Price increase received
You have received a letter about a price increase. You can then cancel without notice at the time of the change.
Switching supplier · As of October 2026
Switching supplier: easier than you think
Switching your electricity or gas supplier seems complicated, but most of it happens in the background. Your supply is not interrupted, and switching is free for you. Here you can find out how switching works, which details are needed and how MB Finance supports you.
- No gap in supply
- The new supplier cancels
- 24-hour switch for electricity
- 14-day withdrawal period
What happens in the background when you switch
Electricity and gas still come through the same lines and the same meter. Only the company that supplies you and sends you the bill changes. Nobody needs to come to your home for the switch.
There is no gap in supply. If something goes wrong during the switch, the local default supplier (Grundversorger) continues to supply you. The switch must not cause you any additional costs (§ 20a Abs. 3 EnWG).
For electricity, the technical switch has been carried out within 24 hours since 6 June 2025 and is possible on any working day. Since 1 January 2026, this requirement has also applied to gas under § 20a EnWG; there, the processes are still being adapted. In total, the switching process may take no more than three weeks from registration with the network operator (Netzbetreiber), unless you want a later supply date.
The fast technical switch does not change the notice period (Kündigungsfrist) of your current contract. When you can switch still depends on your contract.
When you can cancel: the most important deadlines
Usually the new supplier cancels your old contract for you. To do this, you give the new supplier power of attorney (Vollmacht).
| Your situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Basic supply (Grundversorgung) | Cancellation at any time with two weeks' notice, in text form (Textform). |
| Contract with a minimum term | Cancellation at the end of the term with the agreed notice period. For contracts from March 2022 onwards, the contract can be cancelled monthly after an initial term of no more than 24 months. |
| Price increase | Cancellation without notice at the time of the change. The supplier must inform household customers at least one month in advance (§ 41 Abs. 5 EnWG). |
| Moving house | Special termination with six weeks' notice, for the day you move out or later (§ 41b Abs. 5 EnWG). |
If there is a price increase or shortly before a contract extension, it can make sense to cancel yourself, ideally in text form and with proof of delivery.
The details we need for the switch
You can find almost everything on your last annual bill. A photo of the bill is often enough.
- Meter number (Zählernummer): shown on the meter and on your bill.
- Market location ID (Marktlokations-ID, MaLo-ID): it uniquely identifies your supply point and is shown on your bill. It is the most reliable way to match your supply correctly.
- Meter reading (Zählerstand): read recently, ideally with a photo and the date.
- Annual consumption: in kWh, from your last annual bill.
- Current supplier and customer number: also on your bill.
- Bank details: for paying the monthly instalment (Abschlag) by direct debit, if you wish.
- Name and supply address: exactly as registered with your current supplier.
Withdrawal: 14 days to think it over
If you, as a consumer, sign a contract by phone, online, by email or away from business premises, you can withdraw from it within 14 days without giving a reason. The period starts at the earliest when you have been properly informed about your right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht).
Send your withdrawal in a way that lets you prove it was received, for example by registered post or with written confirmation. This right of withdrawal does not apply to businesses.
After the switch, your old supplier sends you a final bill (Schlussrechnung). It must arrive no later than six weeks after supply ends. The supplier must pay out any credit within two weeks (§ 40c EnWG).
Typical reasons for switching
Still on basic supply
You have never switched. You can cancel the basic supply at any time with two weeks' notice.
Contract term or price guarantee ending
The end of the contract term or the price guarantee (Preisgarantie) is a good time to review your tariff.
New life situation
Moving house, a new family member, a heat pump or an electric car change your consumption. Your old tariff may then no longer suit you.
How switching works with MB Finance
This website does not offer a live tariff comparison. You can get specific tariffs via “Request a quote” or in a consultation.
- 01
Send a request
You contact us by phone, WhatsApp, email or via the request form. The advice is in German, Persian or English, by phone or Microsoft Teams.
- 02
Check consumption and contract
We look at your annual consumption and your current contract and clarify the date from which a switch is possible.
- 03
Compare tariffs
We compare suitable tariffs from the suppliers that MB Finance works with and explain the differences to you.
- 04
Receive a quote as a PDF
You receive the quote as a PDF in German and, if you wish, also in Persian or English.
- 05
Sign the order
If you agree, you sign the order directly on screen or via a link.
- 06
The new supplier takes over
The new supplier usually cancels your old contract and registers you with the network operator. It confirms in text form the date from which it will supply you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to cancel my old contract myself?
Usually not. As a rule, the new supplier cancels the old contract for you and observes the notice period. If there is a price increase or shortly before an extension, it can make sense to cancel yourself.
Can I switch during a minimum contract term?
Only at the end of the term or with a special termination right (Sonderkündigungsrecht), for example after a price increase or when you move. But we can plan the new contract in advance so that it starts immediately afterwards.
What happens if the new supplier does not start supplying on time?
You still have supply, if necessary from the local default supplier. If the switch is delayed beyond the legal deadline, you may be able to claim compensation.
Does switching cost me anything?
No. The switch itself must not cause you any additional costs. You also pay nothing extra for advice and arranging the contract by MB Finance; MB Finance receives a commission from the supplier.
Does the 24-hour switch also apply to gas?
Yes. Since 1 January 2026, § 20a EnWG has required the 24-hour switch for both electricity and gas. For electricity, this has been in place since June 2025; for gas, the network operators are still adapting their processes. In any case, the switching process may take no more than three weeks, unless you want a later date. What still matters is your notice period.
Related topics
Price increases & cancelling
Electricity or gas price increase? How to check the letter, use your special termination right under § 41 EnWG and switch in time without a gap in supply.
Learn moreBasic supply
What default and substitute supply for electricity and gas mean, why they often cost more, which deadlines apply and how to switch to a suitable tariff.
Learn moreTerm, price guarantee & bonus
How to read electricity and gas contracts: contract term, notice period, cancellation button, withdrawal, bonus and price guarantee, with an offer checklist.
Learn moreReading your meter
How to read your meter correctly: electricity meters, smart meters, HT/NT and gas meters explained. When to take a reading and what helps against estimates.
Learn moreUnderstanding your bill
How to read your electricity and gas bill: unit price, standing charge, monthly instalments, 2026 price components, mandatory details and what to do about errors.
Learn moreSwitching savings calculator
Compare your current tariff with a new offer. The calculator separates the first year with the bonus from the second year without the bonus – so you can see whether an offer is cheaper in the long term.
Open the calculatorSources
- Bundesnetzagentur: Switching supplier
- Gesetze im Internet: § 20a EnWG (switching supplier)
- Gesetze im Internet: § 41 EnWG (price changes, right to cancel)
- Gesetze im Internet: § 41b EnWG (special termination when moving)
- Gesetze im Internet: § 40c EnWG (deadlines for bills and credits)
- Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg: Electricity and gas – how to switch supplier
Get personal advice
Call us, send us a message on WhatsApp or by email, or request a quote directly. We give advice by phone or Microsoft Teams – in German, Persian and English.