How to Switch Electricity and Gas in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide
By: Simon Heinrich – Last updated: 06/2026
You’ve decided to switch your electricity or gas provider and you’re now sitting in front of the comparison portal? On this page, I’ll show you how to fill out the form, which settings to choose, and what happens after you submit.
This guide walks you through the comparison form. If you first want to understand why switching is worth it and how electricity and gas work in Germany, start here: Electricity and Gas in Germany
What you should have ready beforehand
Before you open the comparison portal, gather the following information:
- Your address and postal code: Available tariffs depend on your location
- Your estimated annual consumption: You’ll find this on your last bill or in your rental contract; for your first apartment, you can use the reference values provided by the portals (household size, apartment size)
- Your meter number (Zählernummer): Listed in your rental contract, handover protocol, or directly on the meter
- Your current provider (if you’re switching, not moving in new): So the new provider can handle the cancellation for you
- Your IBAN: For direct debit payment
Once you have all the information, you can complete the comparison in about 10–15 minutes.
Step One: Enter your address and consumption
After opening the comparison portal, you’ll first be asked for your postal code and estimated annual consumption.
- Consumption known: Enter the value from your last annual bill
- Consumption unknown: Use the buttons provided by Check24 and Verivox, simply select the number of people in your household or the size of your apartment and you’ll get a reference value
Tip: If you can get a consumption value from the previous tenant, that’s often more accurate than the standard estimate.
Step Two: Set the right filters
This is the most important step. The comparison portals show you tariffs by default that aren’t necessarily the best for you. Expand the advanced settings and select the following filters:
| Setting | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Include bonuses | Yes | You’ll see the actual price for the first year |
| Price guarantee | 12 months | Protects you from price increases |
| Minimum contract term | 12 months | Best price-performance ratio; you can still cancel if you move |
| Tariffs according to guidelines | Yes | Filters out dubious offers |
| Package prices | No | Otherwise you commit to a fixed consumption amount |
| Advance payments over a longer period | No | Too risky if the provider goes bankrupt |
About green electricity: Practically all tariffs are green electricity these days. If you want an especially clean conscience, you can choose the highest level; but as a consumer, it’s nearly impossible to verify whether it’s actually more ecological.
Step Three: Choose a provider
Now you’ll see the list of available tariffs. An important note:
The cheapest provider isn’t always the best.
The tariffs at the top often have the worst reviews. The reason: The cheapest providers get overwhelmed with customers and their customer service suffers.
My recommendation:
- If you’re short on time and want everything to run smoothly, choose a tariff that costs a few cents or a euro more per month but has good reviews
- If you’re planning ahead (about six weeks before your switch or move-in date), you can also take the cheapest option, you’ll have enough buffer if something gets stuck
Click on the tariff that suits you and proceed to the form.
Step Four: Enter your details
Now you’ll be asked for your personal information:
- Name and address: Delivery address for electricity or gas
- Email address: For confirmations and access to the customer portal
- Phone number: May be needed for confirmation via SMS, so use your mobile number
- Date of birth: For identification and age verification
New move-in or provider switch?
The form asks whether you’re moving in new or switching providers:
- New move-in: You specify your desired delivery date
- Provider switch: The new provider coordinates the switch date with your current provider. You don’t need to do anything else
Switches can usually be scheduled up to six months in advance.
Important: Never cancel yourself. Always let the new provider handle the cancellation: This way you avoid gaps in supply.
Enter your meter number:
You’ll find your meter number:
- In your rental contract or handover protocol
- If you already have a contract, in the customer portal of your current provider
- Directly on the meter (usually in the basement or hallway)
Market location ID (optional):
This number theoretically speeds up the switch slightly. Think of it as the address of your electricity meter. You’ll find it on your electricity bill, in the customer portal of your current provider (if applicable), or you can request it from your grid operator. In practice, however, it’s not strictly necessary.
Current provider (for switches):
Enter your current provider here. The new provider uses this information to organize the cancellation and switch date for you.
Step Five: Choose your payment method
You have two options:
- Direct debit (recommended): The amount is automatically debited. You don’t have to remember to pay, and there are no reminder fees for forgotten transfers
- Bank transfer: You transfer the money yourself. More control, but also more effort
For direct debit, enter your IBAN.
Tip: Make sure there’s enough money in your account each month for the debit to go through.
Step Six: Review and confirm
Before you submit your application, the portal shows you a summary of all data:
- Tariff and price
- Your address and meter number
- Payment method
- Contract term and cancellation period
Go through everything carefully. A typo in the meter number can delay the switch.
If everything is correct: Confirm and submit.
What happens after you submit?
Confirmation email from the portal: You’ll receive a message that your order has been forwarded to the provider.
Schufa check: The provider checks your creditworthiness. This is standard in Germany and nothing to worry about. Learn more here: SCHUFA for Foreigners: How to Build Strong Credit in Germany
Confirmation from the provider: If everything is in order, you’ll receive a message with your contract details and access to the customer portal.
Set up customer portal: Log in to test it and save your login details. You’ll find your invoices there later and can adjust your monthly payments.
Monthly debit: Make sure there’s sufficient balance in your account.
Set a reminder: Put a date in your calendar about two months before your contract ends to compare again.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if the Schufa check doesn't work?
This can happen if you’re new to Germany and don’t have a Schufa record yet. Some providers will accept you anyway, others won’t. When in doubt: Choose a different tariff or contact customer service.
Can I cancel the contract if I move?
If the provider cannot supply you at your new address at the same cost, you have a special right of cancellation. If they can deliver at unchanged conditions, the minimum contract term of 12 months from first day of delivery still applies.
What if I estimated my consumption completely wrong?
No problem. After your first annual bill, the monthly payment will be adjusted. You’ll either pay extra or get money back.
Can I get electricity and gas from the same provider?
Yes, many providers offer combination tariffs. It’s convenient, but not always cheaper. Compare both tariffs separately before deciding on a package.
Still have questions?
If something is unclear or you’re stuck while filling out the form, you can also use the phone customer service of the comparison portals.