Switching electricity providers: deadlines and cancellation

Regular cancellation at contract end

Most electricity contracts run 12 months and auto-renew. Cancel typically 4–6 weeks before end in writing or online — check your terms for the exact deadline.

The new provider often cancels the old contract for you when you switch via a comparison tool.

Set a reminder 8 weeks before end — so you do not miss the window and get another 12-month renewal.

Special cancellation after price increases

If your provider raises prices, you often have a special right to cancel — usually within 2–4 weeks of notification.

Use this window to compare cheaper tariffs before the new price applies.

Email or letter notification is binding — if you do not respond, the increase is often deemed accepted.

Basic supply: shorter notice

In expensive basic supply (Grundversorgung) you can often switch on short notice (about 2 weeks) — useful right after moving in.

Switch early to avoid paying basic supply rates for weeks.

Basic supply is not permanent — millions of households switch to cheaper tariffs every year.

Moving and transferring contracts

When moving: transfer, cancel or compare anew at the new address — depending on provider and postal code.

If your provider cannot serve the new address, special cancellation without penalty may apply.

Deadlines at a glance

Fixed contract: cancel 4–6 weeks before end. Price hike: special cancel 2–4 weeks after notice. Basic supply: often 2 weeks.

Compare in parallel — the switch starts once deadlines and the new tariff are clear.