Can I switch my electricity or gas supplier in Austria?
Yes — you may switch your electricity or gas supplier freely. The whole switch is legally capped at 3 weeks and is free of charge. The supply is never interrupted — only the billing and supplier change, not the physical connection. For a newly concluded online contract you have a 14-day right of withdrawal. You can cancel an existing contract after the first contract year and then to the end of each month (subject to the minimum term). On moving or a notified price increase a special cancellation right applies. The E-Control tariff calculator is the official comparison tool. In short: yes — free, fast and with no blackout.
📋 The rules
- Switch is free and max. 3 weeks
- Supply is never interrupted
- Online: 14-day withdrawal right
- Special cancellation on moving/price increase
- Compare via the E-Control tariff calculator
🔓 Exceptions
- Fixed-price/fixed-term contracts bind until the minimum term
- The new supplier usually cancels the old contract
- Check the minimum term before switching
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The switch itself must be free — a switching fee is not allowed — and takes at most 3 weeks; the online withdrawal window is 14 days. Early termination of a still-running fixed-term contract without a special-cancellation ground can trigger the remaining obligation of the term. Beware a myth: "switching supplier costs money and risks a blackout" is false — switching is free, takes at most 3 weeks and never interrupts your supply. Tip: compare first in the E-Control tariff calculator and check the minimum term of your current contract.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I switch my energy supplier?
Yes. Consumers have the right to switch their electricity or gas supplier freely. The whole switching process is legally capped at at most three weeks and is free for you. A switching fee may not be charged.
Will my power be interrupted when I switch?
No. With a supplier switch only the billing and the supplier change, not the physical connection. Your electricity or gas supply continues uninterrupted. A switch therefore can't cause an outage or blackout.
Can I withdraw from an online contract?
Yes. For a newly concluded distance contract, that is online or by phone, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal with no reason needed. Within this period you can withdraw from the contract without incurring any costs.
When can I cancel?
You can usually cancel an existing contract after the first contract year and then to the end of each month, subject to an agreed minimum term. On moving or a notified price increase, a special cancellation right also applies.
How do I find the cheapest tariff?
The official, neutral comparison tool is the E-Control tariff calculator. It compares electricity and gas offers and helps you find the cheapest tariff. When switching, the new supplier usually cancels the old contract for you.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “switch electricity supplier austria”
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