Genesis Energy Review - Prices, Discounts, Deals, Tariffs and Fees
Our guide explains Genesis Energy's pricing, bonuses, contracts, pros and cons and must-know facts, and how it compares to other power companies for residents of Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Updated 25 September 2024
Genesis Energy in a Nutshell
Our review: To help you understand how Genesis Energy works and the pros and cons of their plans, our guide covers:
- Genesis Energy is New Zealand’s largest electricity retailer by market share and is part-owned by the New Zealand government.
- Thanks to its several generation plants across the country, Genesis Energy’s network serves every corner of New Zealand, with more than 400,000 Single Installation Control Points (ICPs), representing 23% of the total retail electricity market.
- Plans and Pricing: Genesis Energy offers three residential plans: the Flexi Plan (which is an open-term plan with minor discounts for using e-billing direct debit), the Fixed Plan (which is a fixed-term plan that includes additional discounts) and the EV Plan, which is also fixed term and offers discounted rates at nighttime. You can find more information about that plan on our EV Plans review.
Our review: To help you understand how Genesis Energy works and the pros and cons of their plans, our guide covers:
Genesis Energy Price Analysis
Our Price Comparison Research and Results:
- Our latest research revealed that Genesis Energy's plans offered a very competitive offering for users in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and the range of rewards (i.e. discounts) can lower bills.
- Compare Genesis Energy's prices with the rest of the market here.
How green is Genesis Energy?
Genesis Energy owns and operates a number of renewable generation power plants around New Zealand.
Genesis Energy Plans - "Flexi" vs "Fixed" vs "Energy EV"
Genesis Energy Flexi Plan Review
Genesis Energy Fixed Plan Review
Customers should assess their ability to stay on the plan for the full term to avoid exit fees.
Genesis Energy EV Plan Review
- The Flexi Plan provides a no-commitment option for customers who value flexibility. It has no fixed term or exit fees, and eligible customers can receive discounts for using specific billing and payment methods. The plan also includes "Power Shout" hours, allowing free electricity use during selected times.
- Flexible plan with no exit fees or long-term commitment.
- Discounts available for paperless billing and automated payments.
- Power Shout hours provide opportunities for free electricity use at scheduled times.
- Fewer discounts than when opting for fixed term plans with Genesis.
Genesis Energy Fixed Plan Review
- The Fixed Plan offers discounted rates for customers willing to commit to a 12-month contract. It includes the same discounts and Power Shout benefits as the Flexi Plan, with an additional 3% discount for fixing the term.
- Additional discount for customers who commit to a 12-month contract.
- Includes Power Shout hours for occasional free electricity use.
- Predictable pricing for the contract duration.
- Fixed-term contract, so less flexible than an open-term contract.
- Early termination incurs a $150 exit fee per fuel type.
Customers should assess their ability to stay on the plan for the full term to avoid exit fees.
Genesis Energy EV Plan Review
- The Energy EV Plan is tailored for electric vehicle owners, offering discounted electricity rates at night and access to discounted charging at eligible public EV fast charging stations through EVerywhere. Like the Fixed Plan, it requires a 12-month commitment and provides similar discounts and Power Shout hours.
- Significantly reduced electricity rates during nighttime hours (9pm–7am).
- Optional add-on allows access to discounted public EV charging: EVerywhere.
- Includes Power Shout hours for occasional free electricity use.
- Requires an eligible plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle.
- Early termination incurs a $150 exit fee per fuel type.
- Nighttime rate discounts apply only to the variable portion of the bill.
- Ensure your vehicle qualifies for the plan before signing up.
- Evaluate if you can shift most of your usage to the night time to take advantage of the discounted rates.
Genesis Energy Conclusion
To determine which plan best suits your needs, you’ll need to consider the following:
Lifestyle and Convenience
Lifestyle and Convenience
- The Flexi Plan is best for individuals who prioritize flexibility and prefer not to be tied to a contract. This plan works well for those who don’t want to commit to a fixed term and are comfortable with e-billing and direct debits to maximize discounts.
- The Fixed Plan is a better fit for customers seeking stable pricing and willing to commit to a 12-month contract. It offers additional discounts compared to the Flexi Plan, as a reward for committing to the full term.
- The Energy EV Plan is specifically designed for electric vehicle owners who can take advantage of reduced nighttime electricity rates and discounted public charging. To make the most of this plan, customers would shift their energy consumption to the nighttime hours and use EV fast charging stations with EVerywhere.
- Additional Benefits
Genesis Energy provides added value through occasional Power Shout hours, enabling free electricity use during scheduled periods. Customers also have access to additional discounts by choosing e-billing and setting up a direct debit. The Energy EV Plan further extends benefits with discounted rates for EV charging, supporting a sustainable lifestyle for electric vehicle users.
Genesis Energy Frequently Asked Questions
To help you decide if Genesis Energy is right for your home, we've published a number of frequently asked questions.
What does Genesis Energy cost per month, and is it the cheapest?
What you pay depends on where you live, how much energy you use and what plan you're on. Our electricity comparison guide has more information about estimated costs and how it compares to other companies.
Is Genesis Energy available at my address?
Most likely - you'll need to type in your address to see if you're covered.
What does a Genesis Energy bill look like, and how do I pay?
This video explains how the bill appears, what everything means and when it's due. Genesis Energy accepts direct debits and credit cards - your can read more from their ways to pay your power bill guide.
Does Genesis Energy use renewable sources of electricity?
Yes - Genesis Energy owns and operates a number of renewable generation power plants around New Zealand.
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