Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I set up a Direct Debit?

  You can set up a Direct Debit online here.  If you have any further questions, please email us on customer.care@blackboxpower.co.nz

• What’s the difference between a Low User Plan and a Standard User Plan?

  Low User option

  If you use less than 8,000 units a year (about 660kwh/month) at your primary residence, the Low User option may be best for you. This rises to 9,000 units (750kwh/month) in parts of the lower South Island.

  You pay:

  • a lower daily fixed charge
  • a higher variable charge for each unit of electricity you use. The Low User option is only available for your primary residence and not, for example, a holiday home.

  Standard User option

  If you use more electricity, a Standard User option may be better.

  You pay:

  • a higher daily rate
  • a slightly lower rate for each unit of electricity you use. 
• Why is my bill an estimate?

  There are a couple of reasons why your bill may have been an estimate:

  • The meter reader may not have had access to your property
  • We might have received an actual read for your electricity but not for gas, so we have estimated your gas usage (or vice versa)
  • If you have a smart meter, it may not have been communicating on the scheduled billing date

  Please note, your estimate read will be corrected when you get an actual read the following month, so there is no need to generate a new bill. Your next bill from us will be based on an actual read and any difference between your last actual read and your next actual read would be balanced out. 

• Why is my bill high?

  Your bill could be higher than expected due to a few reasons:

  • Your bill may have been generated based on an estimate read. If you do receive an estimated bill, any difference between your last actual read and your next actual read would balance out. You can check your consumption and type of reading on the back of your bill.
  • You may have been billed for a longer period than usual – you can check the number of days you have been billed for on your bill.
  • You may be on the wrong user plan. To check what user plan is right for your home, click here.
  • You may have had visitors staying with you during this period
  • You may have used your heater or air conditioning more than usual
  • Your gas heater or heat pump may need a service
  • You could have a faulty appliance that is using more electricity then it should. Read below for information on how to do a “two-man test”

  To check if one of your appliances is faulty and using more electricity than it should, you can do a “two-man test”:

  1. Turn off all appliances in your home (including hot water cylinder) and take a meter reading
  2. Have a friend stand at the meter while you turn on one appliance and see how much the meter reading increases
  3. Then turn this appliance off, go to another one and turn it on
  4. Go through each appliance one by one. If you notice one appliance is causing the meter reading to increase much faster than other devices, this could mean that the appliance is faulty and using more electricity than it should

   If you believe an appliance is faulty, it is best to contact an electrician to repair the appliance or replace it.

  If you have any further questions, please feel free to email our team on customer.care@blackboxpower.co.nz

• How do I check my account balance?

  To check your balance please login to your My Account.

• How do I order an LPG refill?

  Please fill in this form here. Your cylinder(s) will be delivered within 2-7 working days.

  However, due to high demand, it is currently taking 10-12 working days for delivery in some areas. 

  If you require an urgent delivery call our Customer Care Team on 0800 269 769. An urgent delivery fee will apply.