Switching electricity provider in Osnabrück: leaving basic supply
By Ali Alawihee · Updated 5 November 2026
If you moved in and never chose an electricity tariff, you are probably on basic supply (Grundversorgung). You can switch at any time. Here is how it works.
What is basic supply?
Basic supply is governed by section 36 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). In each grid area, the company supplying the most households is the basic supplier and must supply every household at its published general prices.
You end up on basic supply automatically: if you move in and use electricity without a contract, a basic supply contract starts with the first kilowatt hour. Substitute supply (Ersatzversorgung) is different; it lasts up to three months, for example if a supplier stops delivering.
Who is the basic supplier in Osnabrück?
According to its own information, Stadtwerke Osnabrück is the basic supplier for electricity and natural gas in the city of Osnabrück and in Lotte (as of November 2026). In the wider district another company may be responsible.
Notice period and special right to cancel
You can cancel basic supply at any time with two weeks' notice in text form, such as a letter or email (section 20 StromGVV, for gas section 20 GasGVV).
Price changes in basic supply must be announced at least six weeks ahead by letter; you may then cancel without notice (section 5 StromGVV or GasGVV). In a new contract, household customers must be told of a unilateral price change at least one month ahead and may also cancel without notice (section 41(5) EnWG), with exceptions such as a pure VAT change.
How the switch works
Usually the new supplier cancels your old contract and registers the supply with the grid operator. For a special cancellation after a price rise, the consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale) advises giving notice yourself. Supply is not interrupted and your meter stays the same.
Since 6 June 2025, the technical electricity switch can be completed within 24 hours on any working day, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur); notice periods still apply. According to the Verbraucherzentrale (as of October 2026), gas is not yet covered and may take up to three weeks.
Details you need
Most details are on your last annual bill.
- Name and supply address
- Meter number (Zählernummer)
- Market location ID (MaLo-ID), if to hand
- Current supplier and customer number
- Meter reading on the switch date
- Bank details for direct debit
What to check in a new tariff
The Verbraucherzentrale notes that basic supply prices are often comparatively high, but only a current comparison based on your usage shows whether switching suits you. Points to check:
- Price guarantee: what it covers; taxes and levies are often excluded
- Minimum term: no more than 24 months
- Notice period: no more than one month (section 309 no. 9 BGB)
- Monthly instalment: should match your usage
- Bonus: read the conditions and compare prices without it
- Green electricity: look for an independent label
Gas works the same way
Gas follows the same rules under the GasGVV: two weeks' notice, the new supplier handles cancellation and supply is not interrupted. Comparisons also need your annual usage in kilowatt hours.