5 things we love about summer (power edition)

There’s a lot to love about summer in New Zealand. Whether you’re catching a tan, road tripping with friends or chowing down on fish and chips at the beach, summer is the best time to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer.

Summer is also great for your power bill. As the temperature goes up, electricity usage goes down, which usually results in significantly cheaper power bills for households across the country. 

Excited for summer? So are we. Here are five of our favourite things about summer.

1. Cheaper power bills

Summer isn’t cheap! From Christmas pressies to concert tickets and everything in between, there are a lot of things competing for your hard-earned money over the summer months. 

The good news is you won’t have to spend too much dosh on your power bill. The warm weather helps keep your home a more comfortable temperature over summer, which means you can finally switch off your electric heaters and heat pumps. These power-hungry devices usually account for about a third of your electricity consumption, so taking them out of the equation can do wonders for your power bill. 

Keeping your house cool over summer might require some electricity use, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Take advantage of natural ventilation (i.e. open your windows!) and draw the curtains in the afternoon to prevent the sun from overheating your home. If things start heating up, feel free to switch on a fan, but try to avoid using the air-con as much as you can - air conditioning systems consume a lot of energy and can have a major impact on your power bill.

2. Beautiful weather

You’re not the only one who could be basking in the sun this summer - your solar-powered devices could be, too!

As solar technology continues to become more efficient and more affordable, manufacturers are exploring new ways to integrate solar into everyday household products. Take a stroll through your local hardware store and you’ll find a wide range of solar-powered products that can help you reduce your household’s electricity consumption. 

Whether you’re looking for garden lights, security cameras, power banks, flashlights, Bluetooth speakers or hiking backpacks, solar-powered products are a great way to reduce your household’s environmental impact while saving money on your power bill.

3. Road trips

A summer roadie is the perfect opportunity to explore New Zealand. In the past, taking an electric vehicle was out of the question (who wants to run out of juice on State Highway 1?) but it is becoming an increasingly viable option.

Not only is the driving range of electric vehicles continuing to improve (the Nissan Leaf will take you a relatively modest 172 kilometers, while the Tesla Model S will happily drive you more than 500 kilometres), but we’re also seeing more and more charging stations pop up. 

There are now more than 500 charging stations located throughout New Zealand. Of these, 175 are fast-charging stations, which can recharge your battery to about 80 percent in just 20 minutes. Before you hit the road, be sure to download PlugShare, a handy app that shows the locations of public charging stations. PlugShare is available on Android, iOS and in your browser.

4. Camping trips

With more than 1,000 designated camping areas nationwide (more than 200 of which are managed by the Department of Conservation), camping is the best way to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty. Forget about work, disconnect from your digital life and enjoy the freedom that comes with getting back to basics. 

Remember to pack for all conditions - even in the summer, New Zealand weather can be very unpredictable. Pack some good mozzie repellant, bring enough food and water for the trip, and always do your best to respect the environment. Check out this guide for more mistakes to avoid while camping this summer! 

5. Holiday season

Whether you’re taking some well-earned time off over summer or working hard for that sweet time and a half pay, there are lots of ways to save money on your power bill over the holiday season.

For instance, hanging up Christmas lights is a wonderful way to get into the festive spirit, but it can take its toll on your power bill. Ditch any incandescent lights you might still have lurking in the back of the cupboard, and pick up some energy-efficient lights such as LED lights or solar lights. On a similar note, remember to look at the Energy Rating Label when gifting electronics and think about purchasing rechargeable batteries for the kids’ toys.

Check out our previous blog post for more tips on how to keep your power bill low over Christmas.

Get cheaper power this summer

Want to save even more money on your power this summer? As one of the leading providers of low-cost electricity in New Zealand, Pulse Energy is the number one choice when it comes to cheap power and top-notch customer service. 
To make the switch to Pulse Energy, give us a call today on 0800 785 733 or fill out our online signup form.