Contact Energy Review — Power Plans in New Zealand

Contact Energy is one of New Zealand’s largest electricity and gas retailers, serving over 600,000 customers across the North Island. Founded in 1996, the company has built a reputation for competitive pricing, innovative plans, and strong customer service. In this review, we’ll break down Contact’s power plans, fees, pros and cons, and who they’re best suited for.

Whether you’re a first-home buyer, a family, or a business owner, understanding your electricity options is key to managing household costs. This review covers Contact’s residential electricity and gas plans as of early 2025.

Disclaimer: This is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.

Key Features of Contact Energy Plans

  • Good Nights Plan: Free electricity from 9pm to midnight every night (conditions apply).
  • Good Week Plan: Free electricity all day Saturday and Sunday (conditions apply).
  • Standard Variable Plan: No fixed-term contract, flexible pricing.
  • Fixed-Term Plans: 12-month or 24-month fixed pricing for budget certainty.
  • Gas Plans: LPG and natural gas options for homes and businesses.
  • Solar Buy-Back: Feed-in tariff for customers with solar panels.
  • Contact ks: Rewards programme with discounts on entertainment, fuel, and groceries.
  • Online Account Management: App and web portal for bills, usage tracking, and payments.

Available Power Plans in Detail

Good Nights Plan

This is Contact’s most popular plan. You get free electricity between 9pm and midnight every night. Outside those hours, you pay standard rates. It’s ideal for households that can shift heavy usage — like running the dishwasher, washing machine, or EV charging — to the free window.

Pros: Significant savings for night-time users. No lock-in contract.

Cons: Standard rates may be higher than some competitors during the day. Not suitable if you use most power in the morning or afternoon.

Good Week Plan

Free electricity all day Saturday and Sunday. If you do laundry, cooking, or home projects on weekends, this could save you a bundle. Weekday rates apply Monday to Friday.

Pros: Great for families who are home on weekends. No contract required.

Cons: Weekday rates can be higher. Not ideal if you work from home and use power heavily mid-week.

Standard Variable Plan

A straightforward plan with no free periods. You pay a daily charge plus a per-unit rate that can change with the market. No fixed term — you can switch or cancel anytime without penalty.

Pros: Simple, flexible, no surprises. Good for those who want to avoid complex terms.

Cons: Rates may be higher than fixed-term plans. No free power perks.

Fixed-Term Plans (12 or 24 months)

Lock in a set rate for electricity for 12 or 24 months. This protects you from price rises but also means you can’t benefit from price drops without paying an early exit fee.

Pros: Budget certainty. Often lower rates than variable plans.

Cons: Exit fees apply if you leave early. Less flexibility.

Fees and Charges

Contact Energy’s fees vary by region and plan. Typical charges include:

  • Daily fixed charge: Usually between $0.30 and $1.50 per day, depending on your area and meter type.
  • Variable usage rate: Typically between 20 and 35 cents per kWh (check your local region for exact rates).
  • Early exit fee: Around $150 for fixed-term plans if you leave before the term ends.
  • Late payment fee: Up to $10 if your bill is overdue.
  • Connection/disconnection fee: May apply if you move house or switch providers.

Tip: Always check the latest rates on Contact’s website or through Powerswitch, as prices change regularly and differ by location.

Pros and Cons of Contact Energy

Pros Cons
Innovative free-power plans (Good Nights, Good Week) Free periods may not suit all households
No lock-in contracts on variable plans Standard rates can be higher than competitors
Contact ks rewards programme Early exit fees on fixed-term plans
Solar buy-back option Limited to North Island (no South Island service)
Strong customer service (rated above average in surveys) Some complaints about billing errors
Easy online account management Gas and electricity bundled discounts may be limited

Who Is Contact Energy Best For?

  • Night owls and shift workers: The Good Nights plan is perfect if you’re awake and using power between 9pm and midnight.
  • Weekend warriors: Families who cook, clean, and entertain on weekends will save with Good Week.
  • Budget-conscious customers: Fixed-term plans give price certainty for 1–2 years.
  • Solar panel owners: Contact offers a competitive solar buy-back rate (check current offer).
  • People who want rewards: Contact ks gives discounts at Z Energy, Countdown, and more.

Not ideal for: South Island residents (Contact only serves the North Island), or those who want the absolute lowest standard rate without free-power gimmicks.

How Contact Energy Compares to Other Providers

Contact is often compared with Genesis Energy, Mercury Energy, and Trustpower. Here’s a quick snapshot:

Provider Key Differentiator Best For Free Power Offers
Contact Energy Free power windows (nights/weekends) Flexible users, night/weekend heavy Yes
Genesis Energy Low fixed rates, KiwiSaver bonus Budget-focused, long-term customers No
Mercury Energy Broadband + power bundles Digital households, streamers No
Trustpower All-in-one utilities (power, gas, broadband) Convenience seekers, multi-service users No

Key differences: Contact is the only major provider offering free electricity during specific times. Others focus on low base rates or bundling with other services.

Verdict: Should You Switch to Contact Energy?

Contact Energy is a strong choice if you can adjust your power usage to their free periods. The Good Nights and Good Week plans are genuinely innovative and can save you hundreds of dollars a year — but only if your lifestyle fits the pattern.

If you work from home, have young children, or use power evenly throughout the day, a standard low-rate plan from another provider might be cheaper. Always compare your current usage patterns before switching.

Contact’s customer service is generally well-regarded, and the Contact ks programme adds real value for everyday spending. However, the lack of South Island coverage is a major limitation.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars — excellent for the right customer, but not a one-size-fits-all solution.