Let’s be real—Auckland winters aren’t exactly like the Antarctic, but the power bills? Yikes. When the temperature dips, the temptation to blast the heater 24/7 is real. But staying warm doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few savvy changes, you can cut down your energy use and keep your bank account happy.
As locals ourselves, we at Auckland Loans understand the challenges Aucklanders face during the colder months. Whether it’s rising energy costs or unexpected expenses, we’re here to help with flexible, low-cost loan options and trusted advice—backed by a fast, friendly local team.
Ready to lower your winter power bills? Let’s get into it.
1. Know Your Enemy: Understand Your Power Usage
Before you can cut costs, you’ve got to know where your money’s going. Most power companies in NZ offer tools that break down your usage by day or hour—use them!
Knowing what’s draining your power means you can make smarter decisions, like switching to off-peak hours or cutting back on high-use appliances.
Pro Tip: Look for big spikes and figure out what caused them. Did you leave a heater on overnight? Are you using the dryer every day?
2. Heat Smarter, Not Harder
Heating is usually the biggest power gobbler in a Kiwi household. But there are ways to stay warm without blowing your budget:
- Use a heat pump efficiently: To get the most out of your heat pump, set it between 19-21°C—anything higher is wasting power.
- Seal the gaps: Drafts around windows and doors make your heater work overtime. Use door snakes or weather stripping to trap the warmth in.
- Curtains are your besties: Open them during the day to let the sun in, then close them before it gets dark to keep the heat in.
- Rug up inside: Layers and wool socks go a long way. We’re not saying wear your ski gear to bed, but maybe don’t rely on the heater to do all the work.
3. Use Government Resources
The New Zealand government offers help to households through:
- Winter Energy Payment: If you’re on a main benefit, NZ Super, or a Veteran’s Pension, you might qualify for this seasonal payment. It’s automatic, so check if you’re eligible on the Work and Income website.
- Warmer Kiwi Homes: This programme offers free insulation and grants for heaters if you meet income and location criteria. Aucklanders may be eligible—find out more here.
4. Kitchen Tricks to Lower Your Bill
The kitchen is one of the sneakiest sources of wasted energy. Here’s how to outsmart it:
- Don’t overfill the kettle: Boiling more water than you need is a classic Kiwi habit, but it’s an easy fix.
- Match your pot size to the element: Using a small pot on a large element? That’s just burning dollars.
- Use the microwave more: It’s faster and cheaper to run than your oven.
- Cook in bulk: Reheating meals uses less energy than cooking from scratch every time.
5. Be a Hot Water Ninja
Hot water heating is often the second-biggest power cost after space heating. Here’s how to tame it:
- Shorter showers: We’re not saying take cold showers (brr!), but keeping it under 5 minutes saves loads.
- Fix dripping taps: A slow leak can waste hundreds of litres (and dollars) over time.
- Lower the temp: Many hot water cylinders are set too high. 60°C is hot enough for safety and comfort.
6. Unplug Vampire Devices
Even when they’re off, some devices still suck power. These include:
- Phone chargers
- TVs
- Consoles
- Microwaves with digital clocks
Use power boards with switches and turn them off when not in use. It’s a small change, but every bit helps.
7. Do Laundry Like a Pro
- Cold washes only: In NZ, most clothes can be washed in cold water just fine.
- Full loads only: Running your washer half-full = twice the cost.
- Ditch the dryer: Use a clothes rack inside or take advantage of clear Auckland days for a sunny dry.
8. Switch Power Companies
Aucklanders have options! Use Powerswitch to compare rates and plans. Some providers offer better deals for low users, off-peak times, or special promotions. Example: Contact’s Good Nights plan offers free power on weeknights. Switching to a different provider could shave hundreds off your yearly bill.
9. Check for Low-User Plans
If your household uses less than 8,000 kWh a year (or 9,000 kWh in southern parts of NZ), you might qualify for a low-user electricity plan. These plans offer lower daily charges and can be perfect for smaller households or renters.
Call your provider and ask if it’s right for you.
10. Use Timers & Thermostats
Timers are game-changers for things like:
- Heaters
- Heated towel rails
- Electric blankets
Set them to turn on just before you get home or go to bed—then off again when you don’t need them. You stay warm without wasting energy.
When Cutting Costs Isn’t Enough…
We get it—it-sometimes, no matter how many draft-stoppers or wool socks you’ve got, the power bill still hits hard. Or maybe you’ve had a few unexpected expenses pile up at once.
That’s where Auckland Loans steps in. We’re local lenders who:
- Offer fast, online loan approvals with same-day service*
- Connect you with multiple low-cost lenders
- Help even if you have bad credit
- Provide repayment options up to 84 months
Whether it’s a small top-up to cover winter bills or a more significant loan to consolidate other expenses, we’re here to support you.
We’re Auckland-based and proud to offer friendly, local service that understands your lifestyle. No call centres. No fuss.
Get a fast, free, no-obligation quote today. Better local lending starts here.
Apply Now!
*Subject to responsible lending checks and criteria.
