Solar panels are becoming more popular in the Bay due to increased affordability and the region's sunny climate. Photo / Supplied
Thousands of residential customers have switched electricity retailers in the Bay of Plenty over the past 12 months, new figures show.
In total, 22,935 customers switched retailers but that number is well below the national average.
Data from the Electricity Authority reveals Globug had the highest percentage growth of new residential connections in the Bay of Plenty followed by King Country Energy, Pulse Energy and Meridian Energy.
Globug gained 2047 customers and lost 759, King Country Energy gained 10 and lost 2, Pulse Energy gained 1570 customers and lost 1010 and Meridian Energy gained 755 customers and lost 564.
Nationally, there were 401,851 residential switches, Flick Electric had the biggest percentage growth while Trustpower gained the most new customers.
Electricity Authority chief executive Carl Hansen said the number of switches in the region was more than 10 per cent below the national average.
"Around 42 per cent of Bay of Plenty households have switched electricity providers over the past five years, which is well below the national average of 53 per cent," Mr Hansen said.
"The New Zealand electricity market is very competitive and there are a wide range of deals and plans available to suit different families and lifestyles. We encourage all consumers to be actively shopping around to make sure they are on the best deal."
It was important consumers realised that their choice of retailer made no difference to the reliability of their electricity supply, he said.
"Those outcomes are affected by the performance of their local distribution network and by Transpower, and is the same regardless of which retailer consumers choose."
Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said the What's My Number campaign had been very successful.
Research also showed Powerswitch had about 40,000 visits a month and was an independent comparison site.
"So if people go on to it they can find the cheapest plan for them in their area. It offers dual fuel options."
Meridian Energy media manager Michelle Brooker said the company had welcomed many new customers from all over New Zealand, including Bay of Plenty.
It was proud of the fact it only generated electricity from renewable wind and water sources, she said.
"Many of them join Meridian because they support our 100 per cent renewable position.
Trustpower community relations manager Graeme Purches said Trustpower entered the Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton metro markets about 18 months ago "and much of our growth has come from those regions".
Trustpower also had the ability to bundle electricity, gas, and telephone and broadband, including UFB, into one bill and customer service facility and offer cheaper prices to customers, he said.
Locally about 80 per cent of ultra-fast-broadband customers were now with Trustpower, he said.
"And of course, locally, only Trustpower customers receive the TECT cheque, which typically is more than $400 a year and is now even larger if customers are taking gas and telco as well."
A Mighty River spokesperson said since it relaunched its Globug offer in February with an improved app and new pricing it had experienced strong growth.
Its pre-pay electricity scheme allowed customers to pay-as-they-go in small amounts when it suits them, she said.
The top three companies in Bay of Plenty to September 30, 2015 were Trustpower, with 58,192 residential connections followed by Todd Energy with 13,965 residential connections and then Genesis Energy with 13,877 residential connections.
Solar power use surging ahead in Bay
Solar power is taking off in the Bay, as homeowners take advantage of the region's sunshine.
Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand communications manager Kristin Gillies said there were more than 500 solar photovoltaic systems in the Bay of Plenty.
"Our research shows many see solar as a way to hedge against rising power prices and gain independence from power companies."
Harrisons Energy Solutions group marketing manager Margaret Ross said the company was experiencing huge interest in the Bay.
"It's driven by the huge amount of new-home building, the naturally sunny climate and a genuine concern people have for the environment and saving dollars off their current power bills. Across the world, solar is becoming an important mainstream source of energy."
New technology meant the cost of solar power had dropped dramatically in the past five years.
"The focus on quality and warrantees through reputable manufacturers now give people access to affordable, premium products and peace of mind.
"Buying a solar system makes financial sense with a reasonable payback time and a good long-term return on investment," she said.
Savings off power bills could be significant, depending upon the household's energy consumption, Ms Ross said, and solar panels were generally straightforward to install and required little maintenance.
An average home may need an eight to 12-panel system, which was 2 to 3kw and would take about seven to nine years to pay for itself, she said.
Currently most systems are tied to the grid, so people still get some power through their usual provider.
However, the company's systems could all be linked to batteries in the future.
"Most countries in the world are more advanced with solar power than New Zealand, but we are catching up." - Carmen Hall
Come and talk to Harrisons Energy Solutions and other solar providers at the Down to Earth - Sustainability & Lifestyle Expo. November 28-29 at ASB Arena, Mount Maunganui.