Meter tariff change

Thinking about changing your meter's configuration? Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Submit a tariff change request

Ready to submit your request?

Fill out the form below

What's a tariff change?

A meter tariff change lets you change how your electricity usage is recorded and billed, including adding solar export functionality. It can also enable or modify load control for appliances like your hot water cylinder.

Is this the right job for you?

You might need this if you're:

  • Adding solar export capability
  • Switching from an anytime to a night/day tariff
  • Changing when your hot water heats (e.g., night-only)
  • Combining multiple changes (e.g., tariff + solar + load control)

Note: You can add export capability and also change your import tariff as part of the same request. 

What’s involved?

Once you submit your request:

  • We’ll check we have everything needed to raise the job
  • If all is good, we’ll send it to one of our metering contractors
  • In some cases, changes can be made remotely - but not if physical changes or new metering are needed
  • A contractor may visit your site to make changes. They will arrange an appointment with you first
  • Power may need to be switched off for around 45 minutes for safety
  • If there’s no mains switch and power can’t be isolated locally, you’ll need to arrange a temporary disconnection with your network or a network-approved contractor
  • If you have a legacy meter, it’ll be upgraded to a smart meter
  • If you’re adding load control, your appliance must be on its own circuit back to the meter switchboard
  • The contractor will check compliance. If wiring changes were made, a Certificate of Compliance (COC) is required
  • Final readings will be taken, and your meter data updated in our system and the national registry

Note: It can take up to 2 weeks for readings to appear in our system after the change.

Important: Any medically dependent person(s) will need to make alternate arrangements while power is turned off, if required. 

What we need from you

  • Your requested tariff configuration
  • Your contact details
  • Business name and a business contact person
  • Site access requirements, restrictions, or hazards
  • If requesting solar export for the first time:
    • Network DG approval document
    • Your solar installer’s contact details

Timeframes and fees

  • Standard turnaround: within 10 business days
  • Fees: see our fees page

Note: The fees above are those charged by Meridian. Additional charges may apply from your network provider or other contractors - they will discuss these with you directly.

See the different tariff options below:

To see which ones are available in your network, click here. You can also start filling in the form below and select your network to see the available tariff options. 

Use the Electricity Authority tool to find your Network.

If you don't have an ICP yet, check out this handy network map on the Commerce Commission website to help you determine which Network you will be in. 

Note: Some tariffs may not be available to all connections within a network. In many cases, we’re unable to confirm availability until a job is raised - so please go ahead and raise your job, and we’ll let you know if the selected combination isn’t available.

Primary Tariffs

These tariffs can be by themself, or paired with one or more secondary tariffs. Check out more information about these tariffs below.

Anytime (UN24)

Unrestricted power, anytime you need it.

This tariff gives you full access to electricity 24/7, with no interruptions or control from the network. It’s usually more expensive than controlled options because it’s always available.

Key points:

  • Power is available to all appliances at all times
  • No network control is possible
  • Often paired with a secondary tariff (e.g., Controlled or Night) to help manage costs
  • Typically priced higher than Economy24 or Controlled tariffs

Economy24 / Inclusive (IN)

One rate for everything, with some network control.

This tariff supplies power to all appliances, but the network can control when certain ones (like hot water) operate. Everything is charged at the same rate, even the appliances that are controlled.

Key points:

  • Power may be interrupted during peak times to controllable appliances (usually mornings and evenings)
  • Controlled appliance usage is mixed in with overall usage on your billing, not split out
  • Can be paired with Night or Night Boost, but only if a controllable appliance is still connected to the Economy24 tariff
  • Not available in all network areas
  • Usually cheaper than Anytime

Night/Day (N8/D16; N10/D14)

Separate rates for night and day, ideal for load shifting.

This tariff uses separate registers to track night and day usage, with cheaper rates at night. Great if you can shift usage to night hours, perfect for use cases such as charging an electric vehicle (EV).

Key points:

  • Power used at night is cheaper than day
  • Appliances can be set to operate during peak load control or night only
  • If set to peak load control, you’ll be charged the night/day rate depending on time of use
  • Can be paired with a secondary tariff like Controlled for more flexibility
  • Night hours vary by network:
    • Orion: 9pm–7am
    • Others: 11pm–7am

Weekender (Orion Network Only)

Cheaper power at night and all weekend.

This Orion-only tariff offers lower rates during nights and weekends, ideal if you use less power during weekdays.

Key points:

  • Cheaper rates from 9pm–7am and all weekend (9pm Friday - 7am Monday)
  • Appliances can be set to peak load control or night only
  • If set to peak load control, you’ll be charged weekend/night/day rates depending on time of use
  • Can be paired with a secondary tariff like Controlled

Secondary Tariffs

These tariffs usually need to be paired with a primary tariff. Check out more information about these tariffs below.

Controlled (CN15 - CN22)

Lower-cost power for appliances the network can manage.

This tariff connects to appliances like your hot water cylinder, which the network can switch off during peak usage times to help manage demand on the network.

Key points:

  • Appliances are controlled during peak hours (usually mornings and evenings)
  • Usually cheaper than Anytime
  • Must be paired with a primary tariff like Anytime
  • The number that follows 'CN' indicates the minimum number of active hours in a 24-hour period (e.g., CN15 will operate a minimum of 15 hours a day). Hour options are network-dictated. 

Night (N8; and N10)

Cheaper power during night hours.

Appliances like hot water cylinders or night store heaters run only during set night hours. This is usually the cheapest secondary tariff option, but also the most restrictive.

Key points:

  • Appliances operate only during designated night hours
  • Night hours vary by network:
    • Orion: 9pm–7am
    • Others: 11pm–7am
  • Usually cheaper than Controlled or Night Boost
  • Must be paired with a primary tariff like Anytime
  • Some networks may still turn off power for up to an hour during the night period (7 hours of availability)

Night Boost (CN10; CN11; and CN13)

Night-time power, with an extra 2 or 3-hour boost in the afternoon. 

This tariff is similar to Night but adds an afternoon boost, ideal if you run out of hot water before the night cycle starts.

Key points:

  • Appliances run during night hours, plus an afternoon boost (usually between 1:30pm and 4:30pm)
  • Great for households with higher hot water usage
  • Usually cheaper than Controlled
  • Night operational hours are the same as Night tariff
  • Must be paired with a primary tariff like Anytime

Export (EG)

Sell your excess power generation back to us.

This tariff supports on-site generation like solar, hydro, or wind, allowing you to export surplus electricity to the grid.

Key points:

  • Enables you to sell excess power generated on-site
  • Can be used with solar, hydro, or wind systems
  • Requires 'Distributed Generation' (DG) approval from your network before installation
  • Can be paired with most other tariffs

Ready to submit your tariff change request?

Fill out the form below to request a tariff change. We’ll take care of the rest and will let you know when the job has been raised in our system. 

Please note that your job is not officially raised until you have email confirmation from us. The timeframes outlined above are from the date we raise the job at our end. If we need anything further to support your job request, we will be in touch.

Please only fill out this form if you are currently with Meridian and one of the following:

  • Limited Liability Company
  • Trust, Society, or Club
  • Partnership
  • Body Corporate
  • Government Entity
  • Sole Trader

If you are a residential customer with an account in your personal name, please contact our residential support hub to raise this job.