Moving house in Germany: what do I do about electricity and gas?
Moving is a common moment for billing mistakes. Read the meters on both days and tell your supplier in time.
📜 The rules in Germany
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.
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.
🪜 Step by step
- Tell your supplier in advanceGive the moving date and your new address, and ask whether your contract can move with you.
- Read the metersTake dated photos of all meters on the day you leave and the day you arrive.
- Check the new homeFind out which grid operator serves the new address and whether the supply is connected.
- Check your final billCompare the final bill with your photos. Any credit must be refunded.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
Can I take my contract with me?
Often yes, within the same country. Otherwise moving usually lets you end it.
What if the supply is off at the new home?
Contact a supplier or the grid operator to have it connected.
Who pays for energy between tenants?
The person on the contract pays until the move is reported. That is why the meter reading matters.
📎 Sources
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