Prepayment meter in Germany: your rights

The short answer

With a prepayment meter you pay before you use energy. It can help with budgeting, but there are rules on when one may be fitted and on protection when the credit runs out.

📜 The rules in Germany

Prepayment meters

In default supply, the supplier may demand advance payment if there is reason to fear you will not pay on time. Instead, it may install a cash or chip-card meter or a similar prepayment system (§ 14 StromGVV / GasGVV).

The supplier must tell you clearly in writing the amount, the reasons and when the advance payment will end. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
Before a cut-off for non-payment, the supplier must point you to prepayment systems as a way to avoid it. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
The same rules apply to gas in default supply. (gesetze-im-internet.de)

Official source: gesetze-im-internet.de · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

Know the rules on fittingSee below when a supplier may install a prepayment meter in Germany and who may be protected.
Ask for emergency creditMost prepayment meters have emergency or friendly credit. Ask your supplier how it works.
Get help if you cannot top upContact your supplier straight away and ask about extra support.
Complain if the rules were brokenIf a meter was fitted wrongly, complain to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.

📇 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

❓ Questions

Can I switch back to a normal meter?

Often yes, once any debt is dealt with. Ask your supplier.

Do I pay more with a prepayment meter?

The rules on prepayment prices differ. The rules for Germany are on this page.

Can I still switch supplier?

Usually yes, even with a prepayment meter. Debts can limit this.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 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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💳 Prepayment meter in Germany: can they fit one, and what are my rights?