The Thuringia Consumer Center explains what those affected can do.
Replacement supply is a catch basin. Actually!
Changing provider didn't work? The energy supplier is insolvent? In these cases, consumers end up in the so-called replacement supply - meaning they are supplied with energy by the basic supplier in their region. Only in exceptional cases may the provider charge higher prices than for basic services.
“The primary care provider must explain to you exactly how the increased price for replacement care comes about. The mere assertion that energy had to be purchased at a higher price is not enough.”
Claudia Kreft, energy law advisor at the Thuringia Consumer Center
Check carefully which supply is cheaper
The replacement provision ends after three months at the latest. The customers then automatically switch to basic care. As a rule, i.e. if the prices for the basic service and the replacement service are the same, consumers can switch to the basic service before the three-month period has expired.
“You need to contact your primary care provider and let them know that you want to be included in primary care. It's best to do this in writing."
Claudia Kreft, energy law advisor at the Thuringia Consumer Center
However, if the basic provider has permissibly increased the price of the replacement service, the customers are not entitled to a switch to the basic service within the three-month period. Only after the three months have elapsed will the customers switch to basic care on a regular basis.
“In both cases, you can terminate the replacement provision at any time by concluding a special contract with the basic provider or another provider. To do this, compare the prices of the different providers carefully.
Claudia Kreft, energy law advisor at the Thuringia Consumer Center
Entitlement to basic care after special termination
The Thuringia consumer advice center is currently observing that several basic providers are classifying consumers as substitute care, even though there is no reason for this.
For example, if electricity or gas customers exercise their right to special termination after a price increase without looking for a new provider, they must be included in the basic service.
“If your basic provider informs you that you will end up in replacement care after you have canceled a special contract, you do not have to accept that. Contact the basic provider in writing and declare that you want to conclude a contract for basic care.”
Claudia Kreft, energy law advisor at the Thuringia Consumer Center
If you have any questions about energy law, you can get short telephone advice from the consumer advice center. The offer is available every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on 0361 555 14 78 - free of charge and without an appointment.
Source: Expensive replacement supply of gas and electricity: This is what you can do
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