Winter is a tough time for paying bills. The annual increase in rates hits in July. Power bills peak in winter. There were strong signs of the economy improving in January but the Iran War and hike in fuel costs have delayed the recovery and made this winter particularly difficult.
Nelson City Council has worked hard to minimise rate increases but we face many of the same cost hikes hitting households and businesses. Our average increase for 2026/27 is 4.7%, down on 6.5% last year and 8.2% the year before. This 4.7% increase is amongst the lowest in the country and much less than the national average of 6.9%. It will still be a struggle for many households.
I encourage ratepayers to check out their eligibility for the rates rebate. Too many retirees and lower-income families in Nelson are missing out on this support of up to $830 a year. A retired couple who receives NZ Superannuation only will likely be entitled to the full amount. Lower-income households are also eligible depending on income, the number of dependents and the level of rates. You may not be eligible for the full amount but still get a part rebate.
Council sends out a new rates rebate application form if you received a rates rebate in 25/26, but many more people will be eligible. You can check out the criteria and apply via Nelson City Council’s website.
Households should also check out the new Billy website from the NZ Electricity Authority. Power pricing is complicated and it makes it easier to find the best deal from NZ’s key retailers and to switch.
You add in the data from your latest power bill to the Billy website and answer a few questions about your household’s energy use. It is estimated the average household saves $500 a year by switching to a better deal. If everyone in Nelson used Billy and switched to the lowest-cost power company, it would save Nelson households $8 million per year.
These two measures can help your household save money but also help the Nelson economy by keeping more money local. Check them out.
