Top Electricity Provider in Germany [2024] - Navigate Germany

In Germany, electricity provision was a public sector market before the late 1990s. But later, it was handed over to private companies that offer the best services to attract maximum consumers.

Time to Choose the Electricity Supplier

If you are in the following situation.

1. Renting a place
2. End of previous contract and you want to change your supplier
3. Buying a place.

New House

When you buy or get a place on rent, electricity is a separate utility (not included). If you do not get a contract with any of the electricity suppliers, you will be automatically associated with a contract ‘Grundversorgung’ and you can’t choose the cheapest provider.

End of Previous Contract

You can change your provider at the end of your contract if you are not satisfied with the services or you get to know an energy provider offering cheap rates.

Contract with An Electricity Provider

Find a good supplier and provide your data such as name, address, German bank account number, meter number, and estimated usage of electricity that you can calculate through formula;

Estimated Usage = Area of flat * 9 kWh + No. of people * 200 kWh (550 if you use electricity to heat water) + No. of electrical appliances * 200 kWh

Finding Best Electricity Provider

Here are the factors to select the best electricity provider.

Contract Length

You can choose the duration of your contract between 2 weeks and 24 months. You can choose shorter contract lengths but it loses the convenience of being carefree about the bills. Do not have a long duration to remain stuck when you decide to change the provider. Choose a contract of 12 months to avoid any hustle.

Contract Renewal

The process to renew a contract should be short and easy.

Renewable Electricity Source

Choose a provider who uses renewable sources of energy. The government is trying to turn 80% of electricity production into renewable sources by 2080.

Price

Get a price guarantee to ensure that the price will remain same throughout the contract. Some providers guarantee prices while others do not.

Payment Frequency

You can choose from a number of different payment frequencies so ensure that it matches your earning frequency.

Reviews

Customer reviews and opinions can help you to decide quickly. Consider a supplier with good reviews.

Notice Period

When quitting a contract, inform your provider according to the notice period. Go for a shorter notice period to quickly change the provider

Best Electricity Providers

NaturStrom

NaturStrom is providing green electricity from a wide variety of renewable electricity sources. They have a lot of offers and packages which are sometimes overwhelming for the customer.

Ostrom

Ostrom was established in 2020 who took the whole electricity provision by storm. Their website is both in English and German and customers have an easy to use app. They use renewable energy sources and have a flat fee policy. They work nationwide, so you can move during your contract without breaking it.

Vattenfall

Vattenfall offers a super easy subscription process. Visit their website, add details, and get electricity.

Yello

They use renewable sources, especially solar energy and provide a foolproof plan from planning and assembly to operating the solar system with a supportive customer support.

How Electricity Charged in Germany?

When signing a contract, you share your bank account number so you can make payments online. The amount is pre-decided based on estimated usage. If you use less, you will get your extra paid amount at the end of the contract. If you use more, you will pay for the extra consumption at the end of the contract.

Comparison Tools

Use a comparison tool like Check24 and Verivox. You don’t have to visit the websites as they will draw a comparison and you can simply decide on an offer from different providers according to your needs and budget. Use a comparison too by following these steps;

• Open the tool and provide your data such as bank account number, the number of people in your household, your approximate yearly consumption, and your postal code.
• Choose a tariff and type of contract such as Einmaliger Wechsel, Wechselservice, and Premium Wechselservice.
• Wait for confirmation from the provider.

Conclusion

Based on the factors given in this guide, choose an electricity provider that best offers services according to your needs, budget, and requirements. Do not forget to get reviews from old customers to stay carefree for the whole contract duration.