AuSAE - The ERA discuss how retailers competition means best deal for customers

The ERA discuss how retailers competition means best deal for customers

21 Sep 2016 3:00 PM | Deleted user

Electricity competition means best deal for consumers, say retailers

Fierce competition among electricity retailers is resulting in New Zealand having the most innovative sector of its kind in the world, meaning a better deal for consumers, says the Electricity Retailers’ Association.

Chief Executive Jenny Cameron says retailers are striving to come up with innovations that make their products more attractive, be it on price, convenience or transparency. She was responding to the Electricity Authority today urging consumers to shop around for the best deal to suit their circumstances.

“Retailers agree absolutely that consumers should be comparing electricity plans and asking questions of their suppliers. That’s the way to get the best deal. No one likes losing business, so retailers will listen.

“New Zealand has the highest rate of switching in the world. With 31 brands across the country, and at least 11 brands available in every region, competition is fierce and retailers are continuously working on ways to attract new customers and retain their current ones.

“It’s important to remember that price is only one way retailers deliver value to customers. It’s also important to remember that our residential electricity prices are, in fact, cheaper than many countries around the world – such as the UK, Japan, Australia, Denmark. We sit around the middle of the OECD.

“The speed of innovation in New Zealand in recent times has been quite remarkable, and includes:

Increasingly widespread use of mobile apps and website tools to allow customers to better monitor and manage their electricity usage.
A variety of pricing structures, including an increase in the availability of time-of-use pricing plans.
Bundling price plans with broadband and telephone options.
Billing management systems to make it easier for customers to pay their bills.
Payment options that help with paying down debt or smoothing out payments (such as Smoothpay)
Options to off-set carbon emissions by buying carbon credits.
Join-up incentives and one-off bonuses.
Special rates targeted at electric vehicles.

“We recommend first comparing plans by checking the Electricity Authority’s What’s My Number website and then getting a range of options from the Consumer Powerswitch site. If you still have questions, or need more information, call your retailer.”

This media release was originally sourced from Scoop.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia