We’re writing today to share a change to energy provider rule that went into effect on June 6, 2025. These changes impact those moving into a new apartment or out of their existing apartment. The law is known as the 24-Hour Switching Rule for Electricity Providers or 24‑Stunden‑Lieferantenwechsel in German.
The rule implements § 20a Abs. 2 Energiewirtschaftsgesetz (EnWG), in accordance with EU Directive 2019/944, and mandates that the supplier switch for electricity providers must be completed within one working day (24 hours)
In the world of relocation, the most important change is that retroactive registrations or de-registrations are no longer possible.
Here’s what you need to know.
🔄 1. 24-Hour Switching Rule for Electricity Providers
As of June 6, 2025, electricity providers must complete the transfer or open an account for residential customers within 24 hours (excluding Sundays). The goal is to speed up the switching process and make it easier for consumers to benefit from cheaper or greener tariffs.
🚫 2. No More Retroactive Registration or Deregistration
It is no longer possible to backdate the start or end of a utility contract—this commonly affected customers moving into a new home. From now on, contract changes must be planned in advance, often requiring a 14-day lead time, or the customer will be placed in the default basic supply tariff, which is typically more expensive.
🧾 3. Implications for Registration and Deregistration
- Registering with a new provider must be done early—ideally at least 14 days in advance—to ensure service starts on time.
- Deregistering from a current provider also requires advance planning, or the consumer may be temporarily placed in the more costly basic supply service or be required to pay costs after the move-out date.
⚠️4. What are the consequences for late registrations?
If electricity registration is not completed on time, the customer is automatically placed into the basic supply (Grundversorgung), which is usually significantly more expensive. Retroactive contract start dates are no longer allowed, meaning any delay results in unwanted and costly default service. Additionally, billing complications and service gaps may occur if registration is not properly coordinated.