Frankfurt

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Utilities and Bills

Details on managing utility costs like electricity, water, heating, and internet in Frankfurt.

Sections

1. Overview of Utilities in Frankfurt

Utilities in Frankfurt typically include:

  • Electricity (Strom)
  • Water (Wasser)
  • Heating (Heizung)
  • Gas (Gas, if applicable)
  • Internet, TV, and Phone
  • Waste Management (Müllentsorgung)

These services are usually not included in your rent unless you are renting a fully serviced apartment. In most cases, you will need to set up and manage these utilities yourself.

2. Electricity (Strom)

Providers

Electricity in Frankfurt is deregulated, meaning you can choose from a variety of providers. Some of the major electricity providers include:

  • Mainova (the local provider)
  • E.ON
  • Vattenfall
  • EnBW
  • Green energy providers like LichtBlick or Naturstrom

Typical Costs

  • Average monthly cost: €30–€50 for a single person in a small apartment; €70–€120 for a family in a larger apartment.
  • Costs depend on your consumption, the size of your apartment, and the provider you choose.

How to Set It Up

  1. Compare providers on platforms like Check24 or Verivox to find the best deal.
  2. Sign a contract online or by phone. You’ll need:
    • Your address
    • Meter number (Zählernummer) and current meter reading (Zählerstand), which you can find on your electricity meter.
  3. The provider will handle the switch if the previous tenant had a different provider.

Payment

  • Payments are typically made monthly via direct debit (SEPA Lastschrift).
  • At the end of the year, you’ll receive an annual bill (Jahresabrechnung) that reconciles your estimated payments with your actual usage. You may need to pay extra or receive a refund.

Tips

  • Opt for a green energy provider if you want to support renewable energy.
  • Monitor your consumption to avoid surprises in your annual bill.

3. Water (Wasser)

Providers

Water services in Frankfurt are managed by the city’s utility company, Mainova.

Typical Costs

  • Water is usually included in your Nebenkosten (additional costs) if you’re renting. These costs are shared among tenants in the building.
  • Average cost: €2–€3 per cubic meter, translating to around €15–€30 per month for a single person.

How to Set It Up

  • If water is not included in your rent, your landlord or property manager will inform you about the provider and setup process.
  • In most cases, you won’t need to set up water separately.

Payment

  • Paid as part of your monthly Nebenkosten or directly to the provider if you manage it yourself.

Tips

  • Water in Frankfurt is of high quality and safe to drink, so there’s no need to buy bottled water.

4. Heating (Heizung)

Types of Heating

  • Central Heating (Zentralheizung): Common in apartment buildings; costs are shared among tenants.
  • Gas Heating (Gasheizung): If your apartment has individual gas heating, you’ll need to set up a contract with a gas provider.

Typical Costs

  • Central heating: Included in Nebenkosten; average cost is €1–€2 per square meter per month.
  • Gas heating: €50–€100 per month, depending on usage and apartment size.

How to Set It Up

  • For central heating, no setup is required as it’s managed by the building.
  • For gas heating, choose a provider (e.g., Mainova, E.ON) and sign a contract. You’ll need your meter number and current reading.

Payment

  • Central heating: Paid as part of Nebenkosten.
  • Gas heating: Monthly payments to the provider, with an annual reconciliation.

Tips

  • Heating costs can be high in winter, so use thermostats efficiently and insulate windows to save energy.

5. Internet, TV, and Phone

Providers

Popular providers in Frankfurt include:

  • Deutsche Telekom
  • Vodafone
  • 1&1
  • O2
  • Unitymedia (now part of Vodafone)

Typical Costs

  • Internet: €25–€50 per month for speeds between 50 Mbps and 250 Mbps.
  • TV: Basic public channels are free (covered by the Rundfunkbeitrag), but cable or satellite TV packages cost €10–€30 per month.
  • Phone: €10–€30 per month for mobile plans; landline is often bundled with internet.

How to Set It Up

  1. Compare providers on platforms like Check24.
  2. Sign a contract online or in-store. You’ll need:
    • Your address
    • Bank details for payment
  3. Installation may require a technician visit, which can take 1–2 weeks to schedule.

Payment

  • Monthly via direct debit.

Tips

  • Look for bundle deals (internet + TV + phone) to save money.
  • Contracts often have a 24-month minimum term, so choose carefully.

6. Waste Management (Müllentsorgung)

System

Frankfurt has a strict waste separation system:

  • Yellow bin (Gelbe Tonne): Packaging materials
  • Blue bin (Blaue Tonne): Paper and cardboard
  • Brown bin (Braune Tonne): Organic waste
  • Black bin (Schwarze Tonne): General waste

Costs

  • Waste disposal is included in your Nebenkosten.

Tips

  • Learn the waste separation rules to avoid fines.
  • Glass must be taken to designated collection points.

7. Payment Procedures

  • Most utility providers require a German bank account for direct debit payments.
  • Payments are typically monthly, with an annual reconciliation for electricity, gas, and heating.
  • Keep track of your bills and meter readings to ensure accuracy.

8. Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Rundfunkbeitrag (Broadcasting Fee):

    • Every household in Germany must pay a monthly fee of €18.36 for public broadcasting, regardless of TV or radio usage.
    • This fee is separate from your internet or TV subscription and is billed quarterly.

  2. Energy Efficiency:

    • Germans are conscious of energy usage. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use to save money and align with local habits.

  3. Contracts and Termination:

    • Utility contracts often have a minimum term (e.g., 12 or 24 months). Check cancellation policies before signing.
    • If you move, notify your providers well in advance to avoid unnecessary charges.

  4. Language Barrier:

    • Many providers offer contracts and customer service in German. Use translation tools or ask a German-speaking friend for help if needed.

  5. Emergency Numbers:

    • Electricity or gas emergency: Contact your provider or the city’s emergency hotline.

By understanding these aspects of utilities and bills in Frankfurt, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your living expenses and adapt to local practices. Let me know if you need further assistance!