So-called “smart meters” are being rolled out around the country. These meters are designed to let your electricity company read your meter remotely – although there’s no sign that any savings from this will be directly passed on to consumers.
Smart meters can also be less easy to read than the old style meters. They have an electronic display – but it may not automatically show your meter reading. Depending on the type of smart meter, you may have to push a “Select” button and then scroll through a list of other information until you find the reading for kWh used.
You may also need to find more than one reading. If your smart meter measures both “controlled” (usually hot water) and “uncontrolled” power use, you’ll have to scroll through to get both readings.
Not all companies are installing the same types of meters. So if you change companies, there's no guarantee your new supplier will be able to read your meter remotely. Someone may still have to come to your house to do this.
If you move house, check what type of meter is at the new property. If it's a smart meter, call your electricity company and find out how to read it. Take a meter reading on the day you move in, tell the company what this is and keep a record. You should pay only for electricity used from the date that power was supplied to you.
Report by Jessica Wilson.
More from consumer.org.nz
- Powerswitch.org.nz - calculate the best electricity and gas options for your needs
- Energy providers - more than 11,000 members told us about the service they receive from their energy supplier
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Get full access to all Consumer reports for as little as $1.85 a week
- Over 500 reports plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Improving the contracts
