u/GP_1019

Hi everyone 🙂

We are coming up to the end of our 3-year cashback lock-in period and are looking at refinancing to another bank for a better offer.

Just wondering what sort of lawyer/legal fees people have recently paid for refinancing in NZ? Also, I heard that some banks provide their own legal support for refinancing, isn't it?

Would love to hear recent experiences and approximate costs. Thanks 🙂

Hey everyone! 👋

I’m currently on the Ecotricity Resi-Flex trial (on the Orion network) and the returns have been pretty good. For those who aren't aware, it’s currently offering a 60c/kWh export rate 💰(additional 6 cents during winter) during peak windows (7 am–11 am and 5 pm–9 pm). 💸

https://get.ecotricity.nz/resiflex-project

A good battery 🔋, could potentially lead to credits stacking up fast! However, the trial is currently slated to end or be reviewed around September 30, 2026 ⏳. It's basically a VPP (Virtual Power Plant) where they draw the power themselves to help the grid. ⚡️🔌

I’m curious to get your thoughts on a few things:

1. The "Bandwagon" Effect: 🚐 With the Electricity Authority mandating "fair value" export and Time-of-Use pricing by July 1st this year, do we think the big retailers (Meridian, Contact, Mercury) will finally jump in with premium peak export rates? 📈 Or will they stick to the standard 12c–17c flat rates? 📉
2. Sustainability: ♻️ Is 60c/kWh actually sustainable long-term, or is it just an "innovation bonus" to get us hooked on VPPs? 🎣
3. The Competition: 🏃‍♂️💨 Has anyone heard whispers of other companies (maybe Octopus or Electric Kiwi) planning to match or beat these premium rates as we head into winter 2026? ❄️

It feels like the market is finally shifting to reward people for having large home storage, but I’m wondering if I should be prepared for a "race to the middle" (maybe 25c–30c) once these trials conclude. 🧐

What are you seeing in your neck of the woods? Is anyone else on a similar high-peak plan? 🏡✨