People in Germany consume too much electricity: German households could save around 30 billion kilowatt-hours each year. This is equivalent to all the electricity generated from hard coal in Germany, with consequences for household budgets and the climate. Unnecessary electricity consumption costs households around 12 billion euros every year and produces an additional 13 million tonnes of CO2. These are the findings of Stromspiegel für Deutschland 2025 (www.stromspiegel.de), published this week by the non-profit consultancy co2online.
An average two-person household in a flat with central hot-water production consumes 1,900 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year and pays 280 euros more for electricity annually than a comparable energy-efficient household.
“Almost two thirds of our users say that they could still save electricity – they just do not always know how,” says Tanja Loitz, Managing Director of co2online. “StromCheck helps them to do so, providing an analysis of their electricity consumption in just a few steps, along with tailored tips that enable them to use their full savings potential.” Three particularly effective tips can be adopted by every household: switch lighting to LEDs, turn electrical appliances off completely and look for high energy efficiency when buying new appliances.
Electricity consumption highest in Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia
A look at Germany’s federal states reveals significant differences in per-capita electricity consumption. Households are most economical in Saxony (1,075 kWh per year), Thuringia (1,115 kWh) and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (1,125 kWh), where annual electricity costs are only around 430 to 450 euros per person. By contrast, households in Saarland (1,365 kWh), Rhineland-Palatinate (1,350 kWh) and North Rhine-Westphalia (1,340 kWh) consume the most electricity, corresponding to costs of around 535 to 545 euros per person.
Large differences between average prices and tariffs for new customers
Household electricity prices have fallen significantly again this year after reaching an all-time high last autumn. An average two-person household that entered into a new electricity contract this year pays almost 500 euros less than one on an old contract.
The differences between the nationwide average price and the prices offered in current new-customer tariffs therefore have a major impact on consumers’ electricity costs. Switching electricity supplier can consequently have a very positive effect on the next electricity bill.
Electricity consumption stagnates
Electricity consumption fell by only 0.6 per cent in 2024. After rising by 5.7 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, electricity consumption declined sharply by a total of 13 per cent in the following years. The fact that consumption is now stagnating again suggests that the public is once more paying less attention to saving energy.
Compare & optimise your electricity consumption
Interested consumers can compare their own electricity consumption with that of similar households at Stromspiegel.de. They will also find tips on saving electricity, information on funding opportunities, and numerous other resources and services.