What is Basic Supply?
Quick Summary
Basic supply (Grundversorgung) is your legal right to electricity and gas under fixed conditions in Germany. The local basic supplier must serve every household. However, basic supply is often the most expensive tariff – switching usually pays off.
Definition in Detail
Basic supply under § 36 EnWG (Energy Industry Act) guarantees:
- Supply obligation: The basic supplier must serve every household
- No rejection: Entitlement exists even with negative credit
- Standard prices: Publicly known, uniform tariffs
- Standard conditions: Legally regulated contract terms
Important: The basic supplier is the energy company with the most household customers in the respective grid area. It is redetermined every 3 years.
When Am I in Basic Supply?
Automatically in Basic Supply
- • Moving into new apartment without registration
- • No active contract with provider
- • Previous provider cancels/insolvent
- • Fallback after contract ends
Advantages of Basic Supply
- • Supply is guaranteed
- • No credit check
- • Short notice period (2 weeks)
- • No minimum contract term
Basic Supply vs. Alternative Tariff
| Criterion | Basic Supply | Special Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Price (approx.) | 38-42 cents/kWh | 26-32 cents/kWh |
| Notice Period | 2 weeks | 1-3 months |
| Minimum Term | None | 12-24 months |
| Price Guarantee | None | Often 12-24 months |
| Credit Check | No | Usually yes |
| Annual Cost (3,500 kWh) | approx. EUR 1,470 | approx. EUR 1,050 |
Savings potential: Up to EUR 420 per year by switching from basic supply to a cheaper tariff – with the same supply security.
Your Rights in Basic Supply
- 1Supply entitlement: The basic supplier may not reject you without important reason – not even with bad SCHUFA score.
- 2Price transparency: All prices and conditions must be publicly announced.
- 3Disconnection protection: A supply interruption is only allowed with significant payment arrears (over EUR 100) and after notice.
- 4Right to switch: You can switch to another provider at any time with 2 weeks notice.
Should I Switch from Basic Supply?
In Most Cases: Yes!
- • Basic supply is almost always the most expensive available tariff
- • Alternative providers offer the same supply security – electricity comes from the same grid
- • In case of problems, you automatically fall back to basic supply
- • Switching is free and takes only a few minutes online
Exception: With negative credit, basic supply may be the only option, as other providers may reject you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my basic supplier?
The basic supplier is the energy company that serves the most household customers in your grid area. Usually these are municipal utilities or regional suppliers. You can find out who your basic supplier is from your grid operator.
Is basic supply more expensive than other tariffs?
Yes, basic supply is often the most expensive tariff. Alternative tariffs are frequently 10-30% cheaper. Switching providers can save several hundred euros per year without compromising supply security.
Can the basic supplier cut off my electricity?
Only under strict conditions: With payment arrears over EUR 100 and after multiple reminders. A disconnection notice must be given 4 weeks in advance. Social hardship cases can apply for protection.
How quickly am I in basic supply?
Immediately. If you have no contract with a provider, you are automatically in basic supply. This also applies when moving into a new apartment or if your previous provider becomes insolvent.
What notice period applies in basic supply?
In basic supply, a notice period of only 2 weeks applies. This is much shorter than with special tariffs (often 1-3 months). So you can quickly switch to a cheaper provider.
Legal Notice
Basic supply is regulated in § 36-38 EnWG (Energy Industry Act) and the StromGVV/GasGVV (Basic Supply Ordinances). Price changes must be announced 6 weeks in advance, with special cancellation right. Status: February 2026.