Skip to content
Emergency

High electricity back-payment or disconnection notice? Your options

A hefty back-payment lands in your mailbox, or the utility threatens a power disconnection? A disconnection is only permitted under strict conditions, and you often have a right to an installment plan to avoid it.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Request installment payment →

Your chances of getting your money back

A power disconnection is tied to strict conditions (among them a minimum arrears amount, a prior warning, and an announcement with deadlines, § 19 StromGVV). You can often avert an announced disconnection with a payment agreement.
The utility must offer you an avoidance agreement (installment payment) if that is reasonable. If you face acute hardship, the Jobcenter or social welfare office sometimes helps with a loan.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the bill

    Are the meter reading, consumption, and advance payments correct? You can dispute errors in the billing.

  2. 2

    2. Request installments immediately

    Ask the utility in writing for an installment agreement to avert the disconnection. React before the announcement deadline expires.

  3. 3

    3. Bring in the authorities

    If you receive Bürgergeld or social assistance, the Jobcenter or social welfare office can cover the back-payment as a loan. File the application in good time.

  4. 4

    4. Assert a hardship case

    If there is a health risk (for example, medical devices), a disconnection is especially critical. Point out the hardship.

Frequently asked questions

Can my electricity simply be shut off?

No, not without further ado. A disconnection requires a certain minimum arrears amount, a prior warning, and a timely announcement (§ 19 StromGVV). A reasonable installment payment can avert the disconnection.

What if I cannot afford the back-payment?

Ask for installments and check for assistance: if you receive Bürgergeld or social assistance, the provider can cover the back-payment as a loan. It is important to react in time, not only once the power has already been cut off.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

Request installment paymentCheck a suspicious message
More help: Emergency by phone · Act together · Right to a lawyer · All guides

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.