Significant disparities in electricity costs are impacting consumers across Germany, with prices varying considerably between federal states, according to a new analysis by comparison portal Verivox. The study reveals a price difference of up to 29 percent between the most and least expensive regions.
A typical three-person household consuming 4,000 kilowatt-hours annually faces an average electricity bill of €1,607 in Hamburg, the most expensive state. In contrast, residents of Bremen, the most affordable state, pay just €1,247 for the same consumption – a difference of €360, despite the cities being only 95 kilometers apart.
Berlin (€1,487), Saarland (€1,468), Baden-Württemberg (€1,466) and North Rhine-Westphalia (€1,443) also register among the highest electricity costs. Conversely, consumers in Saxony-Anhalt (€1,324), Saxony (€1,327), Lower Saxony (€1,335) and Brandenburg (€1,339) benefit from the lowest prices. The national average for a three-person household stands at €1,409.
The calculations are based on the so-called ‘household price,’ encompassing all taxes, levies and the monthly basic fee. Verivox’s analysis incorporates data from approximately 820 local utility providers, as well as pricing information from customers who have compared electricity tariffs and from nationwide energy suppliers.
Beyond regional differences in the overall cost, the study indicates potential savings for consumers who switch from standard utility rates to the most affordable new customer tariffs with price guarantees. Nationwide, average annual savings could reach €671. The highest potential savings are in Thuringia (€870), Hamburg (€795) and Berlin (€752), while consumers in Saxony (€690) and Bremen (€359) would see the smallest savings from switching.
Verivox energy expert Thorsten Storck attributes the price discrepancies primarily to varying grid fees – charges levied for the use, maintenance and reading of electricity meters and transmission lines – which differ regionally.