New features on the site include price trends, which allows visitors to view historical price changes for electricity providers in their area.  

 

Consumers can see where an electricity provider is in the pricing cycle before making any decision to switch.

 

Price trends can also show how aggressive or otherwise an electricity retailer has been with its pricing over time.  Initially this feature is available for the main centres but will soon also be available for all areas. 

 

The introduction of gas price comparisons means people who want gas and electricity with the same supplier can now make easy calculations.

 

Consumers will also be able to view and compare retailer service performance ratings (taken from the Consumer NZ annual member survey), other incentives and products and services. 

 

Powerswitch also includes links to retailer websites, to enable easy switching.

 

The enhancements have been assisted by the Electricity Commission.

 

The recently released Ministerial Review into improving the electricity market recommends encouraging and facilitating consumer switching of energy providers.  These enhancements are the first step in that process and Consumer NZ has further plans to improve the site so that consumers can benefit from the most competitive deals.