Energy Suppliers in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

In Germany, regional and global businesses provide energy (gas and electricity). In contrast to the water supply system, the energy market has been private since the late 1990s, allowing you to select your supplier. Many businesses try to offer the most excellent prices. But gradually, German consumers are starting to shun private energy providers. Many places, including Hamburg and Munich, are regaining public authority over their electrical grids. These municipal utilities typically offer more consistent rates and make greater investments in green technologies since they place less emphasis on profit.

Understanding Energy Suppliers in Germany

   1. What are energy suppliers in Germany mean?

Germany gets its energy mostly from fossil fuels, then from wind, solar, biomass (wood and biofuels), and hydropower. You will knowingly enter into an electrical contract with the primary city provider when you move into your new home by using electricity. You won’t have to worry about obtaining electricity in your flat at first, which is excellent. Though, you should think about switching providers once you have had a chance to settle down.

   2. Choosing your energy provider?

Gas and electricity are typically considered independent utilities when renting a home or flat and are not typically included in the additional charges (Nebenkosten). If you are unsure of what is included in your rent, check your leasing agreement. Similarly to this, you must open an account with an energy provider if you recently purchased a property. This is simple and frequently done online. Your gas and electricity metres metre numbers may be necessary.

Comparative Table of Energy Suppliers Company in Germany

Three Options of Energy Suppliers in Germany

  1. Remain With Your Grundversorger

• • Staying with your basic city supplier (Grundversorger) is the default option.
  • No action is required to receive energy from your basic city provider.
  • To find out who your Grundversorger is:
    1. Open a web browser and go to Google.
    2. Enter “Strom Grundversorger + your city” in the search bar.
    3. Press Enter to perform the search.
  • In cities, the Grundversorger is usually named Stadtwerke + city name.

  2. Replace with Ostrom

• • Ostrom is a start-up that was founded in 2020.
  • They are disrupting Germany’s established energy market.
  • Ostrom provides an English-language website, customer support, and live chat.
  • Their product model is unique:
    1. They offer only one plan.
    2. The plan is fully digital and adaptable.
    3. It is powered by renewable energy.
    4. No further plan comparisons are necessary.
  • With Ostrom, you can cancel your plan every month.
  • There is no long-term commitment like one- or two-year contracts.

  3. Evaluate conventional energy suppliers

• • Conducting a comparison of electricity providers in Germany is a technique to reduce your electricity price.
  • By comparing different providers, you can potentially find better rates and deals.
  • Many providers offer bonuses or discounts for the first year when you switch to them.
  • To continue benefiting from these bonuses, frequent provider switching may be necessary.
  • Conducting regular comparisons allows you to take advantage of the best offers and potentially lower your electricity costs.

Change Your Electricity Suppliers In Germany In 3 Easy Steps

  1. Examine electricity prices

• • Access the electricity provider comparison tool.
  • Choose the number of persons in your household.
  • Input your approximate yearly usage of electricity.
  • Enter your postal code.
  • Check the box for “Germany’s best electricity providers” to ensure only reputable companies are displayed.
  • Initiate the comparison to see the results.
  • The tool will present a list of electricity providers that match your criteria, considering the number of persons, usage, and location.
  • Review the list to compare prices, plans, and additional features offered by each provider.
  • Select the provider that suits your needs and preferences the best.
  • Contact the chosen provider to proceed with switching or to gather more information about the selected plan.

  2. Choose a new energy supplier

When contrasting the various outcomes, be sure that the tariff you select contains the following:

• • The maximum contract term is 12 months
  • Maximum six weeks’ notice
  • No down payments, upfront costs, or package offers
  • A brief contract extension
  • Price assurance for the duration of the contract Positive customer feedback
  • Bonuses must be properly labelled as such.

These qualities enable you to respond to shifting offerings and prices with considerable flexibility.

  3. Watch for Verification

• • Your new electricity supplier will email you a confirmation and contract once your personal information is provided.
  • The new provider will terminate the contract with your current supplier on your behalf.
  • You will receive confirmation of the contract termination from your current provider.
  • Review the email confirmation and contract details from your new supplier.
  • Contact the new supplier’s customer support for any questions or concerns.
  • Keep a copy of the email confirmation and contract for your records.
  • Your new supplier will begin providing electricity according to the agreed terms.

How Can You Pay Your German Electricity Bill?

• Provide your German bank account information for automatic payments when switching providers.
• Sign up with an electricity provider promptly after moving into your new place.
• Using electricity in your flat implies signing a contract.
• Choose a suitable electricity provider to avoid high bills.
• Consumption lower than estimate: Refund received.
• Consumption higher than estimate: Additional invoice issued.
• When moving out:
  1. Cancel or transfer the electricity contract.
  2. Inform the provider and provide a meter reading.

In conclusion, Germany’s electricity prices are high, but there are ways to reduce them by several hundred euros a year. The best course of action is to switch electricity suppliers every year by evaluating the available rates on comparison websites like StromAuskunft. Alternatively, you can select Ostrom as your electricity supplier and gain access to reasonable, open prices and customer support in English.

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