Top 3 Electricity Providers in Germany and Key Registration Steps

There are numerous electricity providers in Germany across different cities, all competing to attract customers by offering continuous deals and discounts.

Given the importance of electricity in our daily lives, choosing just any provider is not advisable. Instead, you should rely on key factors that help you make the best choice and ensure you sign a contract with a reliable company.

Germany is considered one of the leading countries in terms of stable electricity supply, unlike some other European nations, and it is home to many companies that provide electricity to households.

Factors for Choosing the Best Electricity Providers in Germany

The factors for choosing the best electricity providers in Germany include:

• Contract duration: The shorter the agreed contract period, the better. Generally, contracts with electricity providers in Germany range from one to two years.
• Price guarantee period: This period offers customers full protection against sudden price increases, ensuring fixed costs throughout the contract term, typically for one year.
• Cancellation period before contract renewal: The shorter the notice period required to cancel before renewal, the better. It generally ranges from 4 weeks to 3 months. If the contract is not canceled or the customer does not switch to another provider within the specified period, it will be renewed automatically.
• Contract extension: If the customer does not cancel the contract or switch to another provider, it will be automatically extended, provided that the extension does not exceed one year.

Therefore, when signing a contract with one of the electricity providers in Germany, it is advisable to consider and verify these criteria to ensure a suitable and problem-free contract period.

Best Electricity Providers in Germany

Germany has many electricity companies that are committed to delivering high-quality services. To choose the best provider, it is important to consider the criteria that influence your decision.

The best electricity providers in Germany include:

• New Energie Strom: Known for its lower subscription prices compared to other companies, offering a price guarantee of up to two years, along with numerous ongoing deals and discounts, and the ability to manage the account online.
• LichtBlick: Allows subscription without requiring a meter number, offers competitive pricing, provides monthly installment plans with flexible options, and supports payment via direct debit or bank transfer.
• E.ON Strom: Offers the option to cancel the contract at any time, provides a price guarantee throughout the contract period, and is one of the largest electricity providers in Germany, with branches in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Required Documents to Register with Electricity Providers in Germany

Registering with electricity providers in Germany requires preparing some essential documents and information to ensure successful registration, including:

• Customer number
• Electricity meter number
• Name of the contracted electricity provider
• Current meter reading
• All personal details

You can obtain the required information by reviewing the year-end statement provided by your contracted electricity provider after one year of service.

The registration process with a German electricity provider typically takes about three weeks from the date of application, and once approved, electricity service is supplied immediately.

Steps to Register with Electricity Providers in Germany

The steps to register with electricity providers in Germany are as follows:

• Compare different electricity providers in Germany to choose the most suitable one by reviewing prices and available offers, while considering the key factors for selecting the best provider.
• Select the appropriate company after completing the comparison.
• Register with the chosen company by contracting with them online.
• Enter all personal information and the previously mentioned required documents, ensuring their accuracy.

If you wish to cancel the contract with the new company after selecting it, you can do so within 14 days from the date of contracting.

How to Find Your Electricity Meter Number

The electricity meter number is one of the most important pieces of information required when registering with a German electricity provider. You can easily locate it using one of the following methods:

• Read the number from your most recent electricity bill, located next to your personal customer details.
• Check the number directly on the electricity meter, which may be inside the house, at the front door, or in the basement.
• Find the number in the initial handover report after contracting, in case of moving into a new home.

The electricity meter contains two key numbers: the first is the meter reading, indicating electricity consumption, and the second is the meter number itself.

How to Calculate Your Electricity Bill in Germany

You can easily calculate your electricity bill in Germany by following these steps:

• The electricity bill equals annual consumption × price per kilowatt + fixed fees – any gifts or rewards provided by the electricity company.
• Divide the total bill cost over 12 months, with the option to pay in installments, withdrawing funds from the customer’s account according to a pre-agreed schedule for the duration of the contract.
• Withdrawals are made at the beginning or end of the month, based on the agreed timing.
• If there is insufficient balance, a fine ranging from €2.50 to €6 will be imposed on the customer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Electricity Providers in Germany

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