How to cancel your gas utility contract in Germany

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You can legally cancel your contract with your gas provider in Germany the following situations:

  • At the end of the initial contract term
  • Because of a price increase
  • When moving out

This allows you to switch a cheaper gas provider in Germany or else, move out of Germany with peace in mind.

cancel contract with gas provider in Germany guide

In this guide, we are looking at how to cancel your gas contract in Germany in details but here is the short form:

  • You can terminal your contract early in the following 2 cases:
    • When the price increases, you can terminate on the day before the new prices apply. See here how.
    • When moving out, you can terminate your contract six weeks before moving out of your previous apartment, provided your utility provider cannot provide service at the new address. Read here how.
  • A standard termination after the initial contract period still requires you you to take action. Check the terms of your contract: it tells you when to notify your current gas provider about contract termination after the initial period. More info & template here.
  • If your utility provider notifies you of the price increase without referring to your special termination right, the price increase is then unlawful.
  • Find a new gas provider in good enough time, since switching can sometimes take several weeks. We show you how in this other guide.
  • In all cases, you must write a termination letter yourself. That only requires a few sentences of a sheet of paper. We provide templates here in the different sections.

If there are still questions after reading this guide, feel free to ask questions in the comments section. I answer each question personally.

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Bastien – Settle in Berlin

when can terminate a gas contract in Germany

Cancelling a German gas contract after the initial term

If you want to terminate your German gas provider at the end of your contract, you must look at 2 things:

  • The so-called minimum contract duration (Mindestlaufzeit). This tells you when your initial commitment period ends.
  • The notice period (Kündigungsfrist). This tells you when to notify your provider in order to avoid an automatic renewal. As a rule, the notice period for gas contracts is between four weeks and three months . However, anyone who has a local basic provider (Grundversorger) have a notice period of 2 weeks . This is usually the case if you have never changed your provider .

Both can be found on your contract or in the terms and conditions. Some providers also list it online in your customer portal.

With those deadlines in mind, you can terminate your contract at any time: you don’t need to wait for the notice period to start at the end of your contract to send a termination letter.

You can use this termination letter template to cancel your contract.

Cancelling your German gas contract after a price increase

You have an early termination right if your German gas provider increases its prices and your fees becomes more expensive as a result (German energy act: § 41 Para. 5 EnWG)

Your gas provider must inform you of the change in advance, and in the same latter inform of your special termination right in that situation. This allows you to terminate your contract without notice – on the day before the new prices apply.

To make use of that termination right, the termination letter should include:

  • Point out that you are making use of your special termination right (Sonderkündigungsrecht)
  • Write the date on which you are giving notice. Enter the day before the price increase is to take place. For example, if the price increase on July 1st, cancel on June 30th.
  • Here is a great template by the Bundesnetzagentur or use the one below.

This should be sent in written form to your provider. Some accept via email or via the customer portal. Of course many of them adds friction on purpose and only want it in paper.

You have the right to terminate your electricity contract also if even if your tariff gets cheaper. Switching providers might still save you money, as other suppliers may offer even lower rates. Comparing providers with a tool can help you find those better deals.

Note: end of bonus is not a price increase

Many gas providers in Germany are attracting new customers with “new customer bonuses” or “sign-up bonuses”. It’s a temporary price reduction applied during part of the contract.

If you suddenly pay more because this bonus has ended, you are not entitled to a special termination right. When the contract was signed, you agreed to the end of the bonus at this point in time and thus a mechanical price increase.

Cancelling your German gas contract when moving out

If you move into a new home, you can also make use of an early termination right, but only in the following cases (German energy Act: Section 41b (4) EnWG):

  • Your current provider is not able to provide service at your new address.
  • Your current provider cannot match the current price terms at your new address.

Send in your termination letter at least six weeks before you move, including the following details:

  • Current customer details
  • Pointing your want to make use of your termination right (Sonderkündigungsrecht) because you are moving out.
  • Moving out date.
  • Include the new address or the gas meter details there.
  • Here is a good template for that.

I have sent a termination letter, what now?

After you have sent a termination letter to your German gas provider, expect a few days for them to process it.

  • You will then receive a confirmation letter from them that they have acknowledged your decision, with an end date.
  • Do keep in mind that your current provider will send you a final bill after you have ended your contract, to clear your balance.
  • Right after sending in your letter, it is recommended to start searching for a new utility provider. It sometimes take weeks for the switch to happen. Most often that not, your new provider can also take over and cancel on your behalf.

I hope this small guide on how to cancel your gas provider contract in Germany was clear and useful to you. As usual, don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments’ section below.

Bastien

FAQ – Canceling your electricity contract in Germany

Can my new provider cancel the old contract for me?

Yes, in most cases they’ll handle it if you give them permission. But if you’re moving or canceling because of a price increase, it’s usually safer to do it yourself to avoid any delays.

What happens if I forget to switch or cancel in time?

Don’t panic. You’ll never be left in the dark. If there’s a gap, your local Grundversorger (basic supplier) automatically steps in to keep the power running.

How much notice do I need to give?

That depends on your contract. For default suppliers (Grundversorgung), it’s just 14 days. For other suppliers, it’s often 4 to 6 weeks before the end of your contract term. Always check the fine print.

Do I need to send a meter reading when I cancel?

Absolutely. Take a reading on your last day (or moving day) and send it to both your old and new providers. This makes sure you only pay for what you’ve actually used.

Can I cancel immediately if I’m moving or if prices go up?

Yes, these situations usually give you a Sonderkündigungsrecht (special right of termination). Just make sure to mention it clearly in your cancellation letter and provide proof if needed (like a Meldebescheinigung when moving).

When will I get my final bill?

By law, your old provider has up to 6 weeks to send it. If it takes longer, give them a nudge in writing.

Sources and references

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