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Electricity & gas · Austria
Checked 2026-09-27

🔄 How do I switch electricity or gas supplier in Austria?

The short answer

Your supply does not stop when you switch: the cables, pipes and meter stay the same. Only the company that sends the bill changes.

📜 The rules in Austria

Switching supplier

Switching is free of separate charges. It may take at most three weeks; since 1 April 2026 the technical electricity switch must take no more than 24 hours on any working day. You can cancel with two weeks' notice; with a binding period, at the end of the first contract year at the latest.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

The market

Households can freely choose their electricity and gas supplier. Since 24 December 2025 the new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG, 'Günstiger-Strom-Gesetz') governs electricity customers' rights; some parts started in 2026.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

Cooling-off period

For contracts made at the door, by phone or online you can withdraw within 14 days without giving reasons; for electricity and gas the period starts on the day the contract is concluded.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Get your details readyTake your latest bill: meter point number, yearly use, and the end date and notice period of your contract.
  2. Compare offersUse the price comparison below and look at the total yearly cost, not only the price per kWh. Check how long the price is fixed.
  3. Sign with the new supplierIn most countries the new supplier arranges the switch, including notice to the old one. Keep the confirmation.
  4. Check the final billRead your meter on the switch date and compare it with the old supplier’s final bill. Any credit must be paid back.

📇 Who to contact

Tarifkalkulator der E-Control officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.e-control.at/unsere-services/tarifkalkulator
E-Control (Energie-Control Austria)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +43 1 24 7 24-0🔗 www.e-control.at
Verein für Konsumenteninformation (VKI)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.vki.at

❓ Questions

Will I be without power when I switch?

No. The physical supply continues; only the contract changes.

Can my old supplier charge an exit fee?

That depends on your contract and on the rules in Austria shown on this page. Fees usually only apply to fixed-term, fixed-price contracts.

Can I cancel a new contract?

Contracts made at the door, by phone or online usually have a cooling-off period. The rules for Austria are on this page.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

❔Can I switch my electricity or gas supplier in Austria? · Can I?→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

More help in Austria

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