Switching gas supplier in Germany: what to compare

Gas tariffs should be compared using the household's real annual consumption and the complete contract price. A large introductory bonus can make the first year look attractive even when the unit price, standing charge or follow-on price is less suitable later.

Read the bill before opening a comparison

Your annual bill normally contains consumption in kWh, the unit price, standing charge, customer number and contract dates. Heating demand varies with the size and condition of the home, weather and household habits, so generic estimates are less useful than the billed figure.

Check the wording around price guarantees

Not every guarantee covers every price component. Read which elements may still change and when the guarantee ends. Compare the annual price with and without any bonus, and note the notice period for the following contract year.

How the supplier change works

According to the Federal Network Agency, the new supplier will normally handle the technical process and may cancel the previous contract with your authorisation. Contractual termination rules still apply. Keep written confirmation of the agreed supply date.

A short switching checklist

1. Record annual consumption and current contract dates.
2. Compare unit charge, standing charge and the full annual price.
3. Separate any first-year bonus from the follow-on cost.
4. Check the guarantee, term and notice rules.
5. Submit the meter details carefully and record the reading on the change date.
6. Review the final bill from the previous supplier.

If you are planning major insulation work or a new heating system, tariff choice and the future heating strategy should be considered separately. A supplier change does not answer whether gas remains the right heating source for the building.

The gas tariff page can help you organise the information from your bill.