English-Speaking Electricity Providers
& Electricity Without Schufa
New to Germany and stuck on the electricity contract because of language, Schufa or a missing German bank account? Here you will learn which providers offer English service, how to get electricity even without German credit history, and exactly what data you need to sign up.
The key facts
You need neither perfect German nor a Schufa to get electricity. Providers like Ostrom can be used entirely in English, a German bank account is not mandatory (any SEPA IBAN works), and with no credit data at all the basic supply or a prepayment tariff has you covered. Still, compare early, because the automatic basic supply is usually the most expensive way to start.
Last updated: 2 June 2026 | Reading time: approx. 8 minutes
What this guide covers
Why electricity is tricky for newcomers
In Germany electricity is not included in your rent, you sign your own contract. For newcomers, three obstacles usually get in the way: the language (forms and contracts in German), the Schufa (which many people simply do not have yet), and the myth that you absolutely need a German bank account. There is also a fourth, invisible obstacle: if you do nothing, you end up in the expensive basic supply automatically.
The good news: none of these is a real barrier. There are providers with fully English service, a Schufa is usually not needed, and any IBAN from the SEPA area is enough to pay. This guide walks through the points one by one.
Language
Some providers offer website, app and support in English.
Schufa
Usually not required; without credit data, prepayment or a deposit.
Bank account
No German account required, any SEPA IBAN works.
English-speaking electricity providers at a glance
How much English a provider really offers varies a lot, from "fully usable in English" to "only support helps on request". These four providers come up most often for expats:
| Provider | English service | What stands out | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ostrom | Website, app and support fully in English | Green electricity, monthly cancellable, fully digital, accepts foreign IBANs on request | People who want to handle everything in English from day one |
| Vattenfall | English information pages and an English-speaking hotline (weekdays) | Large, established supplier; the contracts themselves are in German | People who want a well-known brand with English phone support |
| Octopus Energy | Sign-up in German, English support on request per customer reports | 100% green electricity, dynamic exchange-price tariff | People looking for a green, dynamic tariff |
| Tibber | English help centre, sign-up in German | App-based, dynamic tariff with a smart-meter focus | App-savvy households with flexible consumption |
As of 2026. Language options, tariffs and conditions can change, so check them directly with the provider before signing up. This selection is editorial and is not an endorsement of any specific provider.
Tip: English service is convenient, but it is not everything. Also compare the unit price, base price and contract term, because the most convenient provider is not automatically the cheapest. The fastest way to find the right tariff for your consumption is the comparison below.
Compare tariffs and find the right provider
Enter your postcode and your estimated annual consumption and compare for free. You will instantly see which tariff fits your start in Germany.
We may earn a commission on contracts arranged through the comparison. For you the comparison stays free and without obligation.
Electricity without Schufa: your options
With no German credit history, you may wonder whether you can get an electricity contract at all. Relax: most electricity providers do not require a Schufa check. And even if a provider reserves the right to run one, you have several routes:
Prepayment or deposit
Without German credit data, some providers offer a contract against advance payment or a small deposit. The payment risk shifts to you, and the check is dropped.
Prepaid tariffs
With prepaid electricity you pay in advance and then use up your credit. A credit check is generally not needed.
Basic supply as a safety net
Electricity supply is protected by law. You are entitled to the local basic supply (Grundversorgung) regardless of your Schufa, so you are never left without power.
Be careful with "no Schufa" offers: tariffs that aggressively advertise "without Schufa" often require high advance payments. Read the terms carefully and compare the total price with a normal tariff. A regular provider with a prepayment option is frequently the cheaper choice.
What you need to sign up
Signing up itself is quick. In most cases you only need this information:
Address & move-in date
Your new home address and the date from which you draw electricity.
Annual consumption (kWh)
An estimate is enough: 1 person approx. 1,300–1,600 kWh, 2 people around 1,900–2,500 kWh (Stromspiegel, flat without electric water heating).
Meter number / MaLo-ID
The meter number is on the electricity meter, the eleven-digit MaLo-ID is on the bill. It speeds up the switch.
IBAN
For the SEPA direct debit. Any IBAN from the SEPA area is accepted.
The IBAN myth
You often read that you need a German bank account. Legally that is not true: for a SEPA direct debit any IBAN from the SEPA area is valid. In practice some online forms only accept German IBANs, while other providers such as Ostrom explicitly accept foreign IBANs on request. If a form refuses your IBAN, ask the support team directly.
The Grundversorgung trap & the 24-hour switch
When you move in and do nothing, the local basic provider (Grundversorger) supplies you automatically. That is convenient and also covers you without a Schufa, but it is usually more expensive than a special tariff. According to the Verbraucherzentrale (German consumer organisation), switching out of the basic supply is usually worthwhile.
You can start the switch at any time with two weeks' notice, and it is easier than ever. Since 6 June 2025 the technical electricity switch must be completed within 24 hours on working days (a ruling by the Bundesnetzagentur; Section 20a EnWG requires it by 1 January 2026 at the latest). The switch is free and without any interruption to your supply. Important: your contractual notice period is unaffected, and the 24-hour rule does not yet apply to gas.
How much does it save?
Leaving the basic supply for a cheaper tariff can save several hundred euros a year depending on your consumption. The exact saving depends on your usage and your starting tariff, and the comparison calculator shows you your specific figure.
Frequently asked questions
Related articles
How to set up electricity in Germany
Step by step: register electricity, read your meter and avoid the Grundversorgung trap.
Compare electricity tariffs 2026
Compare electricity tariffs directly and find the cheapest one for your consumption.
Cheap electricity in Germany
How to find a cheap tariff and avoid paying too much as a newcomer.
Energy guide overview
All topics around electricity and gas for your life in Germany.
Find the right electricity tariff
Compare for free and without obligation and find the electricity tariff that fits your start in Germany.
Free · No obligation · SSL-encrypted