When you use electricity will make a difference to which is the best plan for you.

New Zealanders are switching power companies in growing numbers.

The Electricity Authority is urging households to check they are getting the best deal on their power, with the expensive winter months approaching.

"There are more electricity options than ever before, with a record number of retailers in the market, so it is worth shopping around," the authority's chief executive, Carl Hansen, said.

MARK CORNELL Data from Powerswitch shows the variation in power prices around the country.

During 2015, 419,000 power consumers changed provider. That's up from 385,596 in 2014 and 388,000 in 2011.

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The estimated average saving for Kiwis who switched in 2014 was $162.

Hansen said it was a good idea to look at the options regularly. "It's always worth checking at least once a year or if your circumstances change materially. With retailers entering the market over the last couple of years, competitive deals often pop up and you wouldn't want to miss one."

He said the price of power was just one factor to be considered. Others included how and when a household used electricity.

Some retailers offer different rates depending on how much electricity people use or at what time of day they use most of it.

Consumers can request information about their electricity use over the last 24 months and provide this information to other retailers to help them work out the best deal they could offer.

Whether households have a smart meter could also affect which is the best deal.

"If you have a smart meter you're likely to have a wider range of choices of brands and plans," Hansen said.

"If you're not sure if you have a smart meter, check with your current retailer. If you don't, and would like to get one, have a chat to your chosen retailer and see what their installation plans are. Smart meters offer a range of other benefits, including never having to pay an estimated bill again and not having people enter your property to read your meter."

How you want to pay will also make a difference. Most electricity plans are billed monthly. But there are also options for pre-paying electricity or paying weekly.

"Consider which option will work best for you and then check which retailer provides the payment type you want," Hansen said.