When you move into a new home, you need electricity for lights, the fridge and the cooker. In Germany, the electricity usually works right away, even if you don't have a contract yet. In that case, the default supplier (Grundversorger) automatically supplies your electricity. This is the electricity company that supplies most households in your area. Its rate is called basic supply (Grundversorgung). This rate is usually more expensive than other rates. That's why it pays to sign your own electricity contract soon. This has to be done by the person who lives in the home and uses the electricity. Usually, that is the tenant. But check your tenancy agreement (Mietvertrag) first. Sometimes electricity is already included in the rent, for example in a furnished flat or in a shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft).
What you need
- The address of the home where you use the electricity.
- The date you move in. From this day on, you are responsible for the electricity.
- The meter number (Zählernummer). The electricity meter (Stromzähler) is the device that measures how much electricity you use. The number is printed on the device. The meter is often in the basement, in the hallway of the building or in the flat.
- The meter reading (Zählerstand) on the day you move in. This is the number the meter shows. It shows your usage in kilowatt hours (kWh).
- Bank details with an IBAN. Most suppliers take the money from your account every month. You can read more about this on the page Opening a bank account.
- Your personal details: name, date of birth, email address and phone number.
- Your estimated yearly usage. If you don't know it, an estimate is enough. It depends mainly on the number of people in the household.
Step by step
- Check your tenancy agreement. Find out whether you have to set up electricity yourself or whether it is included in the rent. If you are not sure, ask your landlord.
- Find the meter. Look for the electricity meter for your flat. In a building with many flats, there are many meters. Ask your landlord which meter belongs to your flat.
- Write down the meter reading. On the day you move in, write down the meter number and the meter reading. Also take a photo. Ideally, also enter the number in the handover report (Übergabeprotokoll). This is a document in which you and the landlord record the condition of the flat when you move in.
- Estimate your usage. Think about how many people live in the flat. It also matters whether you heat water with electricity, for example with an instantaneous water heater (Durchlauferhitzer). In that case, your usage will be higher.
- Compare rates. Look at the standing charge (Grundpreis), which is a fixed amount per month or year. Also look at the unit price (Arbeitspreis), which is the price per kilowatt hour. Also check the contract term and the notice period (Kündigungsfrist). If a rate includes a bonus for new customers, also look at the price in the second year. You can compare electricity rates further down on this page.
- Sign the contract. This can usually be done online, sometimes also by phone or post. Enter your details, the meter number, the meter reading and the date you moved in.
- Check the confirmation. The new supplier will send you a confirmation. It says from what date they will supply you. Until then, you will keep getting electricity from the default supplier. So you will never be left in the dark.
- Pay the monthly instalment. Every month you pay an advance payment (Abschlag). This is a fixed amount that covers your estimated usage.
- Check the annual bill. Once a year you receive an annual bill (Jahresabrechnung). It shows how much electricity you actually used. If you paid too little, you pay the difference. If you paid too much, you get money back.
Costs and deadlines
Electricity prices vary a lot. They depend on the supplier, the rate and where you live. That's why we don't give any amounts here. Comparing is worth it in most cases.
- Cancelling the basic supply: You can cancel the basic supply with two weeks' notice. Usually your new supplier takes care of the cancellation.
- Right of withdrawal (Widerruf): If you sign a contract online or by phone, you can usually withdraw from it within 14 days without giving a reason. Withdrawing means you take back your agreement to the contract.
- Price increase: If your supplier raises its prices, it must tell you in advance. You then have a special right to cancel (Sonderkündigungsrecht). This means you may cancel the contract outside the normal notice periods.
- Moving: If you move again, tell your supplier in good time. Also write down the meter reading when you move out.
Common problems for newcomers
No Schufa record
Schufa is a company that collects data on whether people pay their bills. Many electricity suppliers check this data before signing a contract. People who are new to Germany often don't have any entries yet. A supplier may then refuse the contract. In this case, try another supplier. The default supplier generally has to supply households in its area. So you can stay on the basic supply at first and switch later. You can read more about this under Understanding and building your Schufa score.
No registered address yet
For the electricity contract, the address of the home is what matters most. You usually don't need a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) for it. But you still have to register your address at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt). You can find out how under Registering your address.
No German bank account yet
Many suppliers also accept an account from another country in the SEPA area. This is the area in which transfers in euros work easily. If a supplier does not accept your account, ask about other ways to pay.
Little German
Some suppliers have websites or customer service in English. Otherwise, ask someone you trust to help you. Don't sign anything you don't understand. Above all, read the price, contract term and notice period carefully.
Forgot the meter reading
Without a meter reading, the supplier estimates your usage. You may then also pay for electricity used by the previous tenant. In this case, ask your landlord for the reading at the handover.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to set up electricity and gas separately?
Yes. Electricity and gas are two separate contracts. If you use gas for heating or cooking, read the page Setting up gas.
Will I have electricity before my contract starts?
Yes. Until your new contract starts, the default supplier provides the electricity. During this time, you pay the basic supply rate.
How do I know who my default supplier is?
Ask your landlord or look in the documents for the flat. Often the default supplier will also contact you by letter.
Do I have to cancel with my old supplier when I switch?
Usually not. As a rule, the new supplier cancels the old contract for you. But check that you receive a confirmation.
What do I do if I don't understand the bill?
Call your supplier's customer service or send an email. You can also get help from the consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in your federal state.