Unprecedented number of consumers are now switching their energy providers. - Increasing numbers of consumers are transitioning to new energy providers at unprecedented rates.
In the wake of record-high energy prices, more Germans are taking the initiative to switch their energy suppliers, with 7.1 million electricity customers and 2.2 million gas customers making the switch in 2024 alone. This development, according to the Federal Network Agency, is a positive sign for competition and the energy transition.
However, the rise in supplier changes also reveals a concerning trend: an increase in energy poverty and disconnections. In 2024, the number of electricity disconnections rose by approximately 20% to 245,000 cases, while the gas sector saw a 22% increase to 33,700 disconnections. This worrying growth has raised concerns among social associations like the VdK, with Verena Bentele expressing her worry about the recent increase in disconnections.
To combat energy poverty and ensure secure electricity and gas supply for all, political measures are needed, Bentele stated. Meanwhile, reducing the electricity tax and adequately considering housing ancillary costs in social benefits could be effective protections against energy poverty, according to Bentele.
Despite these challenges, the switch from the default supply (Grundversorgung) can lead to significant savings for households. By actively choosing a different energy supplier, households can save several hundred euros per year. Furthermore, many alternative suppliers offer tariffs with higher shares of renewable energy, supporting Germany’s energy transition goals.
To opt out of the default energy supply in Germany and potentially save on costs, here are some steps and tips:
1. **Comparison and Selection**: Use trusted price comparison portals such as Verivox to compare offers from different energy suppliers. These portals provide an overview of current prices, contract lengths, and special tariffs including those with renewable energy options. 2. **Contract Terms**: Pay close attention to contract conditions such as the minimum contract period (*Mindestvertragslaufzeit*) and notice periods. Some suppliers offer cheaper rates but may lock you in for up to 24 months. Make sure to respect your existing contract terms to avoid early exit fees. 3. **Switching Process**: Once you select a new supplier, the switching process is straightforward. You provide your new supplier with your details (bank info, meter number, estimated usage), and they handle the cancellation of your old contract and ensure a smooth switch without supply interruption. 4. **Official Advice**: The Federal Network Agency supports customer choice and encourages consumers to actively switch suppliers for better prices and greener energy. It ensures legal frameworks make switching easy and secure.
In summary, to save money and possibly get greener energy, avoid staying with the default Grundversorgung and proactively select a different supplier through comparison portals like Verivox. The switch is easy, and the new supplier handles most of the administrative work, making the process convenient and beneficial financially.
- To alleviate energy poverty and secure energy supply for all, it's crucial for the community to implement policy measures, as suggested by social associations like the VdK, such as reducing the electricity tax and considering housing ancillary costs in social benefits.
- In addition to political actions, individuals can take steps to save money on their energy bills by comparing and selecting energy suppliers offering competitive rates and higher shares of renewable energy, such as those listed on price comparison portals like Verivox.
- By actively choosing a different energy supplier, personal finance can benefit significantly, with households potentially saving several hundred euros per year, as indicated in the switch from the default Grundversorgung.
- The renewable energy industry should also be supported, as many alternative suppliers provide tariffs with higher shares of renewable energy, contributing to Germany’s energy transition goals and reducing dependency on traditional industries like oil and gas.
