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Your bill

Households and businesses in the King Country and Ruapehu area receive two bills each month relating to their electricity.

You’ll get one from us for the cost of connecting, maintaining the lines and delivering power to your property, and another from your chosen energy retailer for the cost of the electricity you’ve used.

While your two bills may arrive at different times, it’s important to remember you’re not paying for the same thing twice.

We’re your distributor (getting the supply to wherever it’s needed) while your retailer is charging you for the actual electricity that runs down our network lines.

The two invoices you receive reflect the actual costs involved in providing these different services to you.

Understanding your bill

Your bill will vary each month, depending on how much power you used and when you used it.

Charges

Your bill will be made up of three charges:

  • Daily Fixed Charge — this is a charge per connection per day
  • Variable Prices — based on how much you use (measured in kWh)
  • Daily Meter Charge — this is a charge per day for metering and relay equipment

prompt payment discount

You’ll get a 10% prompt payment discount if you pay your bill in full by the due date.

 

Your account

As a customer, you’re charged for each Installation Control Point (ICP) or point where our network can deliver electricity to your property or building.

You may have several delivery points on one property, for example, a house, a workshop and a pump shed, or you may own several properties in different locations.

Each will have its own 15 character ICP number which is shown on your invoice and acts like an “ID” for delivery points.

The convenience of a single account with us

While you can have separate accounts with one or more ICPs on each, we’re finding that most customers prefer the convenience of a single account with direct debit payment.

One account provides consolidated billing with a breakdown for each ICP, simplifies budgeting and bill management, and cuts down on banking fees.

There’s also a prompt payment discount when bills are paid in full on, or before, the due date.

Receive your bill by email

We encourage all our customers to save resources where possible. Email info@thelines.co.nz to set this up.

Privacy

All billing and personal information gathered by us is held and used in line with the Privacy Act 1993. This includes any medical dependency details.

Paying your bill

Get it done online and save time.

How can I pay my bill?

You can pay by direct debit, online and telephone banking, credit/debit cards, cheque, automatic payments, or in person at our King Street office in Te Kuiti.

 

Account Queries

Give us a call or email if you have a question about your account.  Our friendly customer services team is here to help.

payment issues?

We understand that occasionally there’s a bump in the road or life throws a curveball. Talk to us; we may be able to help.

Managing your power costs

What you use is what you pay for — you’re in control.

Check out our handy dial at the bottom of our website for peak, off-peak and shoulder times.

There’s lots of ways you can control the amount of electricity you use and keep lines costs down.

Mind the gap

  • Ensure your home is well insulated to reduce heating costs.
  • Seal draughty gaps and use draught stoppers for doors.
  • Use efficient heaters with thermostats.

Kitchen

  • Microwaves, pressure cookers, crock pots, and electric fry pans all use less power than an oven.
  • Keep saucepan lids on and the heat in.
  • Boil only the amount you need in the kettle.

bathroom, and Laundry

  • Wrap your hot water cylinder to minimise heat loss.
  • Turn your hot water temperature down to 55°C. You’ll need an electrician to do this.
  • Showers generally use less hot water than baths.
  • Fix dripping hot water taps.
  • Use cold wash cycle on your washing machine. Do a full load.

 Lounge

  • Clean heat pump filters regularly.
  • Install energy efficient light bulbs and turn lights off when not in the room.
  • Turn appliances off rather than leaving on standby.
  • Don’t leave your mobile phone charging all night.

Compare electricity prices and retailers

The price of electricity also varies depending on what time of day you use it.

You can find useful information about options for saving electricity at powerswitch.org.nz

HELP at hand

The Government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) works to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand’s homes and businesses.

Locally, Maru Energy Trust aims to help create warmer, drier, and healthier homes in our community.

You’ll find plenty of other useful tips on their websites.

SmoothPay

Making payments easier!

SmoothPay helps smooth the highs and lows of your bill.

It means you pay the same amount each week, fortnight or month – whatever suits you.*

* terms and conditions apply

 

Why sign up?

There are (at least) two big benefits!

  • SmoothPay means you pay the same amount each week, fortnight or month (you can choose). That’s a big help with budgeting.
  • If you pay by SmoothPay, you will always get your 10% prompt payment discount. That’s a saving right there!

How SmoothPay works

We work with you and look at how much you normally pay over a year. Based on that, we’ll set an amount that’s right for you.

You can choose when you pay by direct debit — weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You’ll still get a monthly bill to keep track of it all.

Every so often we’ll check to make sure what you’re paying is still right for you. If we need to adjust it, we’ll get in touch to discuss any changes.

Signing up

Call us on 0800 367 546 to sign up to SmoothPay and we’ll talk through what’s needed over the phone.