Pretty much spot on. Having lived in NZ - Christchurch for the last 13
months, it would appear that all the Kiwi heating stems from two inputs
- electricity or coal/wood. Electricity prices in NZ have gone up a LOT
in the last 12 to 24 months due to the demand placed upon the
providers. In fact, given the unusally drier spring, most of the big
lakes the providers use to power their hydro systems are at critical
levels.

The providers offer a whole heap of different tarriffs for comparison.
Given most of the electricity costs are involved in heating hot water
for the family or indeed the house, then the kiwis need some cost
saving ability. The only issue with some of the tarriffs is you need to
install a new / dual metre and the associated wiring by a sparkie - not
cheap. Some tarriffs are geared to switch on your water tank at night
and off in the morning. Others use a standard day and night rate that
switches over at 9.00 pm and 7.00am. Look at www.meridean.co.nz to get
an idea.

Ged