How to register and pay for utilities in Germany

If you’ve recently moved to Germany or are planning to, registering and paying for utilities will be one of your key tasks. Utilities (gas, electricity, water, internet, etc.) are essential for daily life, and it’s important to understand how to manage them to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Understand the Utilities You Need

In Germany, utilities are usually divided into several main categories:

• Electricity (Strom)
• Gas (Gas)
• Water (Wasser)
• Heating (Heizung)
• Waste Disposal (Müllentsorgung)

Depending on where you live and whether you rent or own a property, you might need to register for all of these or just some. People who rent, often take care only for the Electricity and Heating while everything else is already part of the Nebenkosten.

Electricity (Strom) and Gas (Gas)

When you move into a new apartment or house, you’ll need to register with an electricity and/or gas provider. Many buildings in Germany use gas for heating, but this depends on the region and the specific property.

You have two options:

Use the default supplier: If you do nothing, you’ll automatically be connected to the local utility company. However, the default rate may not be the most cost-effective.

Choose a new provider: There are many energy companies in Germany, and you can compare rates online. Websites like Check24 or Verivox allow you to compare providers and find the best deals.

Water (Wasser)

Water is usually managed by the local municipality, and in most cases, you don’t need to register separately if you’re renting. The costs for water and waste disposal are typically included in your monthly Nebenkosten (additional costs) if you are renting an apartment.

If you own a property, you may need to register with the local water provider. This will be indicated in your Hausgeld (homeowners' association fees).

Heating (Heizung)

Central heating: If your building has central heating, you won’t need to register for gas or heating separately. The costs will be included in your Nebenkosten.

Individual heating systems: If your apartment has its own gas heating system, you’ll need to register with a gas supplier.

Waste Disposal (Müllentsorgung)

In Germany, waste disposal is managed by the local authorities and is often included in your Nebenkosten if you’re renting. Different bins are provided for recycling, organic waste, and residual waste. You typically don’t need to register separately, but check with your landlord to confirm.

To avoid any penalties for wrong disposal, learn how to do a proper waste disposal here

Additionally you might like to have an internet connection and tv in your home.

In Germany there are a variety of internet and TV providers, such as Vodafone, Telekom, and 1&1. You can compare providers using Check24 or Verivox for the best rates.

Note that setting up an internet connection can take 1–2 weeks, so plan ahead.

When you move out of your apartment or house, make sure to:

• Take final meter readings for electricity, gas, and water.
• Cancel your contracts with the utility providers, giving at least 4 weeks’ notice.
• Transfer utilities to the new tenant or new owner (if applicable).

Failure to cancel your utilities can result in you being charged for a property you no longer live in!