Millions of German households are still on their local utility's default tariff (Grundversorger) — often the most expensive option. Switching gas providers is straightforward, takes about 15 minutes online, and can save hundreds of euros per year. Here's how.
Average Annual Savings by Switching
For a typical household consuming 10,000–15,000 kWh/year
Understanding Your Gas Bill
German gas bills have two components you need to know:
| Term | What it means | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arbeitspreis | Price per kWh consumed | €0.06–€0.12/kWh |
| Grundpreis | Fixed monthly standing charge | €5–€15/month |
When comparing tariffs, always look at the total annual cost (Gesamtkosten), not just the Arbeitspreis. A low per-kWh price with a high standing charge can cost more overall.
How to Switch: 4 Simple Steps
Know Your Usage
Find your annual consumption (Jahresverbrauch) in kWh on your last annual statement (Jahresabrechnung). Typical values: 1-bed flat ~5,000 kWh, 3-bed house ~15,000 kWh.
Compare Tariffs
Enter your postcode and annual usage at narvergleich.de to see all available tariffs ranked by total annual cost. Filter by contract length and green gas if needed.
Switch Online
Choose your new provider and complete the online form. You'll need your current meter number (Zählernummer) and current provider name. The new provider handles the cancellation automatically.
Relax — Gas Stays On
Your gas supply is never interrupted. The switch happens in the background. Your new contract starts on the confirmed date; you'll get a final bill from the old provider.
✅ Good to know: In Germany, your new provider handles the cancellation of your old contract on your behalf. You do not need to contact your old provider separately.
Contract Types Explained
| Type | German Term | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-price | Preisgarantie | Price locked — no surprises | May miss price drops |
| Variable | Variabler Tarif | Can benefit from falling prices | Price can rise with 6 weeks' notice |
| Default tariff | Grundversorgung | Always available, no application | Usually the most expensive option |
Switching Checklist
- ✅ Find your annual gas consumption (kWh) — on last year's bill
- ✅ Note your current provider name
- ✅ Have your meter number (Zählernummer) ready — on the meter itself
- ✅ Note your IBAN for direct debit setup
- ✅ Decide: fixed price or variable? 12 or 24 months?
⚠️ Watch out for: Some cheap tariffs come with a 12-month price guarantee only. After the guarantee period, prices often rise. Set a calendar reminder to compare again before renewal.