Average Kiwi household could save $165 a year by switching power companies.

Switching to a different supplier could save you hundreds.

For many New Zealanders power prices are higher than ever, but saving hundreds of dollars every year can be as easy as using the internet for a few minutes. Government websites aimed at making the switching process easy are leading Kiwis to switch in droves.

In the last year over 500,000 people visited the whatsmynumber.org.nz website to find out what they could save by switching, and this year it looks to be even more popular.

Consumer NZ's Chief Executive Sue Chetwin believes that it's the best way to save on your power bills.

"A few minutes spent at the whatsmynumber.org.nz website will tell consumers how much they could save. It's very quick and easy." said Mrs Chetwin.

Once consumers have found their savings, Consumer NZ's Powerswitch site can be used to see what deals are available, and people can easily make the switch to a new power company. It's a straightforward, largely automated process that can be completed in just a few minutes.

"We urge every Kiwi household to get online and find out what they could save - the average is $165 per year. It's the easiest way to cut your power bills and the sooner you do it, the sooner you'll start saving."

www.whatsmynumber.org.nz and www.powerswitch.org.nz are independent sites maintained by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Consumer NZ and the Electricity Authority.

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