* Meridian Energy - most expensive for most of Hawke's Bay Meridian spokesman Alan Seay said a number of factors went into electricity prices, including generating and transferring electricity as well as line charges. ``The price reflects the cost to us to provide electricity. Other suppliers might have advantages in other areas.'' The majorityof Meridian's energy was produced on the South Island, he said, and that had an impact on the cost. He said Meridian was the main supplier for Central Hawke's Bay and had few customers in Hastings and Napier. * Energy Direct NZ - cheapest for most of Hawke's Bay - highest customer satisfaction Energy Direct NZ general manager Michael Ram was pleased to hear the company had done well. Customer satisfaction was a priority because it was a small company. ``We do try to always go the extra mile. We want to make it as easy as possible for customers, if you call our number a person will answer, not a machine.'' In February last year the company standardised its pricing schemes so all regions had the same prompt-payment offers. That meant a drop in prices for some areas, including Hawke's Bay.
