Changing your electricity provider in 24 hours: Everything you need to know!

Changing your electricity provider in 24 hours: Everything you need to know!

Switching electricity providers will be much easier for consumers from June 6, 2025, as it will be possible within 24 hours on working days. Loud MDR This new regulation is intended to significantly shorten waiting times and bring more dynamism to the market. Previously, the technical changeover took up to three weeks, which was partly due to lengthy processes and technical problems.

In order to enable faster switching of providers, a new identification number, the market location identification number (MaLo-ID), will be introduced from June 2025. This ID, which is stated on the electricity bill, identifies a power connection and remains constant even when the meter is changed. However, consumers should be careful not to pass on their MaLo ID and meter number carelessly ADAC emphasized.

Important changes and deadlines

The new regulations also bring with them some important changes for after the move. From June 6, 2025, it will no longer be possible to change electricity providers retroactively. Consumers must register and deregister with the provider in good time in order to avoid expensive basic services. If termination is delayed, the basic provider often steps in and often charges higher prices.

The notice periods for electricity contracts are usually between one and three months, but this is a maximum of one month for new contracts since March 2022. A shorter notice period of two weeks applies to basic suppliers. In addition, consumers have a special right of termination in the event of price increases, price reductions or changed contract conditions. If you move where the new place of residence is outside the delivery area, a change of provider may also be necessary.

Savings opportunities by switching providers

Regular price checks and switching providers can bring significant savings for consumers of up to several hundred euros per year. An example makes this clear: A change from 39.70 cents per kWh to 26 cents per kWh could correspond to an annual saving of 480 euros. Therefore, experts from consumer advice centers recommend comparing providers before signing a contract in order to find the best conditions.

The termination of an electricity contract can be done in text form, such as by email or SMS. In most cases, the new provider takes over the termination formalities. Even if there are problems when changing providers, consumers are protected by a legally guaranteed supply from the basic supplier, which provides electricity for a maximum of three months before an automatic switch to the local basic supply tariff takes place.