Berlin

1. Electricity (Strom)

Key Service Providers

• Vattenfall: One of the largest electricity providers in Berlin.
• E.ON: A major energy supplier in Germany.
• EnBW: Another popular provider.
• LichtBlick: A green energy provider focusing on renewable energy.
• Yello Strom: Known for competitive pricing and flexible contracts.

Costs

• Average cost: €0.30–€0.45 per kWh (kilowatt-hour).
• Monthly bill: €40–€80 for a single person, depending on usage.
• Note: Electricity in Germany is relatively expensive compared to other countries due to taxes and renewable energy subsidies.

How to Set Up Electricity

1. Choose a Provider: Compare providers online using platforms like Check24 or Verivox.
2. Sign a Contract: Provide your address, move-in date, and meter number (Zählernummer) from your apartment.
3. Meter Reading: Take a photo of your electricity meter when you move in and submit the reading to your provider.
4. Switching Providers: If the previous tenant had a contract, you can switch providers after notifying the current one.

Payment Methods

• Direct debit (SEPA Lastschrift) is the most common.
• Monthly payments are based on estimated usage, with an annual reconciliation (Jahresabrechnung) to adjust for actual consumption.

Local Considerations

• Green energy (Ökostrom) is widely available and encouraged.
• Be mindful of energy-saving practices, as electricity is costly.

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2. Water (Wasser)

Key Service Provider

• Berliner Wasserbetriebe: The sole water supplier in Berlin.

Costs

• Water is billed based on consumption, typically included in your Nebenkosten (utility costs) as part of your rent.
• Average cost: €5–€6 per cubic meter (m³), including wastewater charges.
• Monthly bill: €15–€30 per person, depending on usage.

How to Set Up Water

• Water is usually managed by your landlord or property management company.
• You don’t need to set up a separate contract unless you own the property.

Payment Methods

• Water costs are included in your monthly rent (Nebenkostenabrechnung).
• Annual reconciliation adjusts for actual usage.

Local Considerations

• Tap water in Berlin is safe to drink and of high quality.
• Be mindful of water conservation, as wastewater charges are significant.

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3. Gas (Gas)

Key Service Providers

• Vattenfall: Offers both electricity and gas.
• E.ON: Provides gas services in Berlin.
• Gasag: The main gas supplier in Berlin.
• EnBW: Also offers gas services.

Costs

• Average cost: €0.07–€0.12 per kWh.
• Monthly bill: €50–€100 for heating and cooking, depending on the size of your apartment and usage.

How to Set Up Gas

1. Choose a Provider: Use comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox.
2. Sign a Contract: Provide your address, move-in date, and gas meter number (Gaszählernummer).
3. Meter Reading: Submit your initial meter reading to the provider.

Payment Methods

• Direct debit is standard.
• Monthly payments are based on estimated usage, with an annual reconciliation.

Local Considerations

• Many apartments in Berlin use gas for heating and hot water.
• Ensure your gas appliances are serviced regularly for safety.

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4. Internet and Phone (Internet und Telefon)

Key Service Providers

• Deutsche Telekom: Offers DSL, fiber-optic, and mobile services.
• Vodafone: Provides cable internet and mobile services.
• 1&1: Known for competitive pricing and flexible contracts.
• o2: Offers affordable internet and mobile bundles.
• PYUR: A local provider specializing in cable internet.

Costs

• Average cost: €25–€50 per month for internet (50–250 Mbps).
• Bundles with phone and TV may cost €40–€70 per month.

How to Set Up Internet

1. Choose a Provider: Compare plans online or visit a store.
2. Sign a Contract: Provide your address and move-in date.
3. Installation: A technician may need to visit your apartment to set up the connection (can take 1–2 weeks).

Payment Methods

• Direct debit is the most common.
• Some providers offer discounts for long-term contracts (e.g., 24 months).

Local Considerations

• Internet speeds in Berlin are generally good, but some older buildings may have limited infrastructure.
• Contracts often have a minimum term of 12–24 months, so read the terms carefully.

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5. Heating (Heizung)

Key Service Providers

• Heating is often included in your rent and managed by the landlord.
• If you need to set up heating yourself, it’s usually tied to your gas or electricity provider.

Costs

• Heating costs are included in Nebenkosten for most rentals.
• Average cost: €1–€2 per square meter per month.

Local Considerations

• Berlin winters can be cold, so efficient heating is essential.
• Radiators are common, and tenants are responsible for bleeding them to ensure efficiency.

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6. Waste Management (Müllentsorgung)

Key Service Provider

• BSR (Berliner Stadtreinigungsbetriebe): Handles waste collection and recycling.

Costs

• Waste disposal is included in your Nebenkosten.
• Costs depend on the size of the property and the number of residents.

Local Considerations

• Berlin has a strict recycling system with color-coded bins:
  • Yellow: Packaging (Plastics, metals, etc.).
  • Blue: Paper and cardboard.
  • Brown: Organic waste.
  • Black: General waste.
• Fines may apply for improper sorting.

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7. TV and Radio License (Rundfunkbeitrag)

Key Service Provider

• ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice: Collects the mandatory broadcasting fee.

Costs

• €18.36 per month per household (as of 2023).

How to Set Up

• Registration is automatic when you register your address (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt.
• You’ll receive a letter with payment instructions.

Payment Methods

• Direct debit or bank transfer.

Local Considerations

• The fee is mandatory, even if you don’t own a TV or radio.

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General Tips for Managing Utilities in Berlin

1. Compare Providers: Use comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox to find the best deals.
2. Understand Nebenkosten: Many utilities (water, heating, waste) are included in your rent, so check your rental agreement.
3. Keep Records: Take photos of all meters when you move in and out to avoid disputes.
4. Energy Efficiency: Adopt energy-saving habits to reduce costs.
5. Language Barrier: Most providers offer contracts and customer service in German, so consider using translation tools or asking for help if needed.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to manage utilities in Berlin efficiently and cost-effectively.