Stuttgart

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Utilities

Covers essential services like electricity, water, gas, and internet providers for establishing a residence.

Sections

1. Electricity (Strom)

Main Service Providers

  • EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG): The largest energy provider in Stuttgart and the surrounding region.
  • Stadtwerke Stuttgart: A local municipal utility company offering eco-friendly energy options.
  • Other Providers: Germany has a liberalized energy market, so you can choose from many other providers like E.ON, Vattenfall, or green energy companies such as LichtBlick or Naturstrom.

Costs

  • Electricity prices in Germany are among the highest in Europe. In Stuttgart, the average cost is around €0.35–€0.45 per kWh (as of 2023), depending on your provider and tariff.
  • Monthly costs for a single-person household typically range from €50–€80, while a family might pay €100–€150.

How to Set Up Electricity

  1. Choose a Provider: Compare tariffs on websites like Check24 or Verivox.
  2. Sign a Contract: You’ll need your address, move-in date, and meter number (Zählernummer), which can be found on your electricity meter.
  3. Meter Reading: Submit your initial meter reading (Zählerstand) to the provider when you move in.
  4. Billing: Most providers bill monthly or quarterly based on estimated usage, with an annual reconciliation (Jahresabrechnung) to adjust for actual consumption.

Local Tips

  • Opt for a green energy tariff (Ökostrom) to support renewable energy initiatives.
  • If you don’t actively choose a provider, you’ll automatically be assigned to the default provider (Grundversorger), which is usually more expensive.

2. Water (Wasser)

Main Service Provider

  • Stuttgart Netze GmbH: The primary water supplier in Stuttgart, managed by the municipal utility company.

Costs

  • Water costs in Stuttgart are approximately €2.50–€3.00 per cubic meter (m³), including wastewater charges.
  • For a single-person household, monthly water costs are typically around €20–€30, while a family might pay €50–€80.

How to Set Up Water

  1. Automatic Registration: Water services are usually included in your rental agreement (Nebenkosten). Your landlord or property manager will handle the setup.
  2. Billing: Water usage is typically billed as part of your monthly utility advance payment (Nebenkostenvorauszahlung) and reconciled annually.

Local Considerations

  • Stuttgart’s tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink. It comes from a mix of local sources and the Lake Constance water supply.
  • Be mindful of water conservation, as wastewater charges are based on your water consumption.

3. Gas (Gas)

Main Service Providers

  • EnBW: The primary gas provider in Stuttgart.
  • Stadtwerke Stuttgart: Offers gas services with a focus on sustainability.
  • Other Providers: Similar to electricity, you can choose from various providers like E.ON, Vattenfall, or green gas suppliers.

Costs

  • Gas prices vary depending on market conditions and your provider. As of 2023, the average cost is around €0.10–€0.15 per kWh.
  • Monthly costs for heating and cooking gas range from €50–€100 for a single-person household and €100–€200 for a family.

How to Set Up Gas

  1. Choose a Provider: Use comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox to find the best tariff.
  2. Sign a Contract: Provide your address, move-in date, and gas meter number (Gaszählernummer).
  3. Meter Reading: Submit your initial meter reading when you move in.
  4. Billing: Similar to electricity, you’ll receive monthly or quarterly bills with an annual reconciliation.

Local Tips

  • If your apartment uses district heating (Fernwärme), you may not need a separate gas contract. Check with your landlord.
  • Consider energy-efficient appliances to reduce gas consumption.

4. Waste Management (Abfallentsorgung)

Service Provider

  • AWS (Abfallwirtschaft Stuttgart): The municipal waste management company responsible for garbage collection and recycling in Stuttgart.

Costs

  • Waste management fees are included in your monthly utility advance payment (Nebenkostenvorauszahlung) and vary depending on the size of your household and the type of waste bins provided.
  • Typical costs range from €10–€20 per month for a single-person household.

How Waste Management Works

  1. Waste Separation: Stuttgart has a strict recycling system. You’ll need to separate your waste into the following categories:
    • Residual Waste (Restmüll): Non-recyclable waste.
    • Organic Waste (Biomüll): Food scraps and garden waste.
    • Paper (Papier): Newspapers, cardboard, etc.
    • Recyclables (Wertstoffe): Plastics, metals, and composite materials.
    • Glass (Glas): Sorted by color (white, green, brown) and disposed of at local collection points.
  2. Collection Schedule: AWS provides a collection calendar (Abfallkalender) specific to your address. You can also check their website or app for schedules.
  3. Special Waste: Bulky waste (Sperrmüll) and hazardous waste (Sondermüll) require special disposal. You can schedule a pickup with AWS or drop it off at designated collection points.

Local Tips

  • Familiarize yourself with the waste separation rules to avoid fines.
  • Use the yellow bags (Gelbe Säcke) provided for recyclables. These are free and can be picked up at local municipal offices or supermarkets.

General Tips for Setting Up Utilities in Stuttgart

  1. Registration (Anmeldung): Before setting up utilities, you must register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgerbüro (citizen’s office). This is a legal requirement in Germany.
  2. Bank Account: Most utility providers require a German bank account for direct debit payments (SEPA-Lastschrift).
  3. Language Barrier: Many providers offer contracts and customer service in German. If you’re not fluent, consider asking a German-speaking friend for help or using translation tools.
  4. Energy Efficiency: Energy costs in Germany are high, so invest in energy-efficient appliances and be mindful of your consumption.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage your utilities in Stuttgart. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific providers, feel free to ask!