
Contact Energy NZ: How to Contact, Compare Prices & More
Finding the right power company in New Zealand can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. Contact Energy is one of the biggest names around—serving over 600,000 customers—but size doesn’t automatically mean the best fit for your home or budget.
Founded: 1996 · Headquarters: Wellington, New Zealand · Customers: Over 600,000 · Generation Mix: Hydro, geothermal, gas · Stock Exchange: NZX (CEN) · Services: Electricity, gas, broadband, mobile
Quick snapshot
- Supplies electricity, gas, broadband, and mobile across NZ (Contact Energy home page)
- Serves over 650,000 customers (Powerswitch NZ)
- Generates from hydro, geothermal, and gas (Powerswitch NZ) (Contact Energy home page)
- General phone: 0800 224 424 (Contact Energy Support)
- Account help: 0800 201 000 (Contact Energy My Account) (Contact Energy Support)
- Email: info@contactenergy.co.nz (Powerswitch NZ)
- Mobile app for iOS and Android (Selectra New Zealand)
- Phone support Mon–Fri 7am–6pm (Contact Energy Support)
- Complaints line: 0800 809 000 (Powerswitch NZ) (Contact Energy Support)
- App-based support and online forms (Selectra New Zealand)
The key company facts are pulled together below.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 | Powerswitch NZ |
| Headquarters | Wellington, New Zealand | Contact Energy home page |
| CEO | Mike Fuge (as of 2025) | Powerswitch NZ |
| Employees | ~1,500 | Selectra New Zealand |
| Stock Symbol | NZSE: CEN | MoneyHub |
| Generation Capacity | Over 2,000 MW | Powerswitch NZ |
How do I email contact energy NZ?
Email address for Contact Energy
The primary email address for customer queries is info@contactenergy.co.nz, as listed on Powerswitch’s retailer page. You can also use the online contact form on Contact Energy’s official support page.
How to write an effective email to customer support
- Include your full name, address, and account number (if you have one).
- State your issue clearly—billing, connection, plan change, etc.
- Attach relevant documents (e.g., a photo of your meter reading) if needed.
Expected response times
Contact Energy aims to respond to emails within 24 business hours, according to its support page. During peak periods it may take up to 48 hours.
The pattern: Contact Energy offers multiple email touchpoints, but the fastest response usually comes through the online form with your account details prepopulated.
Who is the cheapest electricity provider in New Zealand?
Comparing electricity prices across NZ providers
There is no single cheapest provider—the answer depends on your region, usage pattern, and plan type. Powerswitch, a government-backed comparison tool, lets you compare plans from all major retailers.
Contact Energy’s pricing vs competitors
Contact Energy’s Basic Plan (no fixed term) is often competitive for low and standard users, but its Good Nights and Good Weekends plans can save heavy evening/weekend users money. The table below shows Contact Energy’s main plan options.
Five plans, one pattern: the more you can shift usage to off-peak times, the bigger the discount.
| Plan name | Key feature | Fixed term? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Simple per-kWh pricing | No | Low to standard users |
| Broadband Bundle | Energy + broadband on one bill | No, no break fees | Households wanting internet |
| Good Nights | Free power 9pm–midnight every weeknight | Yes (12 months) | People who run appliances at night |
| Good Weekends | Free power all weekend | Yes (12 months) | Weekend-heavy users |
| Good Charge | Discounted rates for EV charging | Yes (12 months) | Electric vehicle owners |
Sources: MoneyHub, Contact Energy – Plans and Pricing
How to use comparison tools like Powerswitch
- Go to Powerswitch.org.nz.
- Enter your address and average monthly usage (or use the default estimate).
- Compare the annual cost of Contact Energy plans with other providers in your region.
The trade-off: plans with free periods often have higher daily charges, so run a full annual comparison before switching.
Is Contact Energy a NZ company?
History and ownership of Contact Energy
Contact Energy was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Wellington. It is listed on the NZX under the code CEN and is primarily New Zealand-owned, with a mix of institutional and retail shareholders (Powerswitch NZ).
Contact Energy’s generation portfolio
The company generates electricity from hydro, geothermal, and gas, with a total capacity of over 2,000 MW (Powerswitch NZ). This diverse mix helps it manage price volatility and maintain reliable supply.
Is Contact Energy fully New Zealand owned?
While the majority of shares are held by New Zealand residents, there is some international institutional ownership. However, it remains a New Zealand-incorporated and -operated company (Selectra New Zealand).
What this means: Contact Energy is as Kiwi as any listed company gets—local decision‑making, local assets, and local regulatory oversight.
Which NZ power company has the best customer service?
Customer service ratings and awards
Canstar Blue and Consumer NZ surveys show that customer satisfaction varies by region and provider. Contact Energy has received positive scores in recent Canstar Blue ratings (Powerswitch NZ).
Contact Energy’s customer service channels
- Phone: 0800 224 424 (general) and 0800 201 000 (account) (Mon–Fri 7am–6pm)
- Email: info@contactenergy.co.nz
- App: mobile app with in-app chat and support
- Online form: contact.co.nz/support/contact-us
Sources: Contact Energy – Contact Us, Contact Energy – My Account, Powerswitch NZ
How to file a complaint with Contact Energy
- Call the complaints line: 0800 809 000 (Powerswitch NZ).
- If unresolved, escalate to the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commission (EGCC) – an independent dispute resolution service.
The implication: Contact Energy’s multiple contact channels and dedicated complaints line suggest a mature customer service operation, but speed of resolution still depends on the complexity of the issue.
What is the Contact Energy phone number?
0800 number for Contact Energy
- General enquiries: 0800 224 424 (Contact Energy Support)
- Account help: 0800 201 000 (Contact Energy My Account)
- Complaints: 0800 809 000 (Powerswitch NZ)
International contact numbers
For customers calling from overseas, Contact Energy’s support page recommends using the +64 prefix followed by the 0800 number (which will redirect to a local number).
Alternative contact methods (app, online forms)
You can also reach Contact Energy via the Contact Energy app (available for iOS and Android), live chat on their website, or by filling out the online form at contact.co.nz/support/contact-us (Selectra New Zealand). For a similar guide on another provider, see our Sky TV 0800 number page.
The catch: the general number (0800 224 424) is best for non-urgent queries, while account-specific issues are handled faster through the dedicated account line.
Confirmed facts
- Contact Energy is a New Zealand company founded in 1996 Powerswitch NZ
- Main phone number is 0800 224 424 Contact Energy Support
- Generates from hydro, geothermal, and gas Powerswitch NZ
- Listed on the NZX (CEN) MoneyHub
What’s unclear
- Exact cheapest electricity provider varies by region and individual usage – use Powerswitch for your specific address.
- Current customer satisfaction rankings change year-to-year; check the latest Consumer NZ or Canstar Blue surveys.
Contact Energy’s wide plan range means you can tailor your power to your lifestyle—but only if you run the numbers. A free‑weekend plan looks great until you realise your biggest power draw is Monday laundry.
Contact Energy Limited is a New Zealand electricity generator, a wholesaler of natural gas, and a retailer of electricity, natural gas, broadband and LPG.
— Wikipedia (general description)
We generate electricity from hydro, geothermal and gas and have one of the most flexible generation portfolios in the country.
— Contact Energy LinkedIn profile
For New Zealand households, choosing between Contact Energy’s plans isn’t about picking the “best” – it’s about matching your daily routine to the right incentive. The Basic Plan is safe and flexible; the Good Nights plan rewards late‑evening usage; and the Broadband Bundle simplifies two bills into one. The decision is clear: run a Powerswitch comparison with your actual usage, then pick the plan that turns your electricity habits into savings – or stick with a simpler plan if you prefer predictability. For a broader broadband comparison, check our best broadband provider guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Contact Energy app used for?
The app lets you view bills, submit meter readings, manage plans, and contact support. It’s available for iOS and Android (Selectra New Zealand).
How do I get the $300 credit from Contact Energy?
Contact Energy occasionally offers sign‑up credits (e.g., $300 for new customers switching online). Check the latest offers on their website or via comparison sites like Powerswitch.
Can I bundle broadband with Contact Energy electricity?
Yes. The Broadband Bundle combines power and fibre on one bill with no fixed term or break fees (MoneyHub).
Is Contact Energy a renewable energy provider?
Contact Energy generates about 70% of its electricity from renewable sources (hydro and geothermal), with the remainder from gas (Powerswitch NZ).
How do I submit a meter reading to Contact Energy?
Log in to My Account on the website or use the app to enter your reading. You can also phone or email it to customer service.
What happens if I miss a payment to Contact Energy?
Contact Energy will send a reminder. If payment is still not made, they may apply late fees or move you to a prepay plan after multiple missed bills.
Does Contact Energy have a mobile plan?
Yes, Contact Energy offers mobile plans under its own brand, using the Spark network. These can be bundled with electricity and broadband (Contact Energy home page).
This article was fact‑checked using official Contact Energy pages, Powerswitch, MoneyHub, and Selectra. All pricing and service details are accurate as of the date of writing; plans and offers can change. Always verify directly with Contact Energy before signing up. See also our Sky TV contact guide and broadband provider review.