In view of persistently high electricity bills, many consumers are sweating bullets. One way to get costs under control is to reduce consumption. It is far more efficient to switch electricity providers. This can save customers up to several hundred euros a year. Data from E-Control shows that average households can save up to 380 euros per year on electricity (as of December 2025).
However, many consumers are still reluctant to look for a new electricity supplier. However, switching electricity supplier is easier than you might think. Before you take action, however, you should think about the type of tariff (fixed price, floater, with or without price guarantee, etc.), commitment period, type of electricity (green electricity, electricity from Austria, etc.). You should also clarify the question of whether or not grid and energy costs should be included on the bill.
Once this is done, you are only a few steps or minutes away from a new supplier and therefore a lower price.
How can I change my electricity provider?
Finding the best electricity price and switching electricity providers is actually very easy:
Step 1: Searching for the best electricity price
Comparison portals such as Tarife.at, durchblicker.at, check24.at or the E-Control tariff calculator list the offers of all energy suppliers. Enter your data, such as zip code and current consumption, and search for the best electricity price.
Step 2: Choose the right tariff type
You can use the filter functions to search for the desired tariff and electricity type, for example. Important points of reference for the comparison are the price per kilowatt hour and the basic flat rate. Also look out for switching or new customer bonuses and whether the information only refers to the energy costs or whether grid fees and charges are already included.
Step 3: Conclude the contract
Once you have found the best price for you, sign the new contract, usually online. You do not need to worry about any formalities, as these will be taken care of by the new electricity supplier. Of course, they will also inform you about the date of the switch.
Please note: Even if you change your electricity supplier, the grid operator remains the same.
How long does it take to switch electricity provider?
The legal deadline for switching electricity suppliers is three weeks. The switch may not take longer than this.
What do I need to bear in mind when switching electricity provider?
As mentioned, you should firstly pay attention to how the stated price is made up. Furthermore, the network fees and taxes that are also incurred can vary from state to state or municipality to municipality. Last but not least, you should take a look at the services offered by the individual providers – for example in terms of availability.
A tip: For accurate billing with your previous electricity supplier, you should read the meter on the day of the switch and inform the grid operator, who is not only responsible for maintaining and servicing the grid, but also for reading the meter. No later than six weeks after the switch, you should receive a final bill from your previous electricity supplier for the electricity consumed up to the cut-off date.
Can I change my electricity provider at any time?
Yes. You can also switch electricity provider while your contract is still running. However, there is one condition: if a minimum contract term has been agreed, this must already have been reached.
Does it cost anything to switch electricity provider?
No, switching electricity providers is free of charge.
What documents do I need to switch electricity provider?
If you want to change your electricity supplier, you need a few important details: In addition to personal data and your home address, this includes details of your current electricity supplier and tariff, the meter point number of your electricity meter (a 33-digit number beginning with AT) and your annual electricity consumption. This information can be found on the current electricity bill.
Is the electricity switched off when I change my electricity provider?
No. This usually only happens if the consumer terminates the old contract but has not yet concluded a new one.
What happens to my old electricity contract after the switch?
As a rule, the new provider will take over the termination of the old contract – provided you have indicated the current provider and your willingness to switch.
Good to know:
Incidentally, you can not only change your electricity supplier, but also your gas supplier. The procedure is identical to that for electricity. You can find more information under this link.
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