"Different retail brands and offers suit different people, so it's important to think about your circumstances.
"We would encourage all Hawke's Bay customers to shop around, as there are definitely good savings available at the moment."
The power company making the greatest gains was Mighty River Power, which controls Mercury Energy and Glo-Bug, picking up a net 2013 customers.
Contact Energy lost the most, a net 1881 customers.
Mighty River Power (MRP) communications manager Shannon Goldstone believed Mercury was popular in Hawke's Bay, as it offered rewards for customer loyalty.
"We tailor these depending on a customers' needs and preferences. For example, passing on savings for customers choosing lower-cost billing and payment options or providing competitive fixed-term rates for customers signing up with us for two or three years." Ms Goldstone also said community services scheme Glo-Bug was enticing some customers too.
She said the scheme has been running since February and gives heavily discounted rates to community service card holders.
"Glo-Bug has offered some of the lowest prices on the market for community service card holders. The intent is to lock in discounts that low-income customers might not normally get access to.
"That's where a lot of the Glo-Bug growth has come from lately, and we've had some really great feedback from budgeting agents and customers around the reduced rates."
Contact senior communications manager Kaapua Smith said the market was highly competitive and there were many reasons people might be leaving Contact.
"Electricity prices and products vary across regions, households, usage and other factors. We are always looking at our products and services and how to meet the unique needs of customers across New Zealand."
The Electricity Authority is an independent crown entity responsible for regulating the electricity market in New Zealand. It is government funded and provides regulatory oversight to the electricity sector.