How to Switch Electricity Provider Austria 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Switch electricity provider in Austria: Complete guide for expats. Save €200-500 per year. Step-by-step instructions, no German required.
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Why Switch Electricity Providers?
Switching your electricity provider in Austria can save you €200-500 per year – while receiving the exact same electricity. Austria has over 140 electricity providers, and many offer attractive deals for new customers.
Typical Savings When Switching
- Single household (2,000 kWh): €100-200/year
- Couple (3,500 kWh): €150-300/year
- Family (5,000 kWh): €200-500/year
- House with heat pump (10,000 kWh): €400-800/year
How to Switch: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Your Information
You'll need these details from your current electricity bill:
| Information | German Term | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Annual consumption | Jahresverbrauch (kWh) | First page of bill |
| Meter number | Zählernummer | Bill or on your meter |
| Meter point ID | Zählpunktnummer | Bill (33-character code) |
| Current price per kWh | Arbeitspreis (Ct/kWh) | Price breakdown on bill |
Step 2: Compare Providers
What to Compare:
- Energy price (Arbeitspreis): Cost per kWh consumed
- Base fee (Grundpreis): Fixed monthly charge
- Price guarantee: How long is the price fixed?
- Contract length: 12-24 months is typical
- New customer bonus: One-time bonus (often only in year 1)
Compare Electricity Providers →
Step 3: Sign Up with New Provider
- Fill out the online form (takes ~5 minutes)
- Enter your meter number & meter point ID
- Provide your IBAN for payment
- Done! The new provider handles everything else
You Don't Need to Cancel!
The new provider will cancel your old contract for you and register you with the grid operator. You don't need to do anything else.
Step 4: Wait for the Switch
- Timeline: 3-6 weeks (legally max. 3 weeks after notice period)
- Power supply: No interruption – electricity always flows!
- Confirmation: You'll receive mail from your new provider
Does Switching Cost Money?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Provider switch | €0 (FREE!) |
| Cancelling old provider | €0 (handled by new provider) |
| Meter reading | €0 |
| Grid operator registration | €0 |
Switching electricity providers in Austria is 100% free!
Can My Power Go Out During the Switch?
No, never! This is technically impossible.
Here's why:
- The grid operator (Netzbetreiber) delivers the electricity
- The provider is just the seller/billing company
- Even during the switch, electricity flows normally
You're protected even if your provider goes bankrupt – the grid operator automatically supplies you.
Key German Terms for Expats
| German | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stromanbieter | Electricity provider | The company you pay |
| Netzbetreiber | Grid operator | Delivers the actual electricity |
| Arbeitspreis | Energy price (per kWh) | Usually in Cent/kWh |
| Grundpreis | Base fee | Fixed monthly/yearly charge |
| Zählernummer | Meter number | Found on your meter or bill |
| Zählpunktnummer | Meter point ID | 33 characters, starts with AT |
| Kündigung | Cancellation | Done by new provider |
| Preisgarantie | Price guarantee | How long price is fixed |
Notice Periods in Austria
| Contract Type | Notice Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (no commitment) | 2 weeks | Can cancel anytime |
| 12-month contract | 1-3 months before end | Set a reminder! |
| 24-month contract | 1-3 months before end | Fixed price, longer commitment |
| After price increase | Immediate (special right) | Regardless of contract! |
Special Cancellation Right
Whenever your provider raises prices or changes contract terms, you have a special cancellation right – regardless of your contract length. Use it!
Switching Checklist
- [ ] Find your annual consumption (last electricity bill)
- [ ] Note your meter number & meter point ID
- [ ] Check your current price (Ct/kWh + base fee)
- [ ] Check your notice period
- [ ] Use a comparison website (e.g., durchblicker.at)
- [ ] Compare total costs over 12-24 months (not just bonus!)
- [ ] Sign up with new provider
- [ ] Wait for confirmation
- [ ] Set reminder for next contract end date
Compare & Switch Providers →
FAQ
Do I need to speak German to switch?
Mostly no. Many providers have English-speaking support, and comparison websites are straightforward. The forms require basic information (name, address, meter numbers) that you can fill out without German.
Do I need to cancel my current provider myself?
No! The new provider handles the cancellation for you. Just sign up with the new provider, and they take care of everything – cancelling your old contract and registering you.
How long does the switch take?
Typically 3-6 weeks from signing up. By law, the switch must happen within 3 weeks after your notice period ends.
Can I switch if I'm renting?
Yes, usually! If the electricity contract is in your name (you pay the provider directly), you can switch freely. If your landlord pays electricity and includes it in your rent (Betriebskosten), you cannot switch yourself.
What if I'm moving apartments?
When moving, your contract usually ends automatically. You can either take your provider to your new address or sign up with a new provider. Compare prices – moving is a good time to switch!
Conclusion
Switching your electricity provider in Austria is simple, quick, and free. With just a few clicks, you can save €200-500 per year while receiving exactly the same electricity from your outlet.
Our tip: Compare offers annually and use your special cancellation rights whenever prices increase!
Updated: February 2026 | All information without guarantee
Disclaimer and Legal Information
No Financial or Legal Advice: The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. It does not replace individual consultation with a professional expert.
No Warranty for Accuracy and Timeliness: Despite careful research, we cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the information. Prices, terms, and services may change at any time. Please verify all information directly with the respective provider.
No Recommendations: The mentioned products, services, or providers do not constitute a personal recommendation. The selection was made for informational purposes. Every decision is your own responsibility.
Liability Disclaimer: We assume no liability for damages or losses that could arise from the use of the information provided. This applies in particular to financial decisions based on this information.
External Links: For content of external websites we link to, their operators are exclusively responsible.
Information as of: November 2024. All information without warranty. Changes and errors excepted.
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