Wanganui has among the highest numbers of people switching power companies across New Zealand in the past 12 months.
Figures released by the Electricity Authority show 21,259 customers in the region have changed electricity provider during the year to May 2015. Only Auckland, Wellington and Waikato have more residents switching, making Wanganui-Manawatu the fourth largest group of people changing power companies in the country.
Electricity Authority acting chief executive John Rampton said the switching rate in the region is typically high but still encouraged more householders to investigate their options. "There have recently been some new retailer brands start up, which means customers have more options than ever before. Different retail brands and offers suit different people, so it's important to think about your circumstances.
"We would encourage all Wanganui customers to shop around, as there are definitely good savings available at the moment."
The power company making the greatest gains was Mercury Energy, which gained a net 1141 customers. Genesis Energy lost the most, a net 3092 customers.
Spokeswoman for Mighty River Power (which owns Mercury Energy) Shannon Goldstone believed Mercury was popular in Wanganui because as it offered rewards for customer loyalty.
"We tailor these depending on a customer's needs and preferences. For example, passing on savings for customers choosing lower-cost billing and payment options or providing competitive fixed-term rates for customers signing up with us for two or three years."
Ms Goldstone also said Community Services scheme Glo-Bug is enticing some customers too.
She said the scheme has been running since February and gives heavily discounted rates to Community Service card holders.
"Glo-Bug has offered some of the lowest prices on the market for Community Service card holders. The intent is to lock in discounts that low-income customers might not normally get access to.
"That's where a lot of the Glo-Bug growth has come from lately and we've had some really great feedback from budgeting agents and customers around the reduced rates."
Public affairs manager for Genesis Energy Richard Gordon said new retailers on the market offering new deals have increased competition.
"The new entrants to the market are offering new and different prices and different ways of buying electricity. They are attracting our customers, not large numbers, but a few here and there. Over the last 13 months overall we have lost customers, but we are starting to lure them back with winter deals and in the last few months the numbers are stabilising.
The Electricity Authority is an independent crown entity responsible for regulating the electricity market in New Zealand. It is government-funded and provides regulatory oversight to the electricity sector.