New electricity law: How to avoid expensive changes to providers from June!

New electricity law: How to avoid expensive changes to providers from June!

From June 6, 2025, significant changes will come into force for electricity customers in Germany. Loud chip Retroactive registration or de-registration of the electricity provider is then no longer possible. This has particular implications for customers who have to change their address when moving.

An example illustrates the situation: moving on the 1st of the month and re-registering on the 2nd mean that the customer is automatically classified as receiving the more expensive basic service. This is the tariff that applies to all customers if they no longer have a specific contract with a provider.

Important steps when changing provider

To ensure a smooth change of provider, we recommend that you request the appointment well in advance. A quick change is possible from the stated date on working days within 24 hours. This requires the market location identification number (MaLo-ID), which can be found in the contract documents or on the electricity bill. This eleven-digit number clearly identifies the power connection and remains the same even if the meter is changed. Consumer advocates warn that sensitive information such as the MaLo ID should not be passed on to third parties carelessly ADAC.

It is important to note that despite the new 24-hour deadline for switching, the existing contract terms and notice periods still apply. These are usually between one and three months, with new contracts since March 2022 having a maximum notice period of one month.

Savings by switching providers

By regularly checking prices and switching providers, consumers in Germany can save hundreds of euros. A key argument in favor of switching is that the annual savings when switching from an expensive tariff (e.g. 39.70 cents/kWh) to a cheap tariff (26 cents/kWh) can be up to 480 euros. The consumer advice centers therefore recommend comparing providers before concluding a contract in order to find the best conditions.

In the event of a problem with changing provider, there is a legally guaranteed replacement supply from the basic provider for a maximum of three months. After this period, households end up in the local basic supply tariffs, which can usually be canceled within two weeks. It is therefore advisable to take care of registering and deregistering when moving in good time in order to avoid expensive basic supplies.

Another important point is the special right of termination, which applies in the event of price increases or changes to the contractual conditions. When moving, there may also be a special right of termination of up to six weeks if the provider cannot deliver or prices rise. Cancellations can be made in text form, such as via email, fax or SMS, which makes the process even easier.

Given these changes in energy supply, it is essential for electricity customers to be well informed and actively consider whether they can benefit from the new regulations.