Some electricity bill payers in Auckland will be in for a nice surprise when the annual Entrust cash dividend is paid out in September.
Aucklanders in the Entrust District - central, east, and south Auckland - could receive hundreds of dollars for just filling out a simple form.
"We've all heard of the saying; 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is' but for Aucklanders within the Entrust District, getting their share of Entrust's 2022 annual dividend payment really is as good as it sounds!" Entrust said.
"It's as simple as double-checking the payment details on Entrust's payment preference forms being sent out this week."
Entrust chairman William Cairns said to avoid frustration, it’s important people confirm how they want this year's dividend to be paid.
"Not many of us really enjoy filling out forms, but you will be well rewarded for the few minutes it takes to check your payment details are correct on this form!" Cairns said.
"For most people, it will be as simple as making sure their details haven't changed from last year."
Entrust said for those receiving forms, they get to choose whether they want the September dividend payment credited to their bank account or used as a credit on their power account.
If you're not sure if you're eligible for the payment, there is a map and list of eligibility criteria along with answers to commonly asked questions at www.entrustnz.co.nz.
Entrust said whether your form arrives by email or in the post, they will need to receive any updated payment details by no later than Friday August 5.
The 2022 Entrust dividend will be paid in late September. The payment amount varies each year and is based on the annual profits generated by Vector of which Entrust is the majority shareholder.
The Entrust dividend is New Zealand's largest dividend payout, with over $2 billion paid out to Aucklanders since 1994. Last year, 346,000 households and businesses received $283 plus an extra $20 from Vector, injecting over $97 million into the Auckland economy.
Cairns said the Entrust dividend will be a timely payment for Kiwis struggling with the cost of living crisis.
"We know it's been another really tough year for so many Kiwis. As an Entrust Trustee it's heart-warming to read the messages of thanks from those who have previously received the cash payment into their bank account or as a credit on their power account," Cairns said.
"They tell us how the payments have made their lives just a little bit easier - helping cover the costs of basics such as petrol, school uniforms and groceries, or even a treat like taking the family out to dinner and the movies."
