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Electricity & gas · Germany
Checked 2026-09-27

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

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 Germany

Switching supplier

Switching is free. The new supplier usually handles everything, including cancelling your old contract (with your authorisation). Since 6 June 2025 the technical electricity switch takes 24 hours on any working day, but your contract's notice periods still apply.

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

The market

Every household can choose its electricity and gas supplier. If you have no contract of your own, the local default supplier (Grundversorger) supplies you automatically.

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

Cooling-off period

Contracts made at the door, by phone, post or online can be withdrawn within 14 days without reason. Energy contracts with households outside default supply must be in text form (letter, e-mail, SMS); a purely verbal phone deal is invalid.

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · 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

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

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 Germany 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 Germany 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

📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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