Electricity price: base price and unit price

In short: The electricity price consists of a fixed base price (euros per year or month) and a unit price (cents per kilowatt hour).

In more detail: The base price is always due, even if you use nothing. The unit price applies to every kWh used. Low users should watch the base price, heavy users the unit price.

Our context: In the energy tool you enter both values and get cost per month, a yearly projection and the right advance payment.

In Depth

• Total price: annual cost = base price + consumption × unit price. The “average price” per kWh is annual cost ÷ consumption.
• Components: procurement and sales, grid fees, taxes, levies and surcharges. Only part of this is influenced by the provider.
• Comparison: Always compare annual cost at your own consumption, not just the unit price.
• Price guarantee: A guarantee protects against increases in the energy component, not against state levies.
• Price increase: The provider must announce it with notice, and you then have a special right to cancel (notice period and automatic renewal).

See also: Kilowatt hour (kWh), Advance payments and back payments for electricity and gas