Energy retailer alleges poaching

HAMILTON - The Commerce Commission may be called in to settle a spat between two Waikato power retailers after claims that one has poached more than 30 residential customers without their knowledge.

Hamilton resident Alison Andrew says a representative of the Auckland-based power retailer First Electric told her at the end of June that she could save $57 a year on her power bill if her household switched from its electricity retailer Natural Gas Wel Energy (NGWE).

Mrs Andrew asked that the offer be put in writing so she and her husband could consider it.

Four weeks later a package detailing First Electric's cheaper power offer arrived in the Andrews' letterbox.

After weighing it up, they decided to stick with NGWE.

Mrs Andrew said she rang First Electric to decline the offer.

Last week, the Andrews received a $330 account from First Electric for power used since the end of June.

First Electric said Mrs Andrew had agreed to switch companies, and it claimed to have a recording of the call backing that up.

Spokeswoman Angela Armstrong conceded that during Mrs Andrew's return call it was "a little unclear" whether she wished to switch.

"We probably should have pursued it further and we apologise for that ... We'll organise for her to be switched back ... [and] let her know what to do with the bill."

First Electric planned to discuss the other cases with NGWE.

The Natural Gas Corporation's corporate communications manager, Keith FitzPatrick, said a complaint to the Commerce Commission over the unauthorised switching was still being discussed.

He said First Electric had switched more than 30 customers of Natural Gas Wel Energy to its network without the customers' permission.

Under industry protocols an electricity supplier is obliged to act immediately on all switching notices from other retailers.

- NZPA