How to set up essential utilities like electricity, water, and internet? What are the main service providers available?

Congratulations on moving into your new home! Getting your water, power, and internet sorted is top priority for settling in, as they directly impact your living comfort. Don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds. Let me walk you through how to set up these essential services in New Zealand.

Overview: A Handy Tip

Before you start, here’s the most crucial advice: Use comparison websites!

New Zealand's power and broadband markets are highly competitive, with prices and promotions changing daily. Trying to check every provider's website yourself is exhausting. These comparison sites are your go-to helpers. Just enter your address to see all options and price comparisons:

• Electricity/Gas Comparison: PowerSwitch (Run by the NZ government's consumer protection agency, highly authoritative).
• Broadband Comparison: Broadband Compare or Glimp.
• Bundled Services Comparison: Many providers and comparison sites also offer comparisons for bundled power + broadband + sometimes other services.

1. Electricity and Gas

In New Zealand, electricity and gas are often provided by the same company. You can usually bundle them together for potential discounts.

Sign-Up Process

1. Find your ICP Number: This is your home's "electricity ID", a unique code. Find it on the power meter box, ask the previous owner/realtor for an old bill, or call a provider later with your address.
2. Compare plans: Go to PowerSwitch, enter your address and ICP number (if you have it), to see all providers' plans and estimated yearly costs.
3. Apply online or by phone: Choose a provider and apply on their website, filling in basic details (name, address, contact info, bank account for billing). It usually takes 5-10 minutes. Connection is typically fast, often within 1-2 days.

Main Providers

Several types of providers exist:

• Major Players (Generation + Retail):

  • Contact Energy: Reliable service, good fixed-term deals, widespread gas service.
  • Mercury: Focuses on renewables, frequent offers like "first month free" or account credits, good app.
  • Genesis Energy: One of NZ's largest retailers, offers power, gas, and LPG.
  • Meridian Energy: 100% renewable (wind/hydro). A great choice if eco-friendly energy is important to you.

• Retail-Focused Challengers (Often more flexible/cheaper):

  • Powershop: Innovative app where you buy power packs in advance for discounts. A fresh take on billing.
  • Flick Electric: Uses real-time 'spot pricing'. Can save money if you shift usage away from peaks, but prices can surge.
  • Nova Energy: Often offers highly competitive bundled deals (power + broadband + gas).

Tips:

• Sign-up Bonus: Many providers offer $100-$300 NZD as an account credit to attract customers. Don't miss out!
• Fixed-term vs. Open-term: Fixed-term contracts (e.g., 1-2 years) usually lock in better rates but may have early termination fees if you move. Open-term lets you leave anytime.
• Prompt Payment Discount: Many providers offer 10%-20% off for paying on time. Always note the payment due date on bills.

2. Broadband

Reliable home internet is a must. Fibre is now widely available in NZ, offering fast speeds in most urban areas.

Sign-Up Process

1. Check available connection: Visit Broadband Compare or any ISP's website, enter your address. It will show if Fibre, VDSL (phone line broadband), or wireless (4G/5G) is available. Go for Fibre if possible!
2. Compare plans: Focus on Speed, Monthly Price, and Contract Term. A 300Mbps down / 100Mbps up plan is usually sufficient.
3. Apply online: After choosing,
   • If fibre-ready: The provider sends a router (modem), just plug it in.
   • If new fibre install needed: A technician (e.g., from Chorus) will install it, may take 1-2 weeks.

Main Providers

• The Big Three (Often bundle with mobile):

  • Spark: NZ's telecom giant, best coverage/stability, best support, but usually pricier.
  • One NZ (formerly Vodafone): Excellent network quality, frequent promotions, great combos with mobile plans.
  • 2degrees: Started in mobile, broadband growing fast. Strong on value, improving service.

• Other Popular Choices (Often better value):

  • Slingshot / Orcon: Sister companies. Focus on value and flexible plans. Common offers like "50% off for 6 months".
  • Skinny: Spark's budget brand. Very cheap, no-contract plans. Great for pure value.
  • Nova Energy: As above, their power + broadband bundles are often excellent deals for simplicity.

Tips:

• No-Contract vs Contract: No-contract is flexible but may require buying a router or paying install fees. A 12-month contract usually waives these.
• Bring Your Own Router: If bringing a router from overseas, ensure it supports PPPoE dial-up and VLAN ID 10. Most people find it easier to use the provider's router.

3. Water

Water billing setup varies significantly across NZ! Pay close attention.

• In Auckland:

  • Water charges are managed solely by Watercare. You need to set up an account with them.
  • If renting: Your landlord/agent usually sets this up or tells you how to switch billing to your name with Watercare.
  • If owner: This is typically handled during sale by your lawyer. You pay a fixed service charge plus volumetric charges for water and wastewater.

• In most other areas (e.g., Wellington, Christchurch):

  • You do NOT need to set up a separate water account!
  • Water costs are included as part of your Rates, billed by the City Council / District Council.
  • If renting: You typically don't pay water directly; it's the landlord's responsibility (covered in rates).
  • If owner: You just need to pay your Council rates bill on time.

Water Setup Summary:

• Auckland → Contact Watercare.
• Elsewhere → Generally automatic via Council Rates (landlord pays if renting). If unsure, ask your agent or a local.

Hope this guide helps you smoothly set up your essential services! Enjoy your life in New Zealand!