White pattern header image v2

Staying on a fixed energy plan

Staying on a fixed energy plan

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a Fixed Energy Plan and Variable Plan?

Fixed Energy Plans provide you with some price certainty for the duration of your contract. It allows you to lock in your energy charges for the agreed term so you won’t be subject to any energy charge price increases over that period. Network, government and regulatory charges like GST and the Electricity Authority levy can change. Fixed pricing applies when your price category, capacity and metering configuration stays the same and no new network charge is introduced. If any of these changes, and we can no longer offer the plan you are on, we’ll give you prior notice and help you find a new plan. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.

Variable Plan rates are not fixed and can be changed at any time. We provide 30 days’ notice of any rate changes in accordance with our Standard Terms and Conditions for the Supply of Electricity

What services aren’t included in Fixed Energy Plans?

Network charges, and regulatory or government levies (including the Electricity Authority levy) and taxes (such as GST) may change. If you have any unmetered supplies or embedded generation, the rates associated with these may change as they aren’t part of the Fixed Energy Plan offer. See our Fixed Energy Plan terms and conditions for more information.

Why have my rates changed?

Meridian constantly reviews both its Fixed Energy and Variable Plans to ensure they're competitive and recover costs (such as energy costs or the costs related to supplying your site). These costs may have changed from when your previous Fixed Energy Plan was locked in, and the new rates reflect these changes.

What happens after my Fixed Energy Plan expires?

Once your Fixed Energy Plan expires, you’ll receive a letter advising you that you can either sign up to a new Fixed Energy Plan or switch to one of our Variable Plans.

What happens if my circumstances change before my Fixed Energy Plan expires?

We don’t charge exit fees, so if your circumstances change (for example, if you’re relocating overseas, or moving to another electricity supplier), you can contact us to discuss your options.

Are the rates for my other properties changing as well? 

The plans for your other properties may not be up for renewal yet. When they are, we’ll contact you beforehand in writing and advise you of any rates changes.

Can I change my other properties to Fixed Energy Plans? 

This may be possible – you can call us on 0800 496 444 to find out more.

When do summer or winter rates apply? 

Summer rates in most networks apply from 1 October to 30 April and winter rates apply for the rest of the year. In Ashburton, summer rates apply from 1 September to 30 April, and in Marlborough, summer rates apply from 1 September to 31 May. 

These rates apply to you if it says ‘summer’ or ‘winter’ in the ‘season’ column of the rate information table over the page. Otherwise, this column will show as ‘year-round’, which means you’re charged this one rate for all associated usage.