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<Home & living
  1. Home/
  2. Home & living/
  3. Home energy

Home energy

Rising power costs are a real concern for many Kiwi households. By understanding how your home uses energy and choosing efficient appliances, you can take meaningful steps to reduce your bills and environmental footprint. Our independent reviews and practical guides help you make smart choices about everything from heat pumps to everyday appliances.

How to save money on your power bills

Practical strategies for lowering your energy consumption and saving money on power.

Should you switch to a time-of-use power plan?

Who can save money on a plan with cheaper off-peak pricing or free power hours – and who should steer clear of them?
Students setting up a flat

5 power bill tips for first-time renters

Learn how to make sure you don’t pay too much for power when you first go renting.
Lightbulb.

10 of us asked our power company a simple question – now 3 have cheaper bills

Find out how three of us are paying less for power by taking a few minutes to ask a question.
Person working from home.

Power saving tips for working from home

Our tips to help you reduce your power use while working from home.

Energy efficiency

Photo of a family looking at a thermostat

How to make your home energy efficient

Learn how to make your home more energy efficient, saving money and the planet one step at a time.
Energy efficiency paper with calculator on top.

Getting better: improving energy efficiency

Fridge interior.

Can fridges be more energy efficient?

20sep how energy rating labels can save promo

How Energy Rating Labels can save you money

Image of a smart home

How to keep your home energy efficient and well connected into the future

Solar

Solar panels on roof of house against blue sky.

Are solar panels right for your home?

Image of solar panels on a house

In the market for solar power? Don't fall for these tricks

Image of solar panels

How solar panels and electric vehicles can keep the power on in an emergency

Latest home energy news & articles

Read our latest investigations and expert tips on reducing energy use and cutting power costs.

Should I upgrade to Wi-Fi panel heaters?

Smart convection heaters are versatile, quiet and classy, but they’re not the best heater for every New Zealand home. Discover the pros and cons.

Could ‘smart hot water’ lower your power bill?

Meridian, Powershop, Octopus Energy and Electric Kiwi all say their smart hot water programmes mean lower power bills for eligible customers. Here’s how they work.

True or false? Bundled power and broadband deals are cheaper

Providers say it’s cheapest to bundle electricity and internet together. But can you get a better deal by shopping for each separately?

Should you switch to a time-of-use power plan?

Who can save money on a plan with cheaper off-peak pricing or free power hours – and who should steer clear of them?

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