How your rates are calculated
At Meridian, your electricity rates are made up of a few different parts that work together to deliver power to your home or business. The exact rates you'll see depend on where your property is, the plan you're on, and the type of meter you have. Meridian's pricing includes both energy charges and network-related costs, which can change over time.
What makes up my electricity rates?
Daily charge
This is a fixed charge that helps cover the cost of keeping your property connected to the electricity network. You’ll be charged this amount each day, regardless of how much electricity you use.
Usage charge (c/kWh)
This is the charge for the electricity you use. It’s measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) and is based on the amount of electricity your household consumes.
Network charges
Part of your electricity bill covers the cost of transporting electricity to your property through local lines companies and the national transmission network.
Meridian charges
This portion covers our charges for supplying your electricity account, including energy purchasing, customer services, billing and other operational costs
Capacity charges
A capacity charge may apply to some residential and business properties and helps cover the network equipment needed to supply the maximum amount of electricity the property can use at one time; it is calculated using the property’s capacity in kVA and the applicable daily rate. For residential customers, this is only applicable to Tasman.
Why do rates vary between customers?
Not everyone pays the same rates. Your pricing can differ depending on:Your location
Different regions are served by different network companies, each with their own charges.
Your meter type
Some meters can access different pricing structures such as Time of Use plans. Check out our types of meters page here to find out more.
Your electricity plan
Plans such as Freedom or Night Saver for residential customers have different rate structures. To find out about our plans and pricing, getting a direct quote is the best way to find out your households’ setup. Get a quote today.
When you use electricity
On time of use plans, electricity used at different times of the day may be charged at different rates. Check out our Night Saver plan for more information.
How do Time of Use (TOU) rates work?
Some Meridian plans offer different rates depending on when you use electricity.
For example, on Night Saver, electricity used between 9pm and 7am is charged at a lower rate than electricity used during the day on that plan. This can be a great option for customers who can shift activities like: EV charging, running the dishwasher, or doing laundry to overnight hours.
How can I find my rates?
As an existing customer the easiest way to see your current rates is to:
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Check your latest bill.
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Log into your Meridian account and go to "My Profile" then click "View my plan".
If you are a new customer interested in Meridian, you can get a quote here.
Good to know
The cheapest electricity plan isn't always the one with the lowest unit rate. The best plan for you depends on how and when your household uses electricity. Customers who can shift more of their usage into lower-cost periods may benefit from Time of Use plans, while others may be better suited to a standard plan.