Experience with Mercury Energy

Cammo on 14/01/2025 - 10:37
Last edited 14/01/2025 - 11:23 by 1 other user

Hi fellow cheapies,

We are about to move house, so have an opportunity to consolidate broadband, electricity, etc with one provider.

Mercury is offering a reasonably good deal with a free fridge and bundled discounts, but for any other Cantabrians (Christchurch, to be specific), how have you found Mercury Energy in terms of pricing and performance?

We are currently with 2Degrees for two mobiles and broadband, Z for power, and Matagas for gas hot water. The next home does not have gas, so thinking that as we need a new fridge, Mercury would be tolerable for two years with the promise of a $2,200 fridge for the princely sum of $300 as a top-up payment.

I expect that we may pay a little more over the period to offset the cost of the fridge, but would not expect it to be $100 more per month…

General Discussion

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Mercury Energy

Comments

  • Moodkiller on 14/01/2025 - 12:00

    Not specifically from Christchurch, but been with them for 13 years for power and gas in Auckland. No real complaints (other than maybe a bit on the expensive side), service has been good (and reliable). They also offer quite a high solar buy back rate (18c per kw through Harrisons) if that is something you are considering.

    FYI the biggest value add is the points system which you get for completing 1 question quiz's, completing walking challenges, and random draws. The points can be used, among a few other things, for Free Electricity days. I find we save an extra $25-$30 per free day. You also get a free power day per year, capped at 3 days max.

    There is also a referral program which will give you 3000 points (2 free power days) - link https://www.cheapies.nz/deals/mercury.co.nz

  • manu b on 14/01/2025 - 12:28

    Not in Christchurch either but recently moved houses and got the full package with them power, gas and broadband, got a free fridge to go with it which was awesome. Their costs were largely similar to other providers in my area and haven't had any issues with them so far. Had to sign a 2 year contract for the freebie and I was ok with that.

    • Cammo on 14/01/2025 - 14:17

      Nice! The fridge is a bit of a sweetener here, even looking at it as an interest free purchase of sorts, if the cost was slightly more. Was it reasonably quick to be delivered?

      • manu b on 14/01/2025 - 14:52

        Yup, it came within a week of everything being signed up.

  • 2cheap on 14/01/2025 - 12:40

    In Hamilton and have used Mercury for last 17 years. Always worked out the cheapest option for us. No issues with service, very easy with every move of house. No loyalty to them, just a customer that hasn't had problems.

  • Alan6984 on 14/01/2025 - 12:55
    +2

    In general, I would always prefer not to bundle as it usually works out more expensive, and definitely more hassle to move on (which is why they can get away with charging more of course - you will tend to be more sticky!

    My observation is that the initial deal is good, but over time they will push up your rates, which every provider does, but as it is more complex to compare, and more hassle to move, many consumers are less likely to jump ship (which is obviously what they count on).

    I have found it is cheaper to shop around for the best in class deal for each utility (electricity, gas if applicable, internet, and telephony) separately, rather than stick with a set bundle from a given provider.

    Everyone is different, but if you aren't moving providers for each of those services every (or at least most) years, you are quite likely paying more than you need to, especially when you factor in the 'incentive' deals ($200 account credit / three months free etc) to move to a new provider every 12 months.

    • Jexla on 14/01/2025 - 15:04

      You are correct. People can't help themselves with the "free fridge" or the "free 55" TV" though.
      I think that's fair if you could really do with the appliance and aren't in a great financial spot though and you're moving in to a new place.

  • apieceofpie on 14/01/2025 - 15:29
    +1

    Been with Mercury for almost a decade, on a friends and family plan which has always worked out the cheapest whenever I compare.
    I recently bundled with broadband on the 6 months broadband free offer, it worked out the best deal vs the free appliance offer, which largely uses inflated prices. Also I prefer cash in hand vs an appliance I don't really need.

    I probably get 3 maybe 4 free power days a year using their points scheme and anniversary rewards. Usually I save for an especially hot day when I know I'll have guests over and so I can leave the aircon cranking.

    No complaints regarding power or internet, but I've never had an issue with any other provider either. 🤷‍♂️

    • Wakrak on 14/01/2025 - 16:17

      I just did that too (re: 6 months free). Surprised because I thought it was for new customers only. They're giving the router for free too. Happy chappy. Coming over from Slingshot, $70/month.

    • Cammo on 14/01/2025 - 16:33

      How were you able to work out the daily charge/kwh charge for the different plans? Is the only way to go through the signup process and see what rates are actually offered?

      • apieceofpie on 14/01/2025 - 17:35
        +1

        I think I usually use those comparative websites, powercompare, and powerswitch, as well as any other offers I see floating around. Usually it's when I see an offer that intrigues me that I bother to do the maths.

  • metz on 15/01/2025 - 07:20

    Just paid $300 for the fridge deal with water dispenser as we were moving and needed a new fridge.
    Price wise same as most places except Frank which has a much ceaper daily fixed rate than anyone - so changed my parents to them when we left last month as they had finished the free tv offer. Then moved their broadband elsewhere as cheaper for two seniors who use less data. We did note the router was not great for my son gaming and parnter working at same time and took the one back from my parents that we had purchased elsewhere.

  • Bargainstalker on 15/01/2025 - 11:31

    Free fridge sounds great.
    Would reccomend using the powerswitch website for the best electricity provider.
    But it doesn't take these package deals into the result. Just gives you the best electricity provider for that address.

  • metz on 15/01/2025 - 12:32

    Powerswitch does not show all, as they have to pay to appear on there. Every region also charges different rates with the same company…so take this in to account too. I had a few complex issues when I left OnEnergy, who then later became FRANK as the house became relocated and they sent the new owner debt notices for daily charges - even though they never signed up with them. OnEnergy had neglected to take their power box off the building as agreed, and was sitting on an empty building site….not sure how they could legally even do that, but luckily new owner was my parents so managed to sort it after many emails and phone calls. My sister uses FRANK and loves them…think it worked out $15 more approx a month to go with the free fridge when all things were taken in to account for us comparing.

    • bigcheese on 15/01/2025 - 12:49
      +1

      The Moneyhub website is much better than Powerswitch.
      Have a read(moneyhub.co.nz) and watch the video highlighting the different comparison tools.
      Also use their spreadsheet(moneyhub.co.nz) which is really comprehensive.

      • mpc on 15/01/2025 - 16:16

        Powerswitch needs a significant update to allow for Time of Use pricing comparisons. Until that happens it's far from accurate and is calculating everything off averages for your suburb/area, no. of people, summer lows vs winter peaks, insulation etc.

        • B2theY2theD on 15/01/2025 - 19:46

          Powerswitch is updated and useless for most homes now. IN my experience.

  • Grandma on 15/01/2025 - 19:19

    They used to cut the odd few bucks off your power bill for walking. I really liked that and ususally got $5/m discount from it.

  • LupinS on 16/01/2025 - 10:58
    +1

    The real question is what is their
    Power rate?

    Highly unlikely you are getting anything close.to.the lowest. Or under 22kwh (around 18c per kWh and 103c daily in CHCH is about the best your likely to find). Or that any extras or bonuses are going to break you even long term (and 2 years is a long time to fix).

    Likewise broadband and mobile.

    Is it really worth paying more for products just so you can feel like you got a deal?

    • Cammo on 16/01/2025 - 12:26

      The rate seems comparable to what we have with Z Energy at present, and broadband slightly more than our existing with 2degrees, but the increased spend is far less than the value of the fridge, so it seems like a net win even if needing to fix for two years.

      Plus a few rewards via the app here and there might also offset cost.

      • Alan6984 on 16/01/2025 - 13:48

        The rate seems comparable to what we have with Z Energy at present, and broadband slightly more than our existing with 2degrees, but the increased spend is far less than the value of the fridge, so it seems like a net win even if needing to fix for two years.

        Plus a few rewards via the app here and there might also offset cost.

        I'm assuming you are comparing across the market, rather than just against your existing provider?

        Also, if fixing for two years, you would need to compare the likely new joining discount for two separate years (say, $200 x 2 years for electricity, and perhaps 3 months of internet x 2 years) against the true value of the fridge (being what you would likely pay for it if you went into an appliance store, and even just asked once for a discount - you can usually get 10% to 15% off the sticker just by asking even once, and perhaps 20%+ if you wanted to really negotiate).

        The value of the 'free appliances' that the utility companies advertise is often far above the true 'street value' of the same, or a comparable, model.

  • KiwiHunts4CheapDeals on 26/03/2025 - 18:27

    Does anyone know what are the perks for referees at the moment?

    • Moodkiller on 26/03/2025 - 19:31

      Still the same as described here: https://www.cheapies.nz/deals/mercury.co.nz - not too sure what the "Referee gets special offer" is though

      • KiwiHunts4CheapDeals on 26/03/2025 - 21:23

        Thats what i was wondering. Thinking to sign up with them using random referral here, but not sure what i get as a referee.

        • Wakrak on 26/03/2025 - 21:59

          Think they just offer you a bunch of sign-up deals.

          Click on random (30) to check em out
          https://www.cheapies.nz/deals/mercury.co.nz

          • KiwiHunts4CheapDeals on 26/03/2025 - 22:08
            +1

            @Wakrak: Yea already tried at least 5 links. There is no 'special offer' as per what was written under the referral here. The plans offered are the same with or without referral.

          • KiwiHunts4CheapDeals on 27/03/2025 - 12:11

            @Wakrak: Just signed up through the phone using one of the codes here. Can confirm there is no perks for referee and referrer gets 3000 points equivalent to $10 credit.

            Is there anywhere I can message the owner of referral code I used here to make sure that person indeed got the 3000points?

            • Jizah on 27/03/2025 - 12:18

              @KiwiHunts4CheapDeals: 3000 points gets me $12 credit to my bill. Has it changed for new signups? There is the $5 credit for 1500 points option also.

              • KiwiHunts4CheapDeals on 27/03/2025 - 13:42

                @Jizah: My bad, you are right, 3000 Points is equivalent to $12. 1500 to $5.

                Enjoy, if you are the lucky referrer that I used ;)

                • Jizah on 27/03/2025 - 14:02

                  @KiwiHunts4CheapDeals: Na wasn't me! These things need updating too often on here so I end up letting a lot lapse.

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