Switching electricity provider: what the 24-hour rule really means

Since 6 June 2025, the technical switch of an electricity supplier in Germany may take no more than 24 hours on working days (1)(2). That sounds as if you could end your contract overnight. It is not quite that simple.

What has changed

The 24 hours only cover the technical process between the companies. The cancellation terms of your contract stay the same (1). How long your current contract still runs is stated in the contract and on your latest bill (2).

For gas, the 24-hour limit does not apply. The switching procedure itself may take up to three weeks there (2)(3).

Good to know

• No interruption: switching should not cause a power or gas outage; if in doubt, the local default supplier (Grundversorger) supplies you (2).
• Costs: cancelling and switching are free of charge for households (1).
• Cancellation: the new provider can cancel the old contract, but needs your authorisation. A special cancellation, for example after a price increase, is better sent by yourself (2)(3).
• Withdrawal: contracts concluded online, at a distance or at the door come with a 14-day right of withdrawal (2).
• Meter reading: read the meter on the switch date and report it (2).
• Final bill: your previous provider has up to 6 weeks after supply ends to issue it (2).

Where to get help

If there are delays, contact your new supplier first; compensation may be possible (1). The Bundesnetzagentur does not handle individual cases, but consumer complaints and arbitration are available (1).

You can find the general guide here: Electricity and gas: switch supplier.

Note: we do not give advice and do not recommend any particular provider or tariff. The decision is yours alone.

Sources (checked on 22 October 2026)

1. Bundesnetzagentur – Lieferantenwechsel: https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Energie/KuendigungLieferantenwechsel/Lieferantenwechsel/start.html
2. Verbraucherzentrale – So läuft der Anbieterwechsel bei Strom und Gas ab: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/energie/preise-tarife-anbieterwechsel/so-laeuft-der-anbieterwechsel-bei-strom-und-gas-ab-10645
3. Verbraucherzentrale Niedersachsen – Anbieterwechsel bei Strom und Gas: https://www.verbraucherzentrale-niedersachsen.de/wissen/energie/preise-tarife-anbieterwechsel/anbieterwechsel-bei-strom-und-gas-das-sollten-verbraucherinnen-und-verbraucher-wissen-120439