Wellington

๐Ÿ”Œ

Utilities

Information on setting up water, electricity, gas, and internet connections for your home.

Sections

1. Electricity

Electricity is an essential utility in Wellington, and the city has a deregulated electricity market, meaning you can choose from several providers. Most homes in Wellington rely on electricity for heating, cooking, and general power needs.

Key Providers

  • Meridian Energy: A popular provider offering renewable energy options.
  • Genesis Energy: Offers electricity, gas, and dual-fuel plans.
  • Contact Energy: Provides electricity and gas services with flexible plans.
  • Powershop: A digital-first provider where you can pre-purchase power.
  • Trustpower: Offers bundled services, including electricity, gas, and internet.

Typical Costs

  • Average monthly electricity bill: NZD 150โ€“250 (depending on household size, usage, and season).
  • Rates: Electricity is charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with additional daily fixed charges (around NZD 1โ€“2 per day).

How to Set Up Electricity

  1. Compare Providers: Use websites like Powerswitch to compare plans and find the best deal.
  2. Sign Up: Contact your chosen provider online or by phone. Youโ€™ll need:
    • Your address.
    • Move-in date.
    • Identification (passport or driverโ€™s license).
  3. Connection: Most providers can connect your electricity within 1โ€“3 business days.

Payment Options

  • Direct debit (automatic payments from your bank account).
  • Online banking or credit card payments.
  • Pay at New Zealand Post shops or via mobile apps.

Tips

  • Consider providers offering renewable energy if sustainability is important to you.
  • Some providers offer discounts for prompt payments or bundling services.

2. Gas

Gas is used in some Wellington homes for heating, cooking, and hot water. Not all homes have access to piped natural gas, so bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is also common.

Key Providers

  • Genesis Energy: Offers natural gas and LPG services.
  • Contact Energy: Provides both piped gas and bottled LPG.
  • Elgas: Specializes in LPG delivery.

Typical Costs

  • Natural gas: NZD 100โ€“200 per month (depending on usage).
  • LPG bottles: Around NZD 120โ€“150 per 45kg bottle, with delivery fees.

How to Set Up Gas

  1. Check Availability: Not all areas in Wellington have piped gas. Contact providers to confirm.
  2. Sign Up: Provide your address, move-in date, and identification.
  3. Connection: Piped gas connections may take a few days. LPG bottles can often be delivered within 1โ€“2 days.

Payment Options

  • Similar to electricity: direct debit, online banking, or in-person payments.

Tips

  • If youโ€™re renting, check with your landlord whether the property uses gas and if bottled LPG is required.
  • For occasional use, bottled LPG may be more cost-effective.

3. Water

Water services in Wellington are managed by Wellington Water, a council-owned organization. Residential water is typically included in your property rates (paid by the landlord if youโ€™re renting), so you wonโ€™t receive a separate water bill unless youโ€™re a commercial user.

Key Details

  • Water is metered for commercial properties, but most residential properties are not metered.
  • Wellington has high-quality tap water, so thereโ€™s no need to buy bottled water.

Typical Costs

  • For renters: Water costs are usually included in your rent.
  • For homeowners: Water rates are part of your annual council rates, which vary depending on property value.

How to Set Up Water

  • Renters: No action is required; landlords handle water services.
  • Homeowners: Contact Wellington City Council to ensure your property is registered for water services.

Payment Options

  • Included in council rates (for homeowners).
  • No separate payment required for renters.

Tips

  • Be mindful of water conservation, especially during summer, as Wellington occasionally experiences water restrictions.

4. Internet and Telecommunications

Wellington has excellent internet infrastructure, including widespread access to ultra-fast fibre broadband.

Key Providers

  • Spark: Offers broadband, mobile, and landline services.
  • Vodafone (now One NZ): Provides broadband, mobile, and TV bundles.
  • 2degrees: Known for competitive pricing and good customer service.
  • MyRepublic: Specializes in high-speed fibre plans.
  • Slingshot: Offers affordable broadband plans.

Typical Costs

  • Fibre broadband: NZD 75โ€“120 per month (depending on speed and data cap).
  • Mobile plans: NZD 20โ€“80 per month (depending on data and call/text allowances).

How to Set Up Internet

  1. Check Availability: Use the Broadband Compare website to find providers and plans available at your address.
  2. Sign Up: Provide your address, move-in date, and identification.
  3. Connection: Fibre installation may take 1โ€“2 weeks if your property isnโ€™t already connected.

Payment Options

  • Direct debit, online banking, or credit card payments.
  • Some providers offer discounts for bundling internet with mobile or electricity services.

Tips

  • Fibre broadband is the fastest and most reliable option in Wellington.
  • If youโ€™re staying short-term, look for providers offering no-contract plans.

5. General Tips for Managing Utilities in Wellington

  • Bundle Services: Many providers offer discounts if you bundle electricity, gas, and internet.
  • Understand Your Lease: If youโ€™re renting, clarify with your landlord which utilities youโ€™re responsible for.
  • Keep Track of Usage: Many providers offer online portals or apps to monitor your usage and bills.
  • Emergency Contacts:
    • Power outages: Contact your electricity provider or Wellington Electricity (the local lines company).
    • Gas leaks: Call your gas provider or 111 for emergencies.
    • Water issues: Contact Wellington Water at 0800 735 758.

6. Local Considerations and Regulations

  • Energy Efficiency: Wellington can get cold and windy, so ensure your home is well-insulated to reduce heating costs. Many homes have heat pumps, which are energy-efficient.
  • Earthquake Preparedness: Wellington is in an earthquake-prone area. Keep a torch, batteries, and emergency supplies in case of utility disruptions.
  • Sustainability: Wellingtonians are environmentally conscious. Consider using renewable energy providers and conserving water and power.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities in Wellington, New Zealand. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!