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Electricity & gas · Germany
Checked 2026-09-27

💸 I can’t pay my energy bill in Germany. Can they cut me off?

The short answer

A cut-off is the last step, not the first. There are rules on notice and protection, and help if your income is low.

📜 The rules in Germany

Protection against cut-off

Cut-off only if you owe at least twice the monthly instalment and at least €100. It must be threatened in writing at least 4 weeks ahead and announced again 8 working days before. Not allowed if it endangers life or health. Rules revised December 2025.

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

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

🪜 Step by step

  1. Act before the deadlineContact the supplier as soon as you know you cannot pay and ask for a payment plan. Put it in writing.
  2. Check the protection rulesSee below what notice the supplier must give and when a cut-off is not allowed in Germany.
  3. Ask for supportCheck the support scheme below and contact free debt or energy advice.
  4. Answer every letterKeep copies. If a cut-off is announced wrongly, complain straight away to the supplier and the dispute body.

📇 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
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 they cut me off without warning?

No, written notice is required. The exact period for Germany is on this page.

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for Germany are shown on this page.

Does a payment plan stop a cut-off?

A payment plan you keep to generally prevents a cut-off. Get it confirmed in writing.

📎 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→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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