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Electricity & gas · Germany
Checked 2026-09-27

📣 Where do I complain about my energy company in Germany?

The short answer

Start with the company itself, in writing. If that does not solve it, an independent body settles disputes with energy companies.

📜 The rules in Germany

What to do first

First send a written complaint to the company, marked 'Verbraucherbeschwerde nach § 111a EnWG'. It must answer within 4 weeks. If it does not reply or refuses, you can apply for free mediation.

Schlichtungsstelle Energie e. V. · free 📞 030 / 27 57 240-0 🔗 schlichtungsstelle-energie.de
Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Complain to the companyWrite to customer service: the problem, what you want, and proof. Ask for a reference number.
  2. Note the deadlineSee below how long the company has to answer before you can escalate in Germany.
  3. Go to the dispute bodyIf there is no solution, file your case with the dispute body below.
  4. Report rule-breakingYou can also inform the regulator. It does not settle individual cases everywhere, but it uses complaints to act.

📇 Who to contact

Schlichtungsstelle Energie e. V.Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 030 / 27 57 240-0🔗 www.schlichtungsstelle-energie.de
Bundesnetzagentur (Verbraucherservice Energie)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 0228 14 15 16🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Energie/start.html
VerbraucherzentralenIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.verbraucherzentrale.de

❓ Questions

Does it cost anything?

Many dispute bodies are free for consumers. The details for Germany are on this page.

Is the decision binding?

That differs per country and body. The dispute body explains it before you start.

Can I still go to court?

Yes. Going to a dispute body does not take away your right to go to court.

📎 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

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→

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