Switching Electricity Providers: A Guide for German Consumers

In Germany, consumers have the ability to switch electricity providers at any time, provided they adhere to their contract's notice period and have an active electricity contract. The market boasts over 1,300 electricity providers, offering consumers considerable choice. However, many hesitate to switch due to uncertainty about the process or its consequences.

Standard contracts and basic supply typically have a notice period of four weeks before the contract ends. Consumers also have the right to terminate early if their current provider announces a price increase. In such cases, the law generally grants four weeks to terminate, regardless of the remaining contract duration.

Before switching, it's crucial to gather information such as annual consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), contract duration, notice period, and the price per kWh. When comparing providers, focus not only on the base price but also on the price per kWh, green electricity certifications, and automatic renewal clauses. PLAN-B NET ZERO ENERGY facilitates a completely paperless switching process through its app and can manage the termination of the old contract and the technical transition with the grid operator.

The technical switch is managed by the grid operator within two to six weeks after registration, ensuring no interruption in electricity supply. On the day of the switch, the only action required is to record the meter reading, which is then provided to both the old and new supplier. Germany prohibits electricity providers from charging switching fees. PLAN-B NET ZERO ENERGY's tariffs, as of April 2026, are fixed-price and include ok-power-certified European renewable energy.