Electricity and Gas in Germany
By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 07/2026
Electricity and gas are usually not included in your rent in Germany: Depending on your living situation, you’ll need to arrange them yourself. If you’re responsible for your own utilities, comparing tariffs is often worth it.
On this page, I’ll explain the basics: when you need to take action, how the payment system works, and what to look for when choosing a tariff.
On this page you’ll find:
- Do you need to arrange electricity and gas yourself?
- Grundversorgung: Don’t panic – but it’s often expensive
- How does payment work? The “Abschlag” system
- How to set up your first tariff
- Compare electricity tariffs
- Compare gas tariffs
- Dynamic electricity tariffs: Why they are often impractical
- FAQ: Common questions about setting up electricity and gas
Do you need to arrange electricity and gas yourself?
In a typical rental apartment, you usually arrange electricity yourself. For gas, it depends on how the building is heated (for example: a gas boiler in your flat vs. central heating for the whole building).
Exceptions exist – especially with all-inclusive rentals, furnished short-term stays, or dorms – where some utilities may be bundled into a flat rate or handled through service charges.
Quick check:
- Does your contract mention “electricity included” or “gas included”?
- Is there a separate meter (electricity/gas) for your unit?
- Are you taking over an existing contract, or starting from scratch?
If you want to understand how warm rent, service charges, and annual billing work, we explain it here: Housing in Germany – apartment hunting, rent and deposit.
Grundversorgung: Don't panic – but it's often expensive
If you don’t sign a contract (yet), you’ll often automatically end up in “Grundversorgung” (basic supply). This is convenient because your supply won’t simply cut off, but the price is usually very high.
So it’s worth switching as soon as possible.
How does payment work? The "Abschlag" system
In Germany, you don’t pay for electricity and gas based on your actual monthly usage. Instead, you pay a fixed monthly advance called Abschlag.
This advance is based on your estimated annual consumption, divided into 12 monthly payments. At the end of the billing year, the provider compares your actual usage with what you’ve already paid:
- Used less than estimated: You get money back
- Used more than estimated: You pay the difference
After that, your monthly Abschlag is adjusted for the following year.
How to set up your first tariff
Setting up your electricity or gas contract for a new apartment is straightforward: You select a provider, sign up online, and they will establish your connection. If you are moving into a flat where the energy is currently active under the local default provider (Grundversorgung), your new provider will automatically handle the transition in the background. There is absolutely no risk of sitting in the dark during this process.
Information you should have ready:
- Your address and postal code
- Move-in date (or the date you want the contract to start)
- Meter number and current reading
What to look for when choosing a tariff:
- Contract term: 12 months offers the best value
- Price guarantee: At least 12 months to protect you from price increases
- No package prices: Otherwise you commit to a fixed consumption amount
- No advance payments over longer periods: Too risky if the provider goes bankrupt
Want to know how to fill out the comparison form step by step and which settings to choose? Continue with our article: How to Switch Electricity and Gas in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide
Compare Electricity tariffs
For electricity, comparing almost always makes sense because prices and contract conditions can vary a lot depending on your region and usage.
We recommend using large comparison portals: you can filter quickly and see a broad selection instead of committing to a single brand upfront.
If you’re new to Germany, this is often the simplest way to land a solid first contract without needing to know the market.
How to use the comparison:
- Goal for your first year: Pick a tariff with a strong all-in price for the next 12 months and a price guarantee, so your costs stay predictable
- Simple savings routine: Set a reminder in your calendar for around two months before the end of the guaranteed pricing period and compare again – this is often the easiest way to keep a good price without constantly thinking about energy
- Still don’t take risky offers: Avoid tariffs that are unnecessarily risky or annoying (for example: prepayment or package tariffs) if you want fewer surprises while settling in
For most people, a 12-month tariff and annual check is the best balance between saving money and keeping things simple. If you want maximum convenience, you can stay longer but you’ll often pay a bit extra for that comfort.
Compare Gas tariffs
If you need gas for heating and/or hot water (for example, a gas boiler), a gas comparison can be just as worthwhile.
The process is similar to electricity, but gas usage is often more seasonal (heating season during Winter), so a good tariff choice can have a bigger impact on your budget.
Key tips for gas:
- Enter your usage as realistically as possible (previous tenant, old bill, or a careful estimate), otherwise the results won’t be very meaningful
- Check price guarantee and contract length so your costs remain predictable
Dynamic electricity tariffs: why they’re often impractical
Dynamic tariffs can mean fluctuating prices and usually require more active management (watching prices and shifting consumption to cheaper times).
For many households, that’s extra hassle during the settling-in phase – classic tariffs with a good overall price and an annual check are typically the calmer option.
FAQ: Common questions about setting up electricity and gas
Can I end up without electricity or gas when moving in?
No, absolutely not. In Germany, the continuous supply of energy is legally guaranteed. If you move into a new apartment and haven’t selected a provider yet, the local default supplier (Grundversorger) automatically jumps in the second you turn on the lights. Once you set up your chosen tariff, the transition happens completely seamlessly in the background.
Do I have to contact the local default provider before signing my own contract?
No, you don’t need to notify them or register with them first. You can go straight to a comparison portal, choose your preferred tariff, and enter your move-in date and meter details. Your new provider will automatically inform the local network operator that they are taking over your supply. It is entirely hands-off for you.
Does it make sense to focus specifically on the major providers like E.ON, Vattenfall, RWE, and EnBW?
Not necessarily, what matters most is whether the price, contract length, notice period, and price guarantee fit your situation. A neutral comparison saves time and reduces the risk of choosing a tariff mainly because the provider is well-known.
What if I don’t know my usage yet?
That’s very common after a move – start with a reasonable estimate or use numbers from the previous tenant or listing if you can get them. The important part is that you can usually adjust your monthly payment later, and after your first annual bill the numbers become much more accurate.