Electricity & Gas Prices 2026: Grid Fee Subsidy and New Opportunities
The German government is investing 6.5 billion Euro in grid costs. Learn everything about price developments, CO2 price adjustments and how to save up to 500 Euro annually.
Energy Prices 2026 at a Glance:
- Electricity: 28-32 cents/kWh (good rates) | Basic supply: 40-48 cents/kWh
- Gas: 5-8 cents/kWh (good rates) | Basic supply: 10-14 cents/kWh
- Grid fees decrease by approx. 7% thanks to government subsidy
- CO2 price rises to 55 Euro/ton (previously 45 Euro)
2026 brings good news for consumers:The German government has approved a 6.5 billion Euro relief package for grid costs. This leads to a reduction in grid fees by approximately 7%. At the same time, the CO2 price rises to 55 Euro per ton. Those who strategically switch providers now can save up to 500 Euro annually.
Electricity Prices 2026: 6.5 Billion Euro Relief
Key Changes for Electricity
Grid Fee Subsidy
- 6.5 billion Euro government funding
- Expected reduction in grid fees by approx. 7%
- Relief directly on your electricity bill
Dynamic Tariffs
- Hourly EPEX Spot prices available
- Ideal for use with smart meters
- Flexible charging for EVs, heat pumps
Good Electricity Tariffs 2026
- Energy price: 28-32 cents/kWh
- Green electricity: Often cheaper than conventional
- Price guarantee: 12-24 months recommended
- Savings potential: Up to 500 Euro/year
Avoid Basic Supply
- Energy price: 40-48 cents/kWh
- Extra costs: 30-50% more expensive than alternatives
- No price guarantee: Can change anytime
- Recommendation: Switch immediately
Gas Prices 2026: Gas Levy Abolished
Key Changes for Gas
Positive Developments
- Gas levy (gas storage levy) abolished
- Prices stabilizing at lower levels
- More competition among providers
CO2 Price Increase
- CO2 price rises to 55 Euro/ton
- Increase from 45 Euro in 2025
- Adds approx. 1.5 cents/kWh to gas prices
Good Gas Tariffs
- Energy price: 5-8 cents/kWh
- Price guarantee: Available
- Bonus: Often with new customer bonus
Biogas / Green Gas
- Energy price: 6-9 cents/kWh
- CO2-neutral: Climate-friendly
- Trend: Increasingly popular
Basic Gas Supply
- Energy price: 10-14 cents/kWh
- Extra costs: Almost twice as expensive
- Recommendation: Switch
CO2 Price 2026: Rising to 55 Euro per Ton
CO2 Pricing Overview
Price Development
Impact
Due to CO2 pricing
Makes heating oil more expensive
Fuel costs increase
Tip: Reduce CO2 Costs
CO2-free electricity reduces your footprint
Climate-neutral gas available
Less consumption = lower CO2 costs
Price Comparison 2026: At a Glance
| Tariff Type | Electricity (cents/kWh) | Gas (cents/kWh) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Supply | 40-48 | 10-14 | Too expensive |
| Standard Tariffs | 32-38 | 7-10 | Average |
| Good Tariffs | 28-32 | 5-8 | Recommended |
| Green Electricity/Gas | 26-32 | 6-9 | Top |
| Dynamic Tariffs | variable | - | For experts |
Savings Tips 2026: How to Save up to 500 Euro
Leave Basic Supply
Basic supply tariffs are 30-50% more expensive than the best alternatives. Switching is possible at any time with 2 weeks notice.
Use Comparison Portals
Independent comparison portals show all available tariffs. Pay attention to price guarantees and contract duration.
Check Dynamic Tariffs
With a smart meter, you can benefit from hourly variable exchange prices. Ideal for EV owners and flexible consumers.
Secure Price Guarantee
At low prices, a longer price guarantee is worthwhile. 12-24 months provide planning security.
Check Green Electricity
Green electricity tariffs are often cheaper than conventional electricity. Double benefit: Save money and protect the climate.
Compare Annually
Energy prices change constantly. An annual comparison ensures you always get the best tariff.
Example Calculation: 500 Euro Savings Possible
Electricity Savings
Gas Savings
Total Savings: Up to 1,550 Euro Annually
That is over 125 Euro per month or 4.30 Euro per day!
Price Development: Timeline 2024-2026
High Prices After Energy Crisis
- Electricity: 30-40 cents/kWh
- Gas: 8-14 cents/kWh
- CO2 price: 45 Euro/ton
Stabilization Begins
- Electricity: 28-35 cents/kWh
- Gas: 7-12 cents/kWh
- CO2 price: 45 Euro/ton
- First relief measures
Subsidies and New Opportunities
- 6.5 billion Euro grid fee subsidy
- 7% lower grid fees expected
- Good tariffs: 28-32 cents/kWh electricity, 5-8 cents/kWh gas
- CO2 price: 55 Euro/ton
- Dynamic tariffs growing
Dynamic Electricity Tariffs: The Future is Here
What are Dynamic Tariffs?
With dynamic tariffs, you pay the current exchange price (EPEX Spot). The price changes hourly and can even be negative during favorable times.
Advantages
- + Extremely low prices possible
- + Flexibility in consumption times
- + Ideal for EVs, heat pumps
- + Active cost control
Requirements
- Smart meter required
- Flexible electricity consumption
- Willingness for active management
- Understanding of price fluctuations
Conclusion: 2026 Offers Great Savings Opportunities
2026 is a good year for energy consumers.The 6.5 billion Euro grid fee subsidy relieves all electricity customers. Those who switch from basic supply can save up to 500 Euro or more.
Take Action Now:
- Leave basic supply immediately
- Use comparison portals
- Price guarantee at favorable tariffs
- Check green electricity - often cheaper
Keep in Mind:
- CO2 price rises to 55 Euro/ton
- Dynamic tariffs as an option
- Compare prices annually
- Up to 500 Euro/year savings possible
Optimize Your Energy Costs for 2026 Now
Compare over 1,000 electricity and gas tariffs and find the best price for 2026. Free, fast and TUV-certified.