Energy crisis in Germany: Gas providers bankrupt?

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Created: 09/15/2022, 14:24

By: Lucas Maier

Since no gas is still coming from Russia to Germany, there is a risk of a further escalation on the energy market.

But what to do if the utility goes bankrupt?

Berlin – Public buildings are turning off the lights, politicians are coming up with tips for saving energy: In short, the energy crisis is still in full swing.

But what happens when it hits your own gas provider?

Insolvency of the supplier can quickly become expensive for customers.

Advice Center gives the all-clear

, but nobody has to be afraid of a cold apartment as a result of bankruptcy .

However, you are only entitled to the basic service tariff after three months.

Gas crisis in Germany: Russia's export policy is now also affecting small suppliers

shows that it is no longer just large gas suppliers such as Uniper that are getting into trouble as a result of the Russian export policy

.

Accordingly, several smaller suppliers and public utilities have already reported liquidity problems.

Support in the tens of billions has already been requested from the federal government.

In addition to the suppliers affected so far, the Bad Säckingen, Bad Belzig and Leipzig public utilities, as well as E-Optimum and Kehag are in need, as the

writes.

Energy crisis: What happens if the gas supplier goes bankrupt?

If your own gas supplier is insolvent, there is usually a risk of termination of the supply contract.

But what happens then?

A change in the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) ensures that a stronger distinction is made between the basic supply and the so-called backup supply.

Energy crisis in Germany: What to do if the provider goes bankrupt?

(Iconic image) © Julian Stratenschulte/dpa

After terminating a contract, consumers initially slip into the replacement supply, only after three months is there a claim to the mostly cheaper basic supply, as the

center informs.

Insolvency at gas suppliers: Consumers should be aware of this

The main difference is that the prices in the replacement supply are based on the prices that are called on the stock exchange.

In addition, the prices can be adjusted every 15 days, writes the

.

Anyone who has landed in the replacement supply should note the following things:

• Meter readings:

  At the beginning and end of the replacement supply, the meter readings should be sent to the basic supplier.

  Otherwise the consumption will be estimated, which may result in a higher payment.

• Inquiries:

  Ask your own basic supplier directly whether they agree to a change to the basic supply before the three-month deadline has expired.

• Look for an alternative :

  You should also look for an alternative provider.

  A tariff with fixed prices could be significantly cheaper here than the replacement supply.

• Settling the bill:

  Payments should only be made by bank transfer.

  Standing orders and the like should be terminated.

• Stay informed:

  Consumers can find out about the status of the insolvency proceedings via the insolvency portal.

• Source: Lower Saxony Consumer Center/Federal Network Agency

Suppliers must report a possible stop to deliveries to the Federal Network Agency three months in advance.

This can then be used to inquire about impending insolvency.

This makes it possible to change suppliers early, which prevents expensive replacement supplies as a result of insolvency, as the

center advises.

In the event of the insolvency of one's own energy supplier, nobody in Germany needs to fear a cold apartment, but in order to avoid high costs, one should always keep an eye on the provider.

(Lucas Maier)

Price increases for electricity and gas are not always legal, but consumers have options.