Switching electricity providers: Get better prices in just 24 hours!

Switching electricity providers: Get better prices in just 24 hours!

From June 6, 2025, changing your electricity provider in Germany will be significantly easier. The new regulation, which allows a technical change within 24 hours on working days, is intended to shorten the previous long waiting times of up to three weeks. This measure is part of an EU directive and was anchored in the Energy Industry Act. However, the technical change, which affects the change of provider, does not affect the existing notice periods, which remain one month to the end of the contract term MDR reported.

The basic requirement for a quick change of provider is the introduction of the market location identification number (MaLo-ID). This eleven-digit number is used to clearly identify the points of consumption and remains constant when the meter is changed. However, consumers should not pass on the MaLo ID and their meter number carelessly to avoid problems. The MaLo ID allows providers to carry out the switching process automatically, which is intended to stimulate further competition among providers.

Legal framework and consequences

There are also important deadlines associated with the new regulation. From June 6, 2025, there will no longer be an option to register an electricity provider retroactively after moving. This means that consumers must submit their pension applications in a timely manner. Particular attention must be paid to the deadlines, as if the contract is terminated late, the basic provider, who often works with higher prices, will step in. This change creates the need for both previous and subsequent tenants to agree on costs and contracts, especially if the previous tenant did not terminate their contract in a timely manner.

To ensure that the changeover goes smoothly, it is recommended that you document the meter readings on the day you move in or out and record them in a handover report. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and record the correct consumption.

Safety aspects and further information

Consumers are also warned about dubious business practices, particularly door-to-door salespeople who may offer unsolicited contracts. All newly concluded contracts can be canceled within 14 days. It is worth taking this aspect into account to avoid unwanted financial obligations.

From 2026, the switching processes will be further optimized, so that there will also be an obligation to implement 24-hour changes, while the change of gas supplier will initially remain unaffected by these changes, but with planned adjustments not until October 2026 at the earliest.

Overall, the efforts to reform the switching process and the new legal regulations should lead to a more dynamic market in which providers can compete for consumers' favor with attractive prices and conditions Lower Saxony Consumer Center. Consumers are therefore encouraged to take care of their electricity supply at an early stage and to inform their providers in good time.