Getting Services Connected - Electricity, Gas, Oil & Water

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Getting Services Connected - Electricity, Gas, Oil & Water

When moving into a house or apartment it is necessary to set up a connection to all utilities. Proof of residency (polizeiliche Anmeldung) will usually be required.

Rented accommodation in Germany generally has two types of rent: "warm" and "cold". 

• Cold rent (Kaltmiete) is the basic rent only with no additional costs included
• Warm rent (Warmmiete) includes additional costs such as water, property tax, chimney sweeping, street cleaning and waste disposal services. In some cases it includes costs for electricity and gas supply. 
• For more information: Click here (in German)

Getting connected: Gas and Electricity

The new owner or tenant can change suppliers although the previous supplier may stipulate that the supply remains unchanged for up to twelve months. However, in practice change of supplier can be done within a three month period if the customer notifies the respective companies six weeks in advance. It is best to read the terms of the supply contract before changing suppliers as many demand a minimum contract period.

The new occupant should make a note of all meter readings from the previous occupant so that the utility company only bills for their actual consumption.

Note: In multiple occupancy buildings ask the landlord or caretaker which company is responsible for supplying gas and electricity to the building and where to register.

To change account details the supplier will require:

• Meter number (if known). This is a maximum of eight digits and should not be confused with the appliance number on the side of the meter
• Meter reading
• Date of transfer
• The name and contact details of the previous occupant (if possible)
• The exact address including details of which floor of the building the property is on
• Name and bank account details of the new tenant or occupant

Billing

Meters are read once a year. Consumption is generally estimated for the following twelve-month period. Bi-monthly invoices slips are issued stating the amount the supplier estimates the customer will need to pay to cover usage. These can be taken to the post office or bank for payment or a direct debit may be set up.

Following the annual meter reading, payments are adjusted according to actual consumption, and overpayment is reimbursed or additional payment is requested by the landlord or the electricity or gas supplier.

Many companies offer an online facility (in German) for registering as a new customer (Anmelden) or for disconnecting (Abmelden). Check the website of the respective supplier.

Gas and Electricity Suppliers

The energy market was deregulated in Germany at the end of the 20^th century. This has led to fierce competition between regional, national and international suppliers. There are many types of energy available in Germany.

Individual electricity and gas companies in Germany are regulated by The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) together with the regulatory authorities of the federal states.

There are many consumer advice centres and websites offering cost comparisons between providers (Stromanbieter/Gasanbieter). It is also possible to select the type of electricity supply preferred, for example environmentally friendly or nuclear and to select supply packages to suit individual budgets.

Most apartment buildings are supplied by one gas/electricity company who will have a contract with the landlord. This means it is not possible for individual tenants to change supplier. However, if the apartments within the building have individual gas/electricity supplies and the tenant is responsible for the bill rather than it being part of the rent, it is possible to switch suppliers. 

• For more information (in English) on how to change suppliers: Click here
• To contact the German consumer advice service for electricity and gas: Click here

In order to help consumers the following websites can provide further information and cost comparison (in German):

• Billig-Strom
• Stromauskunft
• Stromtarife
• Strom Tip

Mains gas and electricity suppliers

• For all electricity suppliers: Click here (in German) a new user may be prompted to register first
• For all gas suppliers: Click here (in German) if a password is requested, simply click "OK" at the empty fields

Energy saving

Germany strives to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. There are many sources of tips on how to decrease energy costs and consumption.

Water

Water in Germany is usually supplied by the local waterworks (kommunale Wasserwerke). Generally in the case of rental properties, water costs are determined based on a individual usage and the charges are levied with the rent as part of the additional rent costs (Nebenkosten). In this case there is no need to set up an individual account. 

If it is necessary to set up a new contract, contact the relevant water supplier. Most websites have details of customer service centres (Kundencenter) and some have an online facility for registering (anmelden) as a new client.

Billing

Water consumption readings are taken annually and any additions or deductions based on actual consumption are reflected final bill. In rental properties, the actual consumption is reflected in the rent charges for the following year.

Some properties have individual water meters, but more often the water costs are calculated at a fixed rate on the basis of m². Private clients pay on the basis of consumption; drinking water and waste water are often charged separately.

• For further information on water costs and how consumption is calculated: Click here (in German)

Each water company has its own emergency contact number (Entstoerungsdienst) in case of problems with water discolouration, pressure fluctuation or loss of supply.

In many parts of Germany the water quality is very hard and it is strongly recommended that limescale protection products are used in dishwashers and washing machines. Water filters are also very popular for drinking water to prevent limescale build-up in kettles.

Oil and Coal Fired Stove Heating (Ofenheizung)

Many older buildings in Germany still have stove heating (Ofenheizung) usually fired by briquettes and coal and useful for burning rubbish to decrease the amount of household waste generated. Rental properties with stove heating usually have lower rents. Coal is sold at a coal merchant, a builders' merchants (Baumarkt) and DIY shops. Some offer a regular delivery service although it can be bought in small quantities and transport by the homeowner/tenant themselves. Most of the older buildings with stove heating will have a cellar (Kellerraum) for storing fuel.

Further Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page Telephone & Internet in Germany
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Moving House in Germany

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