Stuttgart

1. Electricity (Strom)

Providers

• Germany has a deregulated electricity market, meaning you can choose from a variety of providers. Some of the major electricity providers in Stuttgart include:
  • EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG) – the default provider in Stuttgart.
  • E.ON
  • Vattenfall
  • LichtBlick (green energy provider)
  • Yello Strom

Setting Up Electricity

• If you’re renting an apartment, check with your landlord or property manager to see if electricity is already set up. If not:
  1. Compare providers online using platforms like Check24 or Verivox.
  2. Choose a provider and sign a contract online or via phone.
  3. Provide your address, move-in date, and meter reading (Zählerstand) from your electricity meter.

Costs

• Electricity in Germany is relatively expensive compared to other countries. Typical costs:
  • €0.30–€0.45 per kWh (kilowatt-hour).
  • Average monthly bill for a single person: €50–€80.
  • For a family of four: €100–€150.
• Many providers offer discounts for signing up online or choosing eco-friendly (green) energy plans.

Payment

• Payments are usually made via direct debit (SEPA Lastschrift) from your German bank account.
• You’ll pay a monthly estimated amount (Abschlag), and an annual reconciliation (Jahresabrechnung) will adjust for over- or underpayment.

Tips

• Take a photo of your electricity meter when you move in and move out to avoid disputes.
• Opt for green energy (Ökostrom) if you want to support renewable energy initiatives.

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2. Water (Wasser)

Provider

• Water services in Stuttgart are managed by the municipal utility company, Stadtwerke Stuttgart.
• Water is typically included in your Nebenkosten (additional costs) if you’re renting an apartment.

Setting Up Water

• If you’re renting, you usually don’t need to set up water separately, as it’s managed by the landlord or property management company.
• If you own a property, contact Stadtwerke Stuttgart to set up your account.

Costs

• Water costs in Stuttgart are based on consumption and include wastewater charges:
  • €2–€3 per cubic meter (1,000 liters) for water.
  • Average monthly cost for a single person: €15–€25.
  • For a family of four: €40–€60.

Payment

• Water charges are typically included in your monthly rent as part of the Nebenkosten.
• If you own a property, you’ll receive a bill directly from the provider and can pay via direct debit.

Tips

• Be mindful of water usage, as wastewater charges can significantly increase your bill.
• Stuttgart’s tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink, so there’s no need to buy bottled water.

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3. Gas (Gas)

Providers

• Like electricity, gas is deregulated, and you can choose your provider. Major providers include:
  • EnBW
  • E.ON
  • Vattenfall
  • Shell Energy
• Gas is primarily used for heating and cooking.

Setting Up Gas

• Check with your landlord if gas is already set up. If not:
  1. Compare providers online using platforms like Check24 or Verivox.
  2. Sign a contract with your chosen provider.
  3. Provide your address, move-in date, and gas meter reading (Zählerstand).

Costs

• Gas prices vary depending on usage and provider:
  • €0.07–€0.12 per kWh.
  • Average monthly cost for a single person: €50–€80.
  • For a family of four: €100–€200 (higher in winter due to heating).

Payment

• Payments are made via direct debit, with an annual reconciliation to adjust for actual usage.

Tips

• If your apartment uses gas for heating, expect higher bills during the winter months.
• Regularly check your gas meter to monitor usage and avoid surprises.

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4. Internet and Phone (Internet und Telefon)

Providers

• Stuttgart has a wide range of internet providers offering high-speed connections. Major providers include:
  • Telekom (Deutsche Telekom) – offers DSL, fiber, and mobile internet.
  • Vodafone
  • 1&1
  • O2
  • Unitymedia (now part of Vodafone) – offers cable internet.

Setting Up Internet

1. Compare providers and plans online using platforms like Check24.
2. Choose a plan based on speed (e.g., 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or higher) and contract length (usually 12 or 24 months).
3. Sign up online or in-store. You’ll need:
   • Your address.
   • A German bank account for payments.
   • Your move-in date.
4. The provider will send you a router and schedule an installation appointment if necessary.

Costs

• Internet plans typically cost:
  • €25–€50 per month, depending on speed and provider.
  • Some providers offer discounts for the first 6–12 months.
• Bundled plans (internet + phone + TV) are also available.

Payment

• Payments are made via direct debit from your German bank account.

Tips

• Check if your building is already wired for cable or fiber internet, as this can affect your choice of provider.
• Be aware of contract cancellation policies, as most contracts require 3 months’ notice before the end of the term.

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5. General Payment Procedures for Utilities

• Most utility providers in Stuttgart require a German bank account for direct debit payments.
• You’ll receive monthly or quarterly bills, and an annual reconciliation will adjust for any over- or underpayment.
• Keep track of your meter readings and bills to ensure accuracy.

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6. Local Considerations and Tips

• Language Barrier: Most utility providers offer contracts and customer service in German. If you’re not fluent, consider asking a German-speaking friend for help or using online translation tools.
• Energy Efficiency: Germany places a strong emphasis on energy conservation. Use energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights and heating when not in use to save money.
• Recycling and Waste Management: Stuttgart has a strict recycling system. Familiarize yourself with the local rules for separating waste, as improper disposal can lead to fines.
• Moving Out: When moving out, notify all utility providers at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Provide final meter readings to ensure accurate billing.

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By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage your utility services in Stuttgart. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!