Genesis Energy Plans and Products 2026
Genesis Energy offers both electricity-only and dual-fuel (electricity + natural gas/LPG) plans for residential customers. Their electricity plans include fixed-rate and market-linked options, and Genesis is one of the larger retailers offering natural gas connections for households in the North Island gas network. Genesis also offers broadband services bundled with energy in some plans, providing a one-bill convenience for customers who want to consolidate utilities. Their Business Energy division serves commercial and industrial customers with tailored contracts.
Genesis Energy Rates 2026
| Plan TypeDaily ChargeUnit Rate (approx.)ContractAvailable |
| Genesis Home (Electricity)~$2.00–$2.50~28–34c/kWhNo lock-inNationwide |
| Genesis Dual Fuel (Elec + Gas)Variable (dual)VariableNo lock-inNorth Island gas network |
| Genesis Prompt Payment Plan~$2.00–$2.50~28–34c/kWh (pre-discount)No lock-inNationwide |
| Genesis EV Plan~$2.00–$2.50Off-peak EV rate availableNo lock-inSelect areas |
| Genesis Business plansNegotiatedNegotiatedContractNationwide |
Genesis Prompt Payment Discount
Genesis Energy, like most NZ power retailers, uses a prompt payment discount (PPD) structure. The full rate shown on your bill is discounted (typically 18–22%) if you pay on time. This is effectively a penalty for late payment. Always pay by the due date to receive the discounted rate. Setting up a direct debit to pay your bill automatically is the easiest way to ensure you never miss the prompt payment window and always pay the lower rate.
Genesis Energy Generation Assets
Unlike most NZ power retailers, Genesis Energy is also a major electricity generator — what the industry calls a "gentailer" (generator-retailer). Genesis operates the Huntly Power Station (New Zealand's only coal-fired plant, operated as a peaker for security of supply), the Tongariro and Waikato hydro schemes, and a portfolio of wind and geothermal generation assets. This vertical integration means Genesis both produces and sells electricity. The Huntly station is a controversial asset given its coal use, though Genesis has committed to phasing out coal by 2025 (note: as of 2026, this transition is ongoing).
Switching to or Away from Genesis Energy
Switching to Genesis Energy from another NZ power retailer takes 2–5 business days and involves no interruption to your power supply. Sign up online at genesisenergy.co.nz, provide your ICP number (from your current bill), and Genesis handles the switch. Similarly, switching away from Genesis to a competitor is straightforward — your new provider manages the process. Genesis does not charge an exit fee for standard no-lock-in plans. If you're on a fixed-rate or contract plan, check the terms for any early exit provisions before switching.
Genesis vs Competitors: Is It Cheap?
Genesis Energy is not typically the cheapest power option in NZ. Challengers like Frank Energy and Electric Kiwi consistently undercut Genesis on unit rates and daily charges. However, Genesis's dual-fuel option (electricity + gas) can provide savings for customers currently managing separate electricity and gas accounts. For existing Genesis customers, it is worth running a comparison on Powerswitch at least annually to ensure you're still receiving competitive pricing — loyalty does not guarantee the best rate, and switching saves NZ households an average of $200–$400 per year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Genesis Energy a good power company in NZ?
Genesis Energy is a large, reliable, and well-established NZ power retailer with a long track record. As an NZX-listed company with government shareholding, it has strong financial backing. However, in terms of price competitiveness, Genesis typically sits in the mid-range of the NZ market — not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either. Customer service satisfaction is moderate. For customers who value the convenience of dual fuel (electricity and gas from one provider) or who want an established brand, Genesis is a solid option. For the best price, compare Genesis against Frank Energy, Electric Kiwi, and 2degrees Energy using Powerswitch.
How do I contact Genesis Energy NZ?
Genesis Energy can be contacted by phone (0800 300 400), through their website's live chat, via their mobile app, or by email. Their customer service team is available during standard business hours for general enquiries, with emergency support available 24/7 for power outages and gas leaks. Note that power outage reporting should be directed to your local lines company (e.g. Vector in Auckland, Orion in Canterbury) rather than Genesis, as the lines company owns and operates the physical network that delivers power to your home.
Does Genesis Energy offer a deal for new customers?
Genesis Energy occasionally offers sign-up promotions for new customers, such as account credits, bill discounts for the first few months, or seasonal specials. These promotions change regularly. Check the Genesis Energy website or a comparison site like Powerswitch or Canstar for current sign-up offers. Be aware that some promotional prices revert to higher standard rates after the offer period — always compare the ongoing rate, not just the introductory price, when choosing a provider.
Can I get gas from Genesis Energy in NZ?
Yes — Genesis Energy supplies piped natural gas to homes and businesses connected to the North Island natural gas distribution network (primarily Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, and Wellington regions). Genesis also offers LPG bottled gas in some areas. For dual-fuel customers (electricity and gas from Genesis), there may be a bundled rate advantage. Note that new natural gas connections are becoming less common in NZ as the government encourages electrification — if you're building a new home, check whether a gas connection is still available in your area.
Is Genesis Energy renewable?
Genesis Energy's generation mix is not 100% renewable. While Genesis operates hydro, wind, and geothermal generation assets, it also owns and operates the Huntly coal-fired power station, which is used as a backup peaker during periods of high demand or low renewable output. Genesis has committed to phasing out coal use, though the exact timeline has been subject to revision. If 100% renewable electricity is important to you, certified renewable providers like Meridian Energy are a better fit. New Zealand's overall electricity grid is approximately 85–90% renewable, so even non-certified providers are mostly delivering renewable energy in practice.
How does Genesis Energy billing work?
Genesis Energy bills residential customers monthly based on actual meter reads (smart meters) or estimated consumption where smart meters are not installed. Bills are sent by email or post and are due within 14–20 days of issue. The prompt payment discount (typically 18–22%) applies if you pay by the due date. Genesis offers direct debit, credit card, internet banking, and in some cases bill smoothing (equal monthly payments based on estimated annual usage). Smart meter customers can view their real-time usage data through the Genesis app and website, helping to identify high-usage periods and reduce bills.
What is Genesis Energy's EV charging plan?
Genesis Energy offers an EV-specific electricity plan with discounted overnight rates for electric vehicle charging, available in select areas. The plan typically offers a lower unit rate during off-peak hours (usually 9pm–7am) when the electricity grid is less congested and renewable generation (hydro, wind, geothermal) is surplus. This suits EV owners who can charge overnight and significantly reduces the cost of running an electric vehicle. Genesis's EV plan is comparable to similar offerings from Mercury and Contact Energy. Use a dedicated EV running cost calculator to compare the total cost across multiple providers based on your vehicle's efficiency and charging habits.
