When you move into a new flat in Germany, the lights work straight away, but without a contract of your own you are on the usually expensive tariff of the local basic supplier (Grundversorgung). Choosing a supplier yourself can save a lot of money each year.

Automatically on the basic supply tariff

The local basic supplier (for example Vattenfall in Berlin or Stadtwerke München in Munich) is legally obliged to supply you with electricity. However, the basic tariff usually has a high price per kilowatt hour. Its advantage is that you can cancel it with two weeks' notice.

How to compare tariffs on comparison portals

Comparison portals such as Check24 or Verivox show many tariffs in a short time. Enter your postcode and estimated annual consumption: around 1,500 kWh for one person, 2,500 kWh for two and 3,500 to 4,500 kWh for a family with children.

Price guarantee and contract length

Pay attention to the contract term (Vertragslaufzeit): contracts of 12 months with a price guarantee are practical. A full price guarantee (volle Preisgarantie) protects you against any increase, while a limited one (eingeschränkte Preisgarantie) does not cover changes in taxes and levies. Avoid suppliers that demand payment for a whole year in advance: if the company goes bankrupt, you could lose the money.

Record the meter reading on handover day

When you sign the handover report, find the electricity meter, write down its number and the exact reading and take a photo of the display. You give this information to the new supplier so that you are not charged for someone else's consumption.

What to check

  • Photograph the meter reading and number on the day you receive the keys.
  • Compare offers on a comparison portal, taking new-customer bonuses into account.
  • Choose a contract of no more than 12 months with a price guarantee.
  • Apply to switch online: the new supplier will cancel the basic supply contract for you.

Example situation

A family switches from the municipal utility's basic tariff to a green electricity supplier through a comparison portal, cutting the price from 42 to 29 cents per kilowatt hour and saving €380 in the first year.

Next step

Do not stay on the basic supply tariff longer than necessary; switching is done entirely online without any interruption to your power.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.