Electricity
In association with Pulse Energy
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to switch?
Switching rules allow Grey Power Electricity to do all the work for you. Once you agree to switch to Grey Power
Electricity by sending in your request to switch (or by calling 0800 GREY POWER), the next thing you will receive is
a Grey Power Electricity welcome pack. It is very easy!
Will I be locked into a contract?
It may sound too good to be true, but one of the great features of the Grey Power Electricity offer, which is unique
in New Zealand, is that the electricity price is protected for the next five years. As a Grey Power Electricity customer
you can cancel with no penalty by giving us 30 days’ notice.
How can I get this offer?
When you receive your exclusive member letter, you can fill out the sign up form and use the pre-paid post envelope or call 0800 GREY POWER during work hours at any time.
Will I be disconnected or will my electricity be interrupted during the switching process?
Switching rules ensure that you will not be disconnected and the transfer to Grey Power Electricity will be smooth
and automatic. We will be contracting with your local lines company on your behalf to ensure this does not happen.
Can my children’s family sign up?
By joining Grey Power you can have access to Grey Power Electricity. Currently, this is the only way. However, Grey
Power is currently considering associate memberships for the future.
What is Price Protection?
Prices over the next 5 years could go up and could go down. Dry years come along once in a while and when they
do, prices can soar upward. Competition between generators and future Industry reforms will hopefully bring prices
down over time. Price protection means you are protected from the electricity component of prices rises for the
next five years but you will also receive the benefits if prices go down for the next five years.
How much will I save?
Grey Power Electricity customers living in different regions will receive a different amount of savings as prices depend to some extent on where you live in New Zealand. Our initial analysis has shown some of our members would
receive a saving as much as $300 per year. Others will receive less than that. Our call centre representatives can
help you determine your savings by calling 0800 GREY POWER. Have a current bill on hand to help you with this.
How do Pulse compare to my current retailer?
Pulse Energy customers have chosen Pulse for price reasons most often. However, many Pulse customers have
switched for reasons other than price. Pulse has a very innovative approach and a transparent bill and was the
fastest growing company in New Zealand in 2012.
Do they supply in my area?
Grey Power Electricity can provide customers with electricity in most parts of the country. If you would like to confirm where please call 0800 GREY POWER.
Do they supply gas?
Currently no, Grey Power Electricity does not supply gas. However a forward market for gas is just forming in New
Zealand such that independent retailers can access low cost gas and sell it to customers. Provided this market
can deliver long term supplies, Pulse will be adding gas to its services. Grey Power Electricity has not yet made a
decision but will be considering it over the next few months.
Electricity
In association with Pulse Energy
Will I still get my Lines Company Dividend?
Absolutely. The annual dividend you receive is from the lines company trust in your area. Grey Power Electricity will
be contracting with that company to deliver your power.
Does it cost to change retailers?
Switching is free. However, your current retailer may have locked you into a contract with exit penalties so be sure
to ask our Customer Service Representative when you call how to deal with this issue. Remember with Grey Power
Electricity we do not lock you into a contract with penalties so you will never face the situation again as a customer
with us.
Does Grey Power benefit from Grey Power Electricity?
Yes. Grey Power will receive a small amount to cover their costs and to strengthen their balance sheet to improve
the services they provide to members.
How long is the offer going to be available for?
This arrangement is a long term commitment and we expect Grey Power Electricity to always be available to Grey
Power members.
Are they a generator?
Grey Power Electricity and Pulse Energy are independent retailers. This positions them to have access to the lowest
priced power available on the forward electricity market. Generators compete with each other every hour, every
week and every month. Grey Power Electricity and Pulse Energy will continually watch the outcomes of this competition and convert the best prices they can into supply for Grey Power Electricity customers.
Which is the best way to sign up?
Responding to your introduction letter is the fastest way. Alternatively, we have a Grey Power Electricity support
team on standby at 0800 GREY POWER. You can also send an email to [email protected] and
request to be signed up.
What is the best time to call and sign up?
Calling in the week during work hours will provide the fastest response.
How long does it take to sign up?
Signing up should only take you a few minutes.
Do I get a prompt payment discount (PPD)?
You will not need one. As a member of Grey Power we believe you will pay on time. You will receive a price that is
equivalent to receiving a prompt payment discount without any fear of losing the discount if you miss a payment.
Our support team can help you if you miss a payment. Choosing to pay by direct debit is the best way to avoid this
situation - and you will receive a lower price if you do!
Can I pay by cheque?
Of course.
Can I pay at New Zealand Post?
Of course.
Can I pay the same amount every month?
Absolutely. We have a very easy to use option where you pay a level amount each month regardless of your usage.
This takes the sting out of winter bills and allows you to budget your expenses much better. Simply choose the
SmoothPay option when you sign up.
Electricity
In association with Pulse Energy
Why did Grey Power pick Pulse?
We liked their independence, their commitment to customer service and their willingness to help Grey Power
receive better rules and electricity market conditions. In Pulse, we found a like-minded partner who was willing to
promise a low priced package into the future. After six years of being in operation, they have developed their billing
and customer service to a level that will work well for our members.
How did Grey Power negotiate the supply arrangement?
Grey Power has been working since April 2013 exploring offers from various electricity retailers. We conducted a
thorough competitive bid from all interested retailers. Pulse won out over all other bidders. Their innovations and
customer friendly features in their offers were significantly better than their competition.
What if I have a Smart Meter?
With a smart meter you will be able to choose a price plan that has a higher price during the day than at night.
This will create the opportunity to use more power at night and potentially save money. This will be your choice so
consider it carefully. You will have your meter read remotely so you will not have to deal with a meter reader at your
door.
Can I find this offer on the “Powerswitch” web site?
No, this offer is exclusive to Grey Power members only.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Absolutely. You can change your mind and terminate without a penalty if you provide 30 days’ notice. If you cancel
you will be required to pay any outstanding amounts.
Why are the prices different for different people?
Prices vary across New Zealand for many reasons, but primarily it is because not all lines charges are the same. In
addition, power costs are higher in remote areas due to the cost of transmitting power through transmission lines.
Are there any special or hidden fees?
Grey Power Electricity will soon be known for the most transparent bill in the market. We will endeavor to make sure
that all items on the bill are easily understood.
What happens after I switch?
You will receive a welcome pack and your first invoice will come about 30 days after that.
Do you send out paper bills in the mail?
Yes. However, you can save money if you are happy to receive your bill by email.
How have you been able to offer such a low price?
Pulse will buy the power from the wholesale market. Competition between generators will ensure the prices they
purchase at are competitively acquired. They have no interest in protecting prices in any particular generating plant.
Who do I call if my power goes out?
Your local lines company will be contracted to ensure you receive the power you purchase. You can call them first,
and if you do not receive an adequate response, please feel free to call 0800 GREY POWER to speak to one of our
Customer Service Representatives.
What happens to my personal information?
Your information will be protected by Grey Power Electricity. Under privacy laws we will not be making any private
information available to third parties outside of the partnership. The information will not be used for any other purpose than for the delivery of electricity to your residence.