Standard and low user options

How do I choose?

Your best option depends on the amount of electricity you use at your primary residence. You can't have the low user option for other premises on your account, like a holiday home, a sleepout, or a shed.

Low User option

If you use less than 8000 units a year at your primary residence (and not, for example, a holiday home), the Low User option may be best for you. This rises to 9000 units in parts of the lower South Island.

You pay:

  • a lower daily fixed charge
  • a higher variable charge for each unit of electricity you use. The Low User option is only available for your primary residence and not, for example, for a holiday home.
Join Meridian Change to a Low User plan

Standard User option

If you use more electricity, a Standard User option may be better.

You pay:

  • a higher daily rate
  • a slightly lower rate for each unit of electricity you use. Find out how many units you used in the past year. Check your MyMeridian account, your bills, or call us.
Join Meridian Change to a standard user plan

  • How many units of power did you use last year?

    Check your bills for the past year, or your MyMeridian account if you have one. How many units of power did you use? Do you need to switch the option you are on? And do you want to discuss your plan?

  • When should I change?

    Check your usage and decide. If your circumstances change you may need to change the option you are on and maybe consider your plan. Say you’re on a Low User option and you think your electricity use may rise — for example, if you’re planning on spending more time at home. Consider switching to a Standard User option.

  • What’s the threshold for a Low User option in my area?

    In the dark blue parts of the map, if you use less than 8000 units a year, a Low User option is best for you. In the light blue parts of the map, it’s your best option if you use less than 9000 units.

    Threshold low high map

     

  • How do I change the option I’m on under my existing plan?

  • Are there situations where I couldn’t get a Low User option?

    The Minister of Energy has made exemptions for homes with certain kinds of power supply on a number of power networks.

    Marlborough Lines network

    You can’t have a Low User option if you’re on the Marlborough Lines network and your home:

    • is on 3-phase supply; or
    • has a supply that’s greater than 15kVA; or

    • is in a remote area.

    Marlborough Lines Company Notice of Exemption - remote areas

    Marlborough Lines Company Notice of Exemption - 3-phase supply and 15 kVa

    Alpine Energy network

    You can’t have a Low User option if you’re on the Alpine Energy network and your home:

    • is on 3-phase supply; or
    • has a supply that’s greater than 15kVA.

    Alpine Energy Notice of Exemption  

    Network Waitaki 

    You can’t have a Low User option if you’re on the Network Waitaki network and your home:

    • is on 3-phase supply; or
    • has a supply that's greater-than 15kVA 

    Network Waitaki Notice of Exemption

  • Why do you offer Standard and Low User options?

    We’re required to by the Government. The Electricity (Low Fixed Charge Tariff Option for Domestic Consumers) Regulations 2004 requires energy retailers to offer Low User plans.

    Read the regulations on the New Zealand Legislation website