Energy prices continue to rise – and there is hardly any end in sight. Stiftung Warentest gives tips for consumers who are affected by rising electricity prices, terminations and delivery stops.
If you are affected by a price increase: Don’t quit prematurely. The magazine “Finanztest” (Issue 2/2022) advises this. Because the rule that new customers often pay less than existing customers no longer applies. It is therefore often worth staying with the previous energy provider despite the price increase, especially if it is comparatively moderate. Here are some tips for affected customers:
Compare prices
In comparison portals such as Check24 or Verivox you can check how your own provider performs after the increase. In general, it is advisable to look up two or three portals when looking for better tariffs and to compare the results. With us you can also compare prices and filter individually.
Observe special right of termination
Anyone who decides to terminate can use the special right of termination, which applies regardless of the reasons for a price increase. Although the new supplier normally cancels the old tariff, the experts say that consumers should cancel the special right of termination themselves and inform the new provider.
“Price Match Guarantee” is not a guarantee
Incidentally, even with a price guarantee, customers are not generally protected against an increase, because this only affects part of the electricity and gas price.
Cancellations & delivery stops: How to react correctly
Not unusual at the moment: Vendors go bankrupt and stop supplying. The customers then slip into the replacement supply of the local basic supplier. It lasts a maximum of three months, during which time you can switch to another provider at any time.
If the news of a delivery stop comes, consumers should immediately photograph their meter reading and revoke the direct debit authorization from the insolvent provider or cancel the standing order.
This post was first published by the colleagues at FOCUS Online.