Summary
New Zealand has a competitive power market, and Powerswitch is the free comparison tool run by Consumer NZ – it compares electricity and gas plans for your specific address; entering your ICP number, a unique code for your property’s connection to the grid, lets it match your address precisely. To successfully set up power New Zealand, it’s crucial to understand your options.
Retailers can usually start your power on your move-in date with a few days’ notice – allow a week if the property has been empty, and months if the home is a new build that needs connecting to the grid. Make sure you have everything ready to set up power New Zealand on time.
Fibre usually needs a provider, and sometimes a technician – your internet provider activates your plan, while Chorus, which builds and maintains most of New Zealand’s fibre network, installs the fibre if it is not already at the property; if you rent, you need your landlord’s permission first
A simple timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks before | Confirm your move-in date. Find your new address’s ICP number if you can. Check whether the property has mains gas, and whether fibre is already installed |
| 2 to 3 weeks before | Compare power and gas plans on Powerswitch. Tell your current retailer you are moving out. Sign up for power, gas and internet to start on your move-in date |
| 1 week before | Confirm start dates. Ask your landlord about fibre if you are renting. Tell your retailer about any medical equipment that needs power |
| Moving day | Photograph the meters. Plug in your modem if the fibre is already active |
| First week | Compare your first bill with your meter photos. Test your internet connection |
How power works in New Zealand
You sign up with a retailer (the company that bills you), but the lines company owns the network in your area. You do not contact the lines company to get connected. Your retailer arranges it.
Every property with an electricity meter has a unique ICP (Installation Control Point) number. It identifies how your home is connected to the electricity network, and retailers use it when you sign up. Powerswitch describes it as a 15-digit number.
Where to find it: The ICP is usually near the top of a power bill. If you do not have a bill for the new address, ask the current occupant, the landlord or property manager, or look it up with the My Meter tool. Powerswitch can also match some addresses automatically.
Step 1: Compare plans on Powerswitch
Powerswitch (powerswitch.org.nz) is a free comparison service run by Consumer NZ, and it covers both electricity and gas. You enter your address, and your ICP number if you have it, and it shows plans available at that property.
When you compare:
- Look at the estimated annual cost, which includes the daily fixed charge, the variable rate and any ongoing discounts, such as prompt payment or dual-fuel discounts.
- Check the fixed charge and the per-unit rate. Some plans have a higher daily charge and lower unit rate, and others the reverse. The better fit depends on how much power you use.
- Check for a fixed term. If a plan has a fixed term, you may pay a break fee if you leave early.
- Watch for bundles. Some plans only apply if you also take the retailer’s broadband or mobile plan.
Step 2: Sign up and set your start date
Once you choose a retailer, sign up online or by phone and ask for the connection to start on your move-in date. You will usually need:
- Your new address and ICP number, if you have it
- Your move-in date
- Photo ID
- Payment details
Retailers can usually set up a connection for your move-in date with a few days’ notice. It is worth allowing a week if the property has been vacant, in case the meter needs a check first.
Tell your current retailer you are moving out, or ask whether your account can move with you. Many retailers will transfer an existing account to a new address.
If anyone in your household relies on medical equipment that needs power, tell your retailer as early as possible.
New builds
If you are moving into a newly built home, connecting to the grid can take months. Powershop suggests arranging the connection four to five months before move-in for new builds. Speak to your preferred retailer and the local lines company early.
Gas
Not all homes have mains gas. If yours does, the setup mirrors electricity: choose a retailer, give your move-in date and the retailer arranges the connection. Powerswitch also compares gas plans. In some rural areas, homes use bottled gas (LPG) delivered by a supplier instead of mains gas.
Internet in New Zealand
- Check whether fibre is available at your address with an internet provider or on the provider’s address checker. Most urban areas have fibre. You do not need a landline to get broadband.
- Choose an internet service provider and order a plan. Contact them well before your move-in date, because activation can take a few days.
- If fibre is not yet installed at the property, Chorus arranges a technician visit.
- The initial meeting takes about an hour, and you sign an agreement about the work.
- A second visit to bring the fibre inside can take up to four hours, and someone needs to be home.
- If you are renting, you need your landlord’s written or verbal permission before fibre can be installed.
- The home needs a power supply before activation can go ahead.
- Check what else the plan includes, such as bundles, contract length and the modem.
Where fibre is not an option, ask providers what other broadband options are available at your address.
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Comparing plans without your ICP | Find it first so Powerswitch matches your property |
| Booking at the last minute | Book two to four weeks ahead, and months ahead for a new build |
| Not checking for a fixed term | Check break fees before you sign |
| Ordering fibre without checking it is installed | Ask the provider or Chorus whether a visit is needed |
| Forgetting landlord permission | If you rent, get it before fibre is installed |
| Not telling your old retailer | Close or move the old account |
| Skipping meter photos | Photos help you check your first bill |
Reading your first bill
- Compare the meter readings with your moving-day photos.
- Look at the daily fixed charge and the per-unit charge for electricity.
- Check whether the bill is based on an actual or estimated reading.
- Note any discounts and the conditions attached.
- Note when any fixed term ends, and set a reminder to compare again.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
What is an ICP number?
A unique number for your property’s connection to the electricity network. It is usually near the top of a power bill, and retailers use it when you sign up. Powerswitch uses it to work out which plans are available at your address.
Is Powerswitch free?
Yes. It is a free comparison service run by Consumer NZ, covering electricity and gas.
How early should I set up power?
Two to four weeks is a good guide. Retailers can usually start a connection on your move-in date with a few days’ notice, but allow longer for a vacant property or a new build.
Do I need a landline for internet?
No. You do not need a landline to get broadband in New Zealand.
Who installs fibre?
Your internet provider activates your plan. If fibre is not already installed at the property, Chorus arranges a technician visit to install it.
Can I get fibre if I rent?
Yes, but you need your landlord’s written or verbal permission before fibre is installed.
Will my power be cut off if I change retailers?
No. Only the company billing you changes. The same network delivers the power.
Do I have to use the same company for power and gas?
No. Many people use one retailer for both, but you can use separate providers.
Important information
This article is general information only. It is not financial, energy or legal advice, and it does not take into account your circumstances. Processes, timeframes, fees and the retailers available vary by region and property, and can change. Always check with your chosen retailer, lines company or internet provider, and use the independent comparison tools, before you commit. OrbitRemit does not recommend any energy or internet provider.
Related guides
- Guide to moving to New Zealand
- How to open a bank account in New Zealand as a migrant
- What is an IRD number in New Zealand?
- What is KiwiSaver?
- Setting up power, gas and internet when you move to Australia
Settling in often means sending money to family overseas as well. OrbitRemit sends money from New Zealand to over 50 countries. Check current rates at orbitremit.com.
Last updated November 2026.
Sources: Powerswitch (Consumer NZ), FAQs and how it works | Chorus, How the fibre installation process works | Powershop NZ, Connect power to a new house | Going NZ, Power, gas and broadband in New Zealand | Selectra NZ, How to switch power companies in NZ
