Electricity (Strom)
in Germany Explained
The average electricity price in Germany in 2026 is 37.0 ct/kWh (BDEW Strompreisanalyse, April 2026). Households switching out of Grundversorgung typically save €200-300 per year on 3,000 kWh (Finanztip 2026).
No German required • Compare in English • Supply guaranteed under § 36 EnWG
Key Takeaways
- · Average 2026 price: 37.0 cents per kWh for households (BDEW Strompreisanalyse, April 2026).
- · Cheap new-customer tariffs: around 25-31 cents per kWh depending on region as of July 2026 (Verivox/Finanztip).
- · Typical savings: €200-300/year when switching from Grundversorgung on 3,000 kWh (Finanztip 2026). Maximum savings up to €500-850 quoted by CHECK24/Verivox apply only in extreme cases.
- · Price brake ended: Germany's Strompreisbremse expired on 31 December 2023 – no statutory price cap in 2026.
- · Switching is fast now: since 1 January 2026 the technical switch must complete within 24 hours (§ 20a EnWG); total time still depends on your notice period (just 2 weeks in Grundversorgung, § 20 Abs. 1 StromGVV).
- · Switching is safe: supply guaranteed by § 36 EnWG; price-hike termination right under § 41 Abs. 5 EnWG.
- · What you need: just postal code and estimated annual kWh. No Schufa, no German required.
Tip for Newcomers
When you register your address (Anmeldung), you are automatically assigned to the local Grundversorgung (basic supply) – typically the most expensive tariff in your area. Grundversorgung usually sits well above the national household average of 37.0 ct/kWh (BDEW, April 2026), while the cheapest new-customer tariffs were around 25-31 ct/kWh in July 2026 (Verivox/Finanztip). Switching is free and saves most newcomers €200-300 per year (Finanztip 2026 baseline, 3,000 kWh).
meinetarife24 Editorial Team
Independent EditorialOur independent editorial team carefully reviews all information and regularly updates the content.
What is Strom (Electricity) in Germany?
In Germany, electricity is called "Strom" (pronounced "shtrohm"). Unlike some countries where there's only one electricity company, Germany has a deregulated energy market with hundreds of providers (Stromanbieter) competing for customers.
This means you have the freedom to choose your provider – and switching is completely free by law. Your new provider handles everything, including canceling your old contract.
Key German Terms You'll See
Step-by-Step: How to Switch Electricity
As a newcomer in Germany, follow these simple steps
Find Your Current Usage
Check your last bill or letter from your provider. Look for "Jahresverbrauch" (annual usage) in kWh. If you just moved in, estimate: 1 person ≈ 1,500 kWh, 2 people ≈ 2,500 kWh, 3-4 people ≈ 3,500 kWh.
💡 Tip: Don't have a bill yet? Use the estimate – you can adjust later!
Enter Your Postal Code (Postleitzahl)
Your 5-digit postal code (PLZ) determines which providers are available in your area. Different cities have different options and prices.
💡 Tip: Find your PLZ on any mail you've received or at plz-suche.org
Compare Tariffs
Use our comparison tool below to see all available options. Look for: monthly cost, contract length (Vertragslaufzeit), and whether it's green energy (Ökostrom) if that's important to you.
💡 Tip: Many expats prefer contracts with short terms (1-12 months) for flexibility
Switch Online
Found a better deal? Click to switch. The new provider handles EVERYTHING – including canceling your old contract. Your electricity won't be interrupted.
💡 Tip: You'll need your meter number (Zählernummer) – it's on your meter or bill
Compare Electricity Providers Now
Enter your postal code and usage to see available options in your area
Electricity Comparison Tool
No German required • Results in seconds • 100% free
Advertising disclosure: The comparison calculator is provided by our partner CHECK24. If you sign a contract through it, we earn a commission. This does not affect the tariffs or prices shown.
Calculation Example
How switching can save you money in 2026
Initial Situation
You use 3,000 kWh per year (typical for a 2-person household). Here is how savings are calculated using verified 2026 prices:
Calculation
3,000 kWh × ~€0.372/kWh (BDEW, April 2026)3,000 kWh × ~€0.288/kWh (Finanztip Strompreisvergleich, July 2026)Result
This matches Finanztip's 2026 baseline for 3,000 kWh. Maximum savings of €500-850 quoted by CHECK24/Verivox apply only against very expensive prior contracts.
New-customer bonuses vary a lot by provider and consumption - there is no typical published range. Deduct any one-time bonus from your year-1 cost before comparing, and always check the year-2 price. Prices verified against BDEW Strompreisanalyse (April 2026) and Finanztip Strompreisvergleich (July 2026). Actual rates vary by postal code, contract type, and provider. The comparison tool above shows real prices for your area.
What to Watch Out For
Important considerations when switching electricity
Grundversorgung is usually the most expensive option
When you move to Germany, you are automatically assigned to the local Grundversorgung (basic supply). Grundversorgung usually sits well above the national household average of 37.0 ct/kWh (BDEW, April 2026), while the cheapest new-customer tariffs were around 25-31 ct/kWh in July 2026 (Verivox/Finanztip); in extreme cases the gap is even higher.
Carefully evaluate new customer bonuses
Some providers offer high bonuses in the first year but raise prices significantly in the second year. Calculate the total cost over 24 months for accurate comparison.
Price guarantee protects you from increases
Look for contracts with Preisgarantie (price guarantee). This means your rate stays fixed even if market prices rise during your contract period.
Long contract terms reduce flexibility
Contracts longer than 12 months may lock you in if better offers appear. For newcomers unsure about their plans, shorter contracts offer more flexibility.
How an electricity price calculator works
An electricity price calculator (Strompreisrechner or Energiepreisrechner in German) works out your annual cost with a simple formula: annual cost = yearly consumption × unit price (Arbeitspreis) + (base price × 12). Always sort the results by total annual cost, not by the unit price alone.
Recalculate bonus tariffs without the bonus
Subtract a one-off new-customer bonus from the annual price, then compare. That is the only way to see whether the tariff is still cheap in the second year.
Price-guarantee types compared
Bruttopreisgarantie (full)
The most comprehensive protection: it fixes both the unit price and the base price including grid fees, taxes and levies. Usually only statutory changes such as VAT are excluded.
Arbeitspreisgarantie (unit price)
A narrower protection: only the unit price per kWh is fixed. The provider can still pass on grid fees, taxes and levies.
No price guarantee
No protection: the provider can raise the price at any time with notice. Your special right to cancel then applies.
Common Questions from Newcomers
What expats and new residents often ask about electricity in Germany
Do I need a Schufa score to get electricity in Germany?
Usually no. Unlike phone contracts or apartment rentals, most electricity providers do not require a Schufa check. Some providers may run a soft check that rarely affects approval. Newcomers without German credit history can typically sign up without issues.
Do I need a Schufa history to get an electricity contract in Germany?
For the comparison itself you only need your postal code and an estimated annual consumption - guide values are 1,500 kWh for a single person, 2,500 kWh for a couple, and 4,000 kWh for a 4-person household (Stromspiegel/co2online). Most electricity providers do not require a German credit history. Payment is usually by SEPA direct debit from a German or EU bank account.
How much can I save by switching electricity providers in Germany?
It depends on your current contract. Households moving from Grundversorgung (basic supply) to a cheaper new-customer tariff typically save €200-300 per year on 3,000 kWh, according to Finanztip's 2026 electricity comparison. CHECK24 and Verivox quote maximum savings of up to €500-850, but those are the upper bound (very expensive prior contract), not a typical result.
What is the average electricity price in Germany in 2026?
The average household electricity price in Germany is 37.0 cents per kWh per the BDEW Strompreisanalyse, April 2026. The cheapest new-customer tariffs were around 25 to 31 cents per kWh depending on region as of July 2026 (Verivox/Finanztip). Grundversorgung usually sits well above the national average.
Is the German electricity price brake (Strompreisbremse) still active in 2026?
No. The German Strompreisbremse ended on 31 December 2023. Since 2024, there is no statutory price cap on electricity - the price is set entirely by your contract. That makes switching out of Grundversorgung especially worthwhile in 2026.
How long does switching electricity providers take in Germany?
Since 1 January 2026, the technical supplier switch itself must complete within 24 hours (§ 20a EnWG) - much faster than before. Your total switching time still depends on your current contract's notice period, though. In Grundversorgung (basic supply), that notice period is just two weeks (§ 20 Abs. 1 StromGVV), so newcomers can usually switch within about two weeks from start to finish.
Can my electricity be cut off during a provider switch?
No. Under § 36 EnWG (German Energy Industry Act), electricity supply is legally guaranteed during a switch. If anything goes wrong with the new provider, the local Grundversorger (basic supplier) must step in - so newcomers cannot accidentally end up without power.
When can I terminate my electricity contract early in Germany?
If your provider announces a price increase or unfavorable contract change, you have the right to extraordinary termination under § 41 Abs. 5 EnWG (Sonderkündigungsrecht). You can cancel without notice and switch to a cheaper tariff in the same step.
What is Ökostrom (green electricity) and is it more expensive?
Ökostrom comes from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydro). Certified Ökostrom tariffs (TÜV, Grüner Strom Label, ok-power) are often priced similarly to conventional tariffs. Active suppliers in 2026 include LichtBlick, Naturstrom, Polarstern, and Green Planet Energy.
What do I need to compare electricity providers online?
Just your postal code (Postleitzahl / PLZ) and an estimate of annual consumption in kWh. Typical baselines from Stromspiegel/co2online: 1,500 kWh for a single person, 2,500 kWh for a couple, 4,000 kWh for a 4-person household. No German required, no Schufa, no upfront payment.
Other Guides for Newcomers
Set Up Electricity
New in Germany? A step-by-step guide to registering electricity at your new address.
Gas (Erdgas) Guide
Heating your home? Compare gas providers and understand how Erdgas works in Germany.
Save on Gas Bills
Step-by-step ways to cut your heating costs and lower what you pay for gas each year.
Health Insurance Guide
Mandatory in Germany! Understand GKV vs PKV and find the right Krankenversicherung.
Bank Account Guide
Open a Girokonto (checking account) in Germany – even without Schufa or Anmeldung.
Why use tariff comparison
Understand how comparing tariffs helps you avoid overpaying in Germany.
Why expats should compare tariffs
New to Germany? See why comparing tariffs matters most for newcomers and expats.
Is switching tariffs worth it
Find out when switching providers in Germany actually saves you money.
Legal Basis & Sources
Every number on this page comes from a verifiable 2026 source – here they are.
§ 36 EnWG – Grundversorgung
Guarantees that the local Grundversorger (default supplier) must supply you – so newcomers are never left without power when they move in.
Read the law at gesetze-im-internet.de → EnWG § 36
§ 20a EnWG – 24-Hour Switch Rule
Since 1 January 2026, the technical supplier switch (meter changeover) must complete within 24 hours.
Read the law at gesetze-im-internet.de → EnWG § 20a
§ 20 Abs. 1 StromGVV – Two-Week Notice
Sets the two-week termination right for Grundversorgung (basic supply) contracts – the notice period that still governs your total switching time.
Source: gesetze-im-internet.de → StromGVV § 20
§ 41 EnWG – Special Termination Right
If your provider raises prices, § 41 Abs. 5 EnWG lets you terminate the contract without notice.
Read the law at gesetze-im-internet.de → EnWG § 41
BDEW Strompreisanalyse, April 2026
The industry source for Germany's average household electricity price (37.0 ct/kWh, April 2026).
Source: bdew.de → Strompreisanalyse (April 2026)
Bundesnetzagentur – Energy Consumer Portal
German regulator's consumer hub for energy: switching, disputes, billing rights.
Source: bundesnetzagentur.de → Energie Verbraucherportal
Important: Price brake ended 31 Dec 2023
Germany's Strompreisbremse (statutory price cap) ended on 31 December 2023. Since 2024 there is no government-set price ceiling – your contract is the only thing that determines what you pay. That is why staying in Grundversorgung is often the most expensive choice in 2026.
Ready to Save on Electricity?
Most newcomers are overpaying for Strom. Compare providers now and see how much you could save.
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Updated: July 2026 | All information without guarantee.