Germany/Housing/Electricity

When do I need an electricity provider?

• If you rent (or buy) an apartment or house directly from a landlord.

You usually don't need an electricity contract

• when you sublet an apartment or room.

How to order and pay an electricity supplier?

• Find out whether your warm water is heated by
  • your own electricity,
  • or instead by gas or even delivered from your landlord (central heating)
• Estimate your consumption. Typical:
  • 1-person household: 1600 kWh (no water heating) / 2100 kWh (with water heating)
  • 2-person household: 2300 kWh (no water heating) / 3400 kWh (with water heating)
  • 3-person household: 3100 kWh (no water heating) / 4400 kWh (with water heating)
  • 4-person household: 4000 kWh (no water heating) / 5500 kWh (with water heating)
  • 5-person household: 4500 kWh (no water heating) / 6700 kWh (with water heating)
• Compare providers or pick a provider from the list below
• Order online
• Based on your consumption estimation, they calculate a monthly prepayment rate for you. Pay that rate now every month.
• After a year (usually), they measure your actual consumption.
  • If you used less than your estimation, you will get money back and your monthly prepayment rate will be lowered.
  • If you used more than your estimation, you will need to pay the difference and your monthly prepayment rate will be raised.

Compare electricity providers

• Check24 electricity comparison*
  • Screenshot guide in English

List of electricity providers

• eprimo (cheapest)

More guides

• Cheapest German Electricity Providers by BerlinCheap.com
• How do electric bills work in Germany? by AllAboutBerlin.com
• Set up a contract with an electricity supplier Germany settle-in-berlin.com
• Comparison of Best German Electricity Providers by movingto-berlin.com