Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Electricity Offers NZ ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our electricity comparison website and services.

By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We comply with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and other applicable privacy laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use our services, we may collect:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Property Information: Address, property type, household size
• Usage Information: Current electricity provider, usage patterns, billing history
• Preferences: Communication preferences, service priorities (price, green energy, etc.)
• Quote Requests: Specific requests for electricity plan comparisons and quotes

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, referring websites
• Location Data: General location information based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Information from cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from electricity providers, credit agencies (with your consent), and other service providers as necessary to provide our comparison services.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Primary Services

• Compare electricity plans and provide personalized recommendations
• Process quote requests and facilitate connections with electricity providers
• Provide customer support and respond to your inquiries
• Send you requested information about electricity plans and market changes

3.2 Website Operations

• Improve and optimize our website and services
• Analyze usage patterns and user behavior
• Ensure website security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes

3.3 Marketing Communications (With Consent)

• Send newsletters about electricity market updates
• Notify you about better deals and savings opportunities
• Provide educational content about energy efficiency

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Electricity Providers

When you request quotes, we share relevant information with electricity providers to obtain personalized quotes. This is the core function of our service and requires your explicit consent.

4.2 With Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with:

• Website hosting and technical infrastructure
• Customer support and communication services
• Data analysis and website optimization
• Marketing and advertising services (with your consent)

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by:

• New Zealand law or legal process
• Government agencies or regulatory authorities
• Court orders or legal investigations
• Protection of our rights, safety, or property

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a business sale, merger, or acquisition, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Access Controls: Restricted access to personal information
• Security Monitoring: Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for our team
• Secure Storage: Personal information stored on secure servers

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any significant data breaches as required by law.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Provide personalized content and advertisements
• Improve website functionality and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under New Zealand privacy law, you have the following rights:

7.1 Access Rights

• Request access to your personal information we hold
• Obtain a copy of your personal information in a portable format
• Know how your information is being used and shared

7.2 Correction and Deletion

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal information
• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Update your preferences and communication settings

7.3 Communication Preferences

• Opt-out of marketing communications at any time
• Change your communication preferences
• Withdraw consent for data processing (where applicable)

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within 20 working days as required by law.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain business records as required by law

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

9. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside New Zealand. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by privacy regulators
• Adequacy decisions recognizing equivalent privacy protection
• Other appropriate safeguards as required by law

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending you an email notification (if you have provided your email)
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Information

13. Privacy Commissioner