'There's Power in Checking' - an eye-catching new campaign for Billy

Written by Daylight - April 8, 2026

Billy, the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko’s new price-comparison tool is designed to encourage Kiwi to see what they can save on power.

Launched late March, Billy is a free service that helps New Zealanders compare power plans and providers to see if they’re getting the best deal – very timely with many feeling the squeeze from higher energy costs.

To drive awareness of the tool, Billy has unveiled its new brand platform and launch campaign; ‘There’s power in checking’, an idea that encourages Kiwi to look at their options and take control of their energy costs. 

When staring at a hefty power bill, many of us instantly start looking around our houses for answers, whether it's eyeing up the dryer, dishwasher, or heat pump. But the truth is, we might be searching in the wrong place, with the type of plan we’re on potentially at odds with our usage – a core insight that formed the backbone of Billy’s launch AV. 

The vision for Billy is to empower Aotearoa to give people a trusted second set of eyes and the confidence to make informed energy decisions, and potentially find a better deal.

Brought to life by Finch and Director Lex Hodge, the film features everyday Kiwi who can't stop seeing their power bills reflected in the appliances they think cost them the most. Shot completely in camera, each of the ‘power bill appliances’ was hand-made, giving the film a beautiful, textual quality.

Says Charlie Godinet, Daylight ECD: ‘As a new parent, I see my power bill going round and round in my washing machine everyday. And whilst I can’t control how much food is spilled down my son's shirt, I do feel relieved knowing I’m getting the best deal for every wash. A feeling I hope everyone in Aotearoa experiences after giving Billy a go.’

Supporting the AV is a huge range of OOH that encourages Kiwi to question their power bill costs and see if they can save with Billy. An integrated campaign, including out-of-home, online, and social, has put Billy’s new design system to the test, with eyes of all sizes and expressions appearing across the country. 

With more campaign activity planned at key moments throughout the year, Billy will continue to turn up in loads of helpful ways. If you’d like to see what you could save on your power bill, visit billy.govt.nz