In most cases, the procedure for getting electricity connected is simple, and just requires a phone call to your chosen electricity company, or filling out a form online. If you are a new customer, the power company will probably ask you to pay a bond. You may also need to produce proof of residence. Power companies tend to bill monthly and offer customers a range of billing/payment options. For example, some companies will just bill you based on a ‘guesstimate’. Others offer you the opportunity to pay a flat monthly fee, which allows you to avoid the peaks and troughs over the summer and winter months. Shop around for the deal that will best suit you. Details of electricity retailers and their offices can be found in the Telecom Yellow Pages, under Electricity Supply – Retail. The Consumers' Institute of New Zealand has a great website, PowerSwitch, which allows you to compare electricity company prices (www.consumer.org.nz/powerswitch).