Can I cancel my energy contract?
Yes, as a household or SME you may cancel your energy contract at any time — fixed or variable — with a notice of maximum one month and no termination fee. This is set in binding regulation: the Electricity Act of 29 April 1999 (art. 18, § 2/3) and the Gas Act of 12 April 1965, and it derives from the consumer accord for the liberalized energy market; the energy regulator CREG confirms the rule. You usually do not have to cancel yourself: when you sign a new contract, your new supplier handles the cancellation of the old one, without interruption of supply and without double billing. Cancellation can be in writing, by registered (electronic) mail or via your supplier's digital environment. If you cancel on 10 January, your contract ends on 10 February. For large, professional (non-household) customers, the negotiated contract terms apply, and a fee may exist.
📋 The rules
- Cancellable any time with max 1 month notice — for both fixed and variable contracts
- No termination fee for a household or SME that respects the notice (Electricity Act, art. 18, § 2/3)
- The switch is free and handled by your new supplier (no interruption, no double bill)
- Cancellation can be written, registered or digital; keep the proof (it starts the month)
- Large/professional customers: negotiated terms; a fee is then possible
- A tacitly renewed fixed contract stays cancellable any time with one month
🔓 Exceptions
- For large non-household customers, the protection does not apply automatically (contract terms)
- If the supplier cancels, separate rules apply (with a minimum notification period)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If a supplier still charges a termination fee to a household or SME that gave one month's notice, that charge is unlawful and not owed. Dispute the invoice and, if unresolved, file a free complaint with the Energy Ombudsman, which can require the supplier to refund the amount.
📎 Official sources
- CREG · switching energy supplier (myths) →
- FPS Economy · switching energy supplier →
- CREG · note Z2265 (energy contract cancellation) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I cancel my fixed energy contract early?
Yes. As a household or SME, you may cancel a fixed or variable contract at any time with a maximum of one month notice, without a termination fee. This applies since the reform (in force 1 January 2022).
Do I have to cancel my old supplier myself?
Usually not. When you sign a new contract, your new supplier handles the cancellation of the old one, without interruption of supply and without double billing.
Can my supplier charge a termination fee?
Not to a household or SME that respects the one-month notice. Such a charge is unlawful and not owed. For large professional customers, the contract may provide for a fee.
When does my contract end after cancellation?
At the latest one month after your cancellation. If you cancel on 10 January, your contract ends on 10 February. Always keep proof of your cancellation date.
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