Is there help with energy costs in Germany?

The short answer

Many countries have a social tariff, a discount or an allowance for people on a low income, and free advice on saving energy.

📜 The rules in Germany

Help if money is tight

There is no special social energy tariff. If you cannot pay, ask your supplier for an instalment plan; default-supply customers facing cut-off can have the supplier contact the social welfare office.

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-09-27

Free energy advice

Independent energy advice funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: free by phone (0800 809 802 400) and online; home visits cost up to €40. All advice is free for low-income households.

Energieberatung der Verbraucherzentrale 🔗 verbraucherzentrale-energieberatung.de

Regulated price

Not a state-set price: the local default supplier sets 'general prices' and must publish them. Anyone moving in or without a contract gets default supply and can leave it any time with two weeks' notice.

Grundversorgung 🔗 bundesnetzagentur.de

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

See what existsThe schemes in Germany are listed below, with who qualifies.
Check if it is automaticSome discounts are applied automatically. For others you have to apply.
Get free adviceFree energy or debt advice can help you lower your bills and deal with arrears.
Talk to your supplierAsk about a cheaper tariff or a payment plan, and register as a vulnerable customer if that applies.

📇 Who to contact

Energieberatung der VerbraucherzentraleFree advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 verbraucherzentrale-energieberatung.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

❓ Questions

Do I have to apply?

It depends on the scheme. The details for Germany are on this page.

Who gets the discount if I rent?

Usually the person named on the energy contract.

Is there help for heating oil or wood?

Some countries have separate heating allowances. Ask the social services of your municipality.

📎 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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🤝 Is there help with energy costs in Germany?