Electricity and gas in Germany: compare tariffs and switch supplier

In brief

In Germany you choose who supplies your electricity and gas. If you have never chosen, you are probably on the default supply (Grundversorgung) of your local supplier. Switching is free for households (1), and losing supply because of a switch is ruled out (2).

This page explains terms and steps. We do not advise you which tariff or supplier to choose; the decision is yours.

Compare electricity tariffs

Compare gas tariffs

The calculator is in German because a German partner provides it. The German terms in the table “What to prepare” will help you fill it in.

What to prepare

What to look at

• Arbeitspreis and Grundpreis. Price per kWh and monthly standing charge. Compare the annual cost.
• Bonus. Applies once. The consumer advice centre recommends a screenshot of the tariff and bonus conditions (2).
• Term. The first term may be up to 24 months (3)(4).
• After the first term. Renewal only for an indefinite period, notice of at most one month; for contracts from 1 March 2022 (4).

Steps

1. Take your last annual bill and note the information from the table.
2. Check the contract end and notice period.
3. Fill in the comparison in the calculator below. You enter the data yourself.
4. Read the tariff conditions and save a screenshot.
5. The new supplier normally cancels the old contract for you (1). Send urgent cancellations yourself, especially a special cancellation after a price increase (2).
6. Cancellation must be in text form; the supplier must confirm it within one week at the latest (4).
7. On the switch date, read your meter and take a photo.

Your rights in brief

• You can leave the default supply at any time with two weeks’ notice (3)(4).
• After a price increase you have a special right to cancel (3)(4).
• Electricity: since 6 June 2025 the technical switch must be completed within 24 hours on any working day (1)(2). This does not apply to gas, where switching takes up to three weeks (2).
• Without a contract, the default supplier supplies you (2); this replacement supply lasts at most three months (3).

Please note

This page provides general information and points to a comparison. We do not advise and do not recommend any specific supplier or tariff. You fill in the comparison yourself and conclude the contract directly with the supplier. If you sign a contract through the comparison, we may receive a commission. Comparisons do not cover every supplier on the market.

Sources (checked 6 October 2026, in German)

1. Bundesnetzagentur – Lieferantenwechsel – FAQ
2. Verbraucherzentrale – So läuft der Anbieterwechsel bei Strom und Gas ab (Stand 28.05.2025)
3. Verbraucherzentrale – Grundversorgung oder Sondervertrag? (Stand 24.08.2026)
4. Bundesnetzagentur – Kündigung