Energy suppliers must disclose their electricity mix and state total prices. Green claims are subject to the stricter rules in force since 27 September 2026.
Legal framework
- § 41 EnWG: mandatory content of supply contracts with household customers
- § 42 EnWG: electricity labelling, also in advertising material
- Green electricity: guarantees of origin; stricter UWG rules on environmental claims since 2026
- § 3 PAngV: total price including standing charge
Case law
- BGH, 27 March 2025, I ZR 65/22 – tariff calculators for heating electricity must point out the compensation quantity for dual-tariff meters
- BGH, 27 June 2024, I ZR 98/23 – ambiguous terms such as “climate neutral” must be explained in the ad itself
Case examples
“100 % climate neutral gas”
A supplier advertises gas as climate neutral thanks to offsetting. Since 2026 this is prohibited per se.
Price without standing charge
A tariff is advertised with the unit price only. The total price including standing charge must be stated.
