24-hour change of supplier
This will apply from June 2025
On 6 June 2025, the so-called 24-hour change of supplier will come into force. This means that it will then be possible to switch electricity suppliers within one working day. The Federal Network Agency is thus transposing an EU directive into national law. The aim is to simplify the switching of electricity suppliers for consumers and speed up the processes between the various market players.
Register changes (moving out, moving in) in good time: Retroactive registrations or cancellations are no longer possible.Faster exchange of information
The new directive will above all speed up the exchange of information between the market players concerned, i.e. between the existing and the new electricity supplier as well as the responsible grid and metering point operator. 24-hour supplier switching ensures that this technical supplier switching process is completed within 24 hours on working days.
One example:
You would like to move into a new flat on 1 July 2025. The new regulations therefore already apply. Your current electricity contract has a cancellation period of 14 days. This means that you must terminate your contract at least 14 days before moving in, i.e. by 18 June, and register the move with the electricity supplier. You read the meter reading when you move out and submit the data.
In short: In future, you must notify the electricity supplier of your move in good time in advance and in compliance with the applicable cancellation periods in order to guarantee a smooth transition.
The amendment affects the following cases in particular:
- Moving in: In future, an electricity supply contract must be concluded before moving in. Retroactive supply from the date of moving in is no longer possible.
- Moving out: Cancellation from the energy supplier must be made in good time in advance. Retroactive cancellations are no longer permitted.
- Vacancies: Owners or property managers must also take active and early action in the event of vacancies.
FAQ
Switching from one electricity supplier to another is known as a change of supplier. If you stay with the same supplier and only decide in favour of a different contract, this is a change of tariff, not a change of supplier.
Switching electricity providers is usually done online these days. You will find the necessary data on your last annual statement. Enter the name of your current supplier and, if possible, your market location identification number (MaLo-ID). Your new provider will take over the cancellation from your old provider. After checking the data, the previous provider notifies the new provider and the grid operator of the end of supply. The new provider registers the grid utilisation and informs you of the start of supply after confirmation.
Each consumption point has a unique eleven-digit market location identification number, or MALO ID for short. This identification number was introduced on 1 February 2018 in order to clearly assign market locations and simplify communication between energy suppliers, grid operators and customers. It replaces previous designations such as metering point or delivery point. You can find your MaLo ID on your last electricity bill.
As retroactive registration or deregistration will no longer be possible in future, you should take care of your registration and deregistration in good time. It is essential that you observe the applicable term and cancellation period of your existing contract. If you cancel too late, the contract will remain in force until the new cancellation date and additional costs may be incurred.
The same applies to moving in: If you move into a new flat on the 1st of the month and only register on the 2nd of the month, you will initially be included in the basic supply and are bound by the cancellation period of 14 days. You can only switch after this period has expired. It is therefore best to register your move to a new address in good time before you actually move in.
To ensure a smooth changeover, you should plan the following two steps in future:
- Re-registration 14 days before handing over the keys: From 6 June 2025, it is crucial that we receive the re-registration in good time, at the latest 14 days before the keys are handed over. We recommend that you send the re-registration as soon as a new purchase or rental agreement has been concluded. Please contact us for this purpose.
- Meter readings after handing over the keys: Please send us the meter readings at the time of handing over the keys on the day of handover or shortly thereafter to avoid estimates.
Retroactive registrations and cancellations are no longer possible. If, for example, we only learn of a cancellation of an electricity contract after the new user has moved in, we can only re-register for the next possible date. We will bill your former tenant or you as the owner for the time between the handover of the keys and the registration of the new user.