- Current Electricity and gas price situation
- tips for the choice of bonus tariffs
- Conclusion
Due to the sharp rise in electricity and gas prices, everyone is trying to save where possible. If you are thinking about changing your provider, they could often be very helpful to you attractive bonuses stand out that are offered to new customers. However, behind the discounts are often hidden cost traps. We tell you what you should pay attention to now.
Electricity and gas prices
the greatly increased costs for gas and electricity pose a particular challenge for citizens in Germany. From 2023, the so-called price brakes ensure that energy costs become affordable again and that the supply is secure. This should work in such a way that the gas price for private households 12 cents per kilowatt hour is capped; for district heating, the price cap starts at 9.5 cents per kilowatt hour.
The following applies to electricity prices for private households: At 40 cents per kilowatt hour 80 percent of historical consumption is capped. The market price must therefore only for 20 percent of consumption are paid.
Despite the rising prices, electricity and gas suppliers are trying to attract new customers. The reason for this: New contracts usually include higher prices than those that already apply to existing customers. Wholesale prices always fluctuate and tariffs often stay the same for consumers intransparent. If your contract expires and you have to decide on a new one, you enter a maze of hundreds of providers and possible contracts, each of which is linked to various conditions. Fighting through here and seeing through everything is not easy for anyone. That’s why it’s not unlikely that you’ll get through the Vendor bonuses are attracted. However, what initially seems like a good offer can quickly become a cost trap for you.
You should definitely keep this in mind with a bonus tariff
If the discounts for new customers disappear after a while, worry long contract terms and opaque termination terms often for keeping you in the expensive contract for a long time. The consumer center gives various tips on what you should consider with bonus tariffs for electricity and gas. If you choose a tariff with a bonus, you should check your energy contract be sure to keep an eye on it regularly.
Because the tariffs from the second year of contract often very expensive you should plan another change by then at the latest. In the second year, it is usually high labor and/or basic prices that cause a higher bill. Knowing when and how to do so is important to making a switch. If the contract has a minimum term of two years and you cannot change earlier, you should question this critically.
Prevention is important: You should always check in advance what conditions are attached to the bonuses. If the bonus conditions are unclear and not understandable for you despite looking at the General Terms and Conditions (GTC), you should rather opt out of the tariff. If the conditions are right for you, you should also follow them payout check the promised bonuses. It is possible that providers only pay out the bonus after a reminder.
Conclusion
If you want to change your electricity or gas tariff, choice not easy. After all, you want to sign a contract where you can save as much as possible. If you are promised numerous bonuses as a new customer, you should better do it first review the conditions critically. Otherwise, you may be lured into a contract with a long minimum term and high prices once the bonuses expire.
