What to do if you’re finding it hard to pay your power bill
Exploring the options you have and the support that's available to you.
One-minute read:
Many New Zealanders have times when paying for power becomes hard – especially during winter or when unexpected costs happen. This is called energy hardship.
There are key signs you might be experiencing energy hardship. You might have a cold, damp home that you're struggling to keep warm, or you might have been unable to pay your power or gas bill more than once over the last year.
There are steps you can take to support yourself. A good place to start is by contacting your power company, who must offer you support under their Consumer Care Obligations.
Government support may be available to you. Check with Work and Income New Zealand, and the Winter Energy Payment.
Extra help is close by. Tools like MoneyTalks, EECA, and Good Shepherd NZ can help you navigate hard financial situations.
What does energy hardship look like in New Zealand?
Energy hardship is when a household struggles to access or afford the electricity it needs. There are five key signs that someone might be in this position:
Struggling to pay bills: If you were unable to pay your power bill, gas bill, or water bill by the due date more than once in the past year.
Experiencing a cold home: Being unable to afford to keep your house warm enough.
Making sacrifices: Putting up with feeling cold at home to keep costs down.
Dampness or mould: If either of these are a major problem in your home due to underheating.
Heating issues: If you have trouble keeping your home warm in winter.
What steps can you take to support yourself?
Start by contacting your power company: They must support you through their Consumer Care Obligations. External Link, opens in a new tabThis means they must provide fair, consistent, and supportive service, especially in times of need. They can also put you in touch with other organisations who can offer support.
Check you're on the right plan: There could be a power plan or power company that offers a better deal for your needs. Billy is a free and independent tool to help you compare options.
Efficient power use: There are plenty of ways to lower power costs. For example, blocking draughts to keep warmth in, closing the curtains at dusk, and turning off non-essential appliances like your TV or toaster.
Check your meter: Homes with older meters might not have access to the cheapest power plans. Talk to your power company about how they could help you upgrade.
What Government support is available?
If you're finding it hard to keep up with your power bills, you may be able to get help through Government subsidies and programmes. These include:
Work and Income NZ (WINZ): Help with overdue power bills or reconnections through the Electricity Assistance LoanExternal Link, opens in a new tab (you may need to pay this back).
Winter Energy Payment:External Link, opens in a new tab Automatically provided to people on benefits and pensioners, to help with heating costs between May and September each year.
What extra support is available?
If you're experiencing energy hardship and have already talked to your power company, you can get one-on-one support through:
Offers free, confidential budgeting advice and financial mentoring.
Government-backed guidance providing in-home coaching and practical energy-saving support in some regions.
A charity offering no-interest, fee-free loans for energy costs and other essentials, plus financial wellbeing support.
This article was last updated 24 March 2026
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