Electricity guide · New Zealand
Peak vs Off-Peak Electricity Rates NZ
Understand New Zealand time-of-use electricity plans, peak, shoulder, off-peak and night rates, and calculate whether shifting appliance use may reduce cost.
Reviewed 26 August 2026
Reviewed by KiwiTools editorial team — NZ energy researchers using Electricity Authority and EECA sources
General planning information. Electricity prices, time bands, appliance performance and solar export terms vary by address, retailer, installation and usage.
Key points
Time-of-use power pricing
Time-of-use plans charge different per-kWh prices during stated periods.
Savings depend on how much flexible consumption can genuinely move into cheaper periods.
Peak windows, weekends, controlled supply and retailer conditions differ, so use the exact current plan schedule.
Cost of the same 500 kWh under different timing
This example uses 36 cents peak and 20 cents off-peak. The daily charge is excluded so the timing effect stays visible.
| Check | Peak use | Off-peak use | Usage cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak-heavy home | 350 kWh | 150 kWh | $156 |
| Even split | 250 kWh | 250 kWh | $140 |
| Off-peak-heavy home | 150 kWh | 350 kWh | $124 |
| 100 kWh shifted | −100 kWh | +100 kWh | $16 saved |
The plan works only if the load can move
At 36 cents peak and 20 cents off-peak, shifting 100 kWh saves $16. An EV, dishwasher or scheduled hot-water cylinder can move substantial energy; phone charging cannot rescue an unsuitable tariff.
Look at half-hour usage before switching. A household already using most electricity during the evening peak may pay more unless it can change that pattern.
Free hours are still part of a priced plan
A retailer can recover a free period through higher peak rates, a different daily charge or plan conditions. Value the free kWh actually used, then price all remaining consumption at the applicable bands.
Do not move unsafe or disruptive activity merely to chase a tariff. Running the dryer unattended overnight for a small saving is a poor trade.
Related: how to read power bill Related: electricity daily charge vs kwh rate Related: calculate electricity cost from watts
Controlled hot water is its own line
Some plans price a controlled cylinder more cheaply in exchange for the network being able to interrupt it during high demand. That is different from manually scheduling ordinary off-peak use.
Check that the meter register and bill line match the household setup. When hot water runs short repeatedly, contact the retailer or electrician rather than simply overriding controls.
Frequently asked questions
When is off-peak electricity in NZ?
There is no universal period. Use the exact times and day rules published for the selected retailer plan.
Is night-rate electricity cheaper?
It can have a lower per-kWh price, but compare the complete plan including daily charges and daytime prices.
What appliances can I run off peak?
Flexible candidates can include dishwashers, dryers, EV charging and some heating or hot-water loads when safe and practical.
How do I calculate time-of-use savings?
Multiply shifted kWh by the difference between the old and new applicable rates, then account for other plan changes.
Put the guide into practice
Continue with related KiwiTools calculators
Test your own numbers, compare scenarios and return to the guide to check assumptions and limitations.