How do I switch electricity or gas supplier in Switzerland?

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.

Households in Switzerland cannot currently choose their supplier for this. The rules below explain what applies instead.

📜 The rules in Switzerland

Switching supplier

Households cannot switch electricity supplier; only customers using more than 100,000 kWh a year have market access. For gas, the Competition Commission ruled in 2020 that small customers may in principle choose, but there is no nationwide framework; a gas supply act (GasVG) was consulted in 2025.

Official source: bfe.admin.ch · Checked 2026-09-27

The market

Households and small firms using under 100 MWh a year cannot choose their electricity supplier: they are in the basic supply (Grundversorgung) of their local grid operator. Full opening is planned with the EU electricity agreement (signed March 2026, now in parliament). Gas has no specific law yet.

Official source: elcom.admin.ch · Checked 2026-09-27

Cooling-off period

For doorstep sales (including on the street or at promotional events) and phone contracts, you can cancel within 14 days if the value exceeds CHF 100. Swiss law gives no statutory right of withdrawal for online purchases.

Official source: ch.ch · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

Get your details readyTake your latest bill: meter point number, yearly use, and the end date and notice period of your contract.
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.
Sign with the new supplierIn most countries the new supplier arranges the switch, including notice to the old one. Keep the confirmation.
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

Strompreis-Webseite der ElCom officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.strompreis.elcom.admin.ch

Eidgenössische Elektrizitätskommission ElComSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +41 58 462 58 33 🔗 www.elcom.admin.ch

Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz (SKS)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.konsumentenschutz.ch

❓ 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 Switzerland 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 Switzerland 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.

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