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Electricity Deals in Germany
The average household electricity price in Germany is 37.2 ct/kWh (BDEW, January 2026). Competitive switching tariffs start at around 31.68 ct/kWh. If you are still on Grundversorgung (default local supply), you are overpaying. Compare current deals at your address below.
Looking for a full comparison guide? Electricity comparison guide | Electricity prices explained
Find the Cheapest Electricity at Your Address
Enter your postal code and annual kWh consumption. Results show total annual costs including all fees, taxes, and any welcome bonuses.
Key Electricity Price Facts Germany 2026
Average Price
37.2 ct/kWh
BDEW, January 2026
Cheap Switching Tariffs
~31.68 ct/kWh
Finanztip recommendation, March 2026
Switching Savings
200-400 EUR/year
vs. Grundversorgung, Verivox 2026
Are You Overpaying on Grundversorgung?
When you move into a new apartment in Germany, you are automatically assigned to the local Grundversorger (default utility provider). This is convenient but almost always the most expensive option. Grundversorgung rates are set by the local provider and are typically 10-30% above competitive market tariffs.
The good news: you can cancel Grundversorgung with just 2 weeks notice at any time (EnWG Section 36). No long contract, no cancellation fee. Your new provider handles the switch for you. If you want 100% renewable energy, see our green electricity comparison.
Quick Math: 3,500 kWh Household
Grundversorgung
~37.2 ct/kWh = ~1,302 EUR/year
Switching Tariff
~31.68 ct/kWh = ~1,109 EUR/year
Savings
~193 EUR/year
Based on BDEW average (37.2 ct/kWh) vs Finanztip recommended tariff (31.68 ct/kWh), 3,500 kWh consumption.
Price Guarantee: What to Look For
Electricity prices in Germany fluctuate. A price guarantee (Preisgarantie) locks your rate for a set period. Here is what Finanztip and consumer advocates recommend:
12-Month Price Guarantee
The recommended minimum. Protects your rate for the full initial contract period. Most comparison tools let you filter by guarantee length. Finanztip specifically recommends 12-month guarantees as of March 2026.
What Is Not Guaranteed
Taxes, surcharges, and grid fees are usually excluded from price guarantees. The recent grid fee reduction (6.65 to 2.86 ct/kWh) benefits everyone, but your provider may not pass it through automatically. A new contract captures the current rate.
Need a loan for moving costs? Small loans in Germany | English-speaking bank loans
5 Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
1. Switch from Grundversorgung to a market tariff
This is the single biggest saving. Cancel Grundversorgung with 2 weeks notice (EnWG Section 36) and switch to a competitive tariff. Typical savings: 200 to 400 EUR/year.
2. Use your special cancellation right on price increases
Under EnWG, any price increase gives you the right to cancel immediately (Sonderkuendigungsrecht). Do not just accept higher rates. Switch to a cheaper provider instead.
3. Compare annually when your contract ends
After the initial contract period (usually 12 or 24 months), your contract auto-renews month to month. This is the best time to switch again and capture the latest deals.
4. Check your actual consumption
A 2-person household uses about 2,500 kWh/year (BDEW). If your bill assumes higher consumption, you are overpaying in monthly installments. Adjust your Abschlag (monthly payment) based on actual usage.
5. Benefit from the 2025 grid fee reduction
The Bundesnetzagentur cut the grid fee surcharge from 6.65 to 2.86 ct/kWh (Section 12b EnWG). New tariffs should reflect this. If your current provider has not lowered your rate, switching locks in the new lower rates.
New to Germany? Start Here
You already have electricity
When you move in, you are automatically on Grundversorgung. The lights work from day one. But you should switch to a cheaper provider as soon as possible. No SCHUFA check is needed for most electricity contracts. Learn more about building your SCHUFA score.
English-friendly providers
Ostrom (ostrom.de/en) offers full English contracts, app, and customer support. They use 100% green energy. Not the absolute cheapest, but the most accessible if you do not speak German yet. The comparison tool above shows all providers sorted by price.
More for expats: SCHUFA explained for foreigners | Loans for foreigners in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest electricity tariff in Germany right now?
How much can I actually save by switching electricity providers?
What is a price guarantee and should I get one?
Can I cancel my electricity contract if the provider raises the price?
How long does switching electricity providers take?
Are grid fees dropping in 2026, and does that affect my bill?
Stop Overpaying for Electricity
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Also available: Stromvergleich (Deutsch) | Electricity Prices Guide | Gasvergleich | Mobile Tariff Comparison