Pip discovers that loyalty doesn't always pay

"I'd been with the same power company for years because I thought loyalty counted for something."

Living on a fixed income and on her own in New Plymouth, Pip keeps a close eye on her household budget.

For years, Pip stayed with the same power company. "I never really thought about changing. I'd been with them for a long time and assumed it was a good deal. Plus I'd gathered switching would be a hassle and there’d be a fuss. Also, I didn’t know where to start."

Pip was sent the Billy link and encouraged to see whether she could do better. At first, she was a little unsure about using an online comparison service, so she asked her daughter to help upload a recent power bill.

"It was quick! I thought it’d be much more complicated and long winded, but it was actually very straightforward."

Within days, Pip had switched to a new power plan that better suited her needs and started saving around $48 a month.

"When you're on a pension like me, $48 a month is quite a lot. I’d much rather spend that on my grandchildren than a power bill.”

Along with the savings, Pip was particularly surprised at how easy it was to switch and says she’ll keep checking as she goes.

"I’ll definitely pop into Billy and keep checking if I’m on the best plan,” she says. “I realise now that being loyal doesn't always pay.”