Medically dependent?
Please let us know if you have a medical condition that puts you at risk if there is a sudden electricity outage.
A Medically Dependent Consumer is defined as someone who needs mains electricity for critical medical support to the extent that loss of electricity may result in loss of life or serious harm. For example, you may require medical or other electrical equipment to support your treatment, such as a ventilator.
If you or someone at your property is a Medically Dependent Consumer, please get in touch so we can update your account details. Your health provider will also need to complete the Notice of Potential MDC Status form (PDF 50KB) or we can post a copy to you and post it to us at PO Box 2128, Christchurch.
If your situation changes and you are no longer medically dependent, please let us know so we can update your account details.
Remember, being registered as a Medically Dependent Consumer doesn’t guarantee you an uninterrupted supply of electricity. You can lose power for a range of reasons, such as bad weather or emergency repairs. Please make sure you have alternative arrangements available. This could include battery power or generator back-up and/or a roster of family or friends who are available to help.
Vulnerable consumers
Even if you don’t meet the formal definition of a Medically Dependent Consumer, you should talk to us if, for reasons of age, health or disability, loss of electricity poses a threat to your health or wellbeing – especially if it is possible you may have difficulty paying your bill at any stage.
Financial hardship
Please get in touch if you are having trouble paying your electricity bill, or you think you may have a problem paying in the future. We can discuss payment options and budget advice, or put you in contact with social agencies that may be able to help, such as Work and Income New Zealand.
Alternate contact
It’s a good idea to provide us with an alternate contact if you think you may have difficulties with your payments or communicating with us at some stage. An alternate contact can be a family member, friend or social agency who has agreed to help you if there is a payment or disconnection issue. Please call us if you would like to have an alternate contact registered on your account.
Getting in touch
You can contact our Customer Service Team on 0800 496 496. There’s someone available to take your call between 7:30am and 7:30pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
You can also contact us by fax on 0800 497 498 or email us at customerservice@meridianenergy.co.nz.
