Switching Energy Supplier in Czechia 2026: Steps, Notice Periods, Price Comparison
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Switching your electricity or gas supplier in Czechia is free, and the new supplier does the paperwork for you. What decides how fast you can switch is your current contract: an open-ended contract usually has a three-month notice period, a fixed-term contract runs until its end date, and a spot-price contract can be ended at any time. Compare offers on the energy regulator's free tool, srovnavac.eru.gov.cz.
Around Prague checked these rules against the Energy Regulatory Office (ERÚ) and supplier guidance on 21 October 2026.
How to switch, step by step
- Find your contract. Check whether it is open-ended (na dobu neurčitou), fixed-term (na dobu určitou) or a spot-price product, and note your supply point number: EAN for electricity, EIC for gas. Both are on your bill.
- Compare offers on srovnavac.eru.gov.cz: enter your annual consumption and distribution rate (distribuční sazba), also on your bill.
- Sign with the new supplier. Most suppliers then send the notice to your old supplier and register the change with the market operator OTE on your behalf (you give them a power of attorney).
- Wait for the notice period to end. Electricity and gas keep flowing without interruption; nobody comes to change the meter.
- Read the meter on the switch date and keep a photo. Your old supplier sends a final bill, and any overpayment is refunded.
How long it takes
| Your current contract | When you can leave |
|---|---|
| Open-ended (doba neurčitá) | After the notice period, usually 3 months from the first day of the month after the notice is delivered |
| Fixed-term (doba určitá) | At the end date; leaving earlier may cost a penalty under the contract |
| Spot-price product | At any time without a penalty |
| Signed on the phone, online or at your door | Withdraw within 14 days of signing, or give 15 days' notice within 15 days after supply starts |
The technical transfer at OTE itself takes about ten working days. The EU wants it cut to one working day, but that does not shorten notice periods.
Why January is the busiest month
Many fixed-term contracts end on 31 December, and new price lists start on 1 January. If your fixed-term contract is about to roll over, your supplier must tell you at least 30 days before the extension, and you can still say no up to 20 days before the end date. For an open-ended contract, give notice by the end of September to be with a new supplier from January; if you missed that, the next realistic date is spring.
Watch out
- Door-to-door and phone sellers. Do not sign anything at the door. If you did, use the 14-day withdrawal right.
- Price comparisons in "per kWh" only. Compare the total yearly cost, including fixed monthly fees.
- Auto-renewal. A fixed-term contract can extend automatically; put the end date in your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does switching cost anything?
No. Switching supplier is free; you may only face a penalty for leaving a fixed-term contract early.
Will my electricity or gas be cut off during the switch?
No. Supply continues without interruption, and the meter stays the same.
Can a foreigner switch supplier?
Yes. Whoever is named on the contract can switch; tenants should check with the landlord if the contract is in the landlord's name.
How long is the notice period?
For open-ended contracts, usually three months from the first day of the month after the supplier receives the notice.
Where can I compare prices?
On the regulator's free comparison tool, srovnavac.eru.gov.cz.
Around Prague, based on ERÚ, Ekonomický deník, SPP
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