $150-250 for a household ### Internet & Broadband **Main Providers:** - Spark - Vodafone - 2degrees - Orcon - Slingshot - Skinny (budget option) - MyRepublic **Types of Connection:** - **Fibre** - Fastest, best for streaming/gaming. Available in most urban areas. - **VDSL** - Good speeds via phone line - **ADSL** - Basic broadband - **Wireless/4G** - Good for rural areas **How to Connect:** 1. Check what's available at your address: broadbandcompare.co.nz 2. Compare plans and prices 3. Sign up with chosen provider 4. Installation may take 1-2 weeks for fibre **Average Costs:** - Basic unlimited: $70-90/month - Fibre 100: $80-100/month - Fibre 300+: $100-130/month ### Gas (Piped Natural Gas) Not all areas have piped gas. If available: - Main providers: Genesis, Contact, Nova Energy - Used for heating, hot water, cooking - Often cheaper to bundle with electricity **Bottled LPG Gas:** - For areas without piped gas - Used for BBQs, some heating - Swap bottles at petrol stations, supermarkets ### Water - Usually included in rent OR - Charged separately based on meter reading - Check your tenancy agreement - Auckland area has separate water bills (Watercare) ### Setting Up Checklist Before moving in: - [ ] Compare power providers on Powerswitch - [ ] Sign up for electricity - [ ] Compare internet providers - [ ] Order internet connection (allow 1-2 weeks) - [ ] Check if gas is needed/available - [ ] Confirm water billing arrangement with landlord On move-in day: - [ ] Check power is connected - [ ] Note down meter readings - [ ] Test hot water works - [ ] Wait for internet installation if needed