Blog ⚡️ Ostrom™

People

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Hybrid Working: The Way We Work

The world of work is constantly evolving, and Ostrom makes sure to adapt to offer the best space for our people to work the way they want to. Cue: Hybrid working.

Soly and Ostrom Partnership — Pioneering a New Era of Dynamic Tariffs in Germany.

Energy

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Soly and Ostrom Partnership — Pioneering a New Era of Dynamic Tariffs in Germany.

Press release: The collaboration between Soly and Ostrom is an initiative aimed at enabling consumers to optimally capitalize on times of energy surplus from solar installations.

Ostrom

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SE Ventures leads $8M investment round in digital energy and smart home innovator Ostrom

After closing its $10 million Series A in December 2022, Ostrom has raised an additional $8 million in an investment round led by SE Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based venture fund backed by Schneider Electric.

Smart Heating at Home: Are Smart Thermostats Worth It?

Energy

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Smart Heating at Home: Are Smart Thermostats Worth It?

In this post, we explore the advantages of smart thermostats and related products that can further elevate your home automation experience.

My Electric Car Journey: Getting Started with an EV

Mobility

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My Electric Car Journey: Getting Started with an EV

In this post, I'll take you through my personal encounters, delving into the countless advantages and challenges that came my way while becoming an EV driver.

Ostrom

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Smart HVAC Launch

We're leading the way in developing smart heating and cooling solutions, providing you with complete control over your smart home devices. Now you can connect all of them like heat pumps, thermostats, air conditioning units and many more directly in our Ostrom app.

Environment

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Ostrom Price Decrease #7: August 2023

Once again Ostrom is reducing electricity prices for all customers! As the electricity prices continue to stabilize at a slightly lower rate, we’re decreasing prices once again. The unit rate will be decreased by 1,66 ct/kWh gross which translates to additional annual savings of 40€ per year, on top of the several hundred euros from our earlier price decreases for the average Ostrom customer.

Case Study: How Ostrom Dynamic Pricing is Cheaper than even the Cheapest Check24 Tariff

Energy

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Case Study: How Ostrom Dynamic Pricing is Cheaper than even the Cheapest Check24 Tariff

We have outlined in a case study to show how Ostrom's SimplyDynamic tariff is able to easily save you up to 35% compared to a fixed price plan. We are quite data-driven at Ostrom, so we brought all the receipts!

Ostrom

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SE Ventures leads $8M investment round in digital energy and smart home innovator Ostrom

Ostrom

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Smart HVAC Launch

Ostrom

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Ostrom Wallet: Our New and Improved Referral System

Exciting news about the continued success of our Ostrom referral program! We have seen our community grow over time and we are very grateful to be in this journey together with our loyal customers. We can't thank you enough for significantly contributing to our growth by sharing your codes with family and friends.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Partner Perks: Benefits for Customers

Great customer benefits, brought to you by Ostrom and our partnerships.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Price Decrease #6: July 2023

As the electricity prices continue to stabilize at a slightly lower rate, we’re decreasing prices once again. The unit rate will be decreased by 2.25 ct/kWh gross which translates to additional annual savings of 50€ per year, on top of the several hundred euros from our earlier price decreases for the average Ostrom customer.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Launches Dynamic Pricing Tariff

Finally, we are excited to announce a new tariff—our dynamic tariff, SimplyDynamic is here! Ostrom now enables all customers who already have a smart meter to consume electricity when it is the cheapest and greenest.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Price Decrease #5: May 2023

Ostrom reduces electricity costs for all customers once again! The unit rate will be decreased by 2.25 ct/kWh gross which translates to additional annual savings of 50€ per year, on top of the several hundred euros from our earlier price decreases for the average Ostrom customer.

Ostrom

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Ostrom 2nd Birthday: Turning Headwinds into Wind Power

As Ostrom turns two, we reflect on our challenges and wins and why we're excited about the future!

Ostrom

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Ostrom is Now a Certified B Corporation

Ostrom, the smart & green energy provider with the aim of being Europe’s leading consumer energy management platform, is elated and extremely proud to say it has officially become a Certified B Corporation™!

Ostrom

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International Women's Day: Gender Diversity at Ostrom

Wednesday the 8th of March is International Women’s Day, the perfect time to share some insight into gender diversity within the energy market and Ostrom, too!

Ostrom

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The Intersection of Sustainability and Tech: Dance x Ostrom

Ostrom takes advantage of Dance bikes for our employees. The electric bike subscription-based company is a perfect match for our green and digital core.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Price Decrease #3: January 2023

Ostrom reduces electricity costs for all customers — saving on average 200€ per year!

Ostrom

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Smart green energy provider Ostrom raises 9.3€ million Series A to help consumers use less electricity

Leading US-based investors Adjacent and Union Square Ventures invest in Ostrom to push its energy management platform in Europe.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Reaches 1,000 Reviews on Trustpilot with 4.8 Stars

This was done in just over a year, and continues our streak as Germany's best-rated energy provider!

Ostrom

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Ostrom Wins World's Best Challenger Brand at Charge Awards

Ostrom wins big at the Charge Awards 2022 event in Reykjavik, Iceland — winning the World's Best Challenger Brand among a competitive field of energy companies.

Ostrom

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Tech Team Profile

As of October, the Tech team is made up of eight individuals from six different countries.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Price Adjustment September 2022

Ostrom has always offered a flexible tariff with no minimum contract period and 100% green energy. We continue to sell electricity at purchase price and only charge a monthly basic fee of 6€. Therefore, Ostrom does not profit from the rising electricity prices, as the purchase price for us also increases by the same amount as for our customers. In fact, we have decided not to pass the peak August prices to protect you, our customers, from the worst of the crisis so far.

Ostrom

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Marketing Team Profile

Currently, there is a strong focus on building a solid foundation of organic marketing. This is done through interesting Instagram/LinkedIn content pieces and entertaining TikTok and Reel videos.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Price Adjustment: August 2022

Ostrom adapts to the market conditions. Ostrom still sells electricity at cost and customers remain flexible!

Ostrom

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Why Diana Zur Löwen Invested In Ostrom

With over 1.5 million followers on Instagram and Youtube, most people may know her through her social media posts. What you should know is that Diana is also an entrepreneur focused on sustainability and digitalization through her fund Rawr Ventures.

Ostrom

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Ostrom June 2022 Update: Referral Leaderboards + Ostrom Hoodie Rewards

Save on your energy bill AND win an awesome Ostrom hoodie! On top of getting 35€ per referral as usual, the top 3 Ostrom referrers per quarter will win an Ostrom hoodie from us!

Ostrom

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Ostrom 1st Birthday: How It Started vs. How It's Going

Ostrom turns a year old today! A quick look back on what we've accomplished and our vision for the future.

Ostrom

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Ostrom Price Decrease #1: February 2022

The energy market has recently cooled off from record highs and therefore electricity prices have started to fall. As promised, we will now also lower our prices and pass on the savings to you. Read more about our recent price decrease here!

Ostrom

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Ostrom Raises Seed Round, Bringing Total Funding to €4.4 Million

468 Capital, J12 Ventures, Global Founders Capital and Übermorgen Ventures, together with key angel investors, invest in Ostrom to scale its tech, team, and suite of energy products

Ostrom

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Why the name Ostrom?

Elinor Ostrom & The Tragedy of the Commons

Environment

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Ostrom Price Decrease #7: August 2023

Environment

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Green Wealth, Financial Health: Sustainable Ways to Generate Passive Income

Sustainable ways to make passive income and even create a more positive impact on the world. Here are ways you can boost your finances while living green.

Environment

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Ostrom's Energy Saving Tips

We show you how to save electricity, money and do something good for the environment at the same time! Read our energy saving tips right in time for winter and rising prices :)

Environment

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What the EU's tougher climate targets imply

The European Union has negotiated tighter climate targets, though the energy transition remains a sham in some areas.

Environment

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This is how strong the e-bike trend is in Germany

How the pandemic fuelled the e-bike trend and why not all e-bikes are environmentally friendly

Energy

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Soly and Ostrom Partnership — Pioneering a New Era of Dynamic Tariffs in Germany.

Press release: The collaboration between Soly and Ostrom is an initiative aimed at enabling consumers to optimally capitalize on times of energy surplus from solar installations.

Energy

min read

Smart Heating at Home: Are Smart Thermostats Worth It?

In this post, we explore the advantages of smart thermostats and related products that can further elevate your home automation experience.

Energy

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Case Study: How Ostrom Dynamic Pricing is Cheaper than even the Cheapest Check24 Tariff

Energy

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What Is A Smart Meter and How Do I Know If I Have One?

In this post, we'll demystify what a smart meter is, clarify common confusions between smart and digital meters, help you identify if you have a smart meter, and highlight its game-changing benefits to your energy management.

Energy

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Germany's New Smart Meter Rollout and Your Efficient Home

Germany's new regulation pushes for widespread smart meter adoption in the country! But just what is a smart meter and how can it help you save money and the planet?

Energy

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Ostrom x Soly: Smarter Solar Installations

Soly are on the journey to make solar installations easy for anyone who wants to help build a sustainable tomorrow. Here, the official press release about this partnership.

Energy

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Energiepreispauschale: How to Apply for the Student Energy Bonus

The German government is now offering a one-off payment of 200 euros to students. This support comes as a response to the energy price spikes and here's how to apply!

Energy

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Ostrom Price Decrease #4: March 2023

Ostrom reduces prices for all customers, for the 4th time in only three months.

Energy

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How to Apply for the Balcony Solar Subsidy in Berlin

The new addition to Berlin's SolarPLUS programme could grant you 500 euros for balcony solar panels. Here's how.

Energy

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Why Smart Meters Are The Future of Energy In Germany

A smart meter is a type of energy meter that is used to measure the consumption of electric, gas, or water in a building or home. Unlike traditional meters, which require a technician to physically read the meter, smart meters can communicate their readings remotely to the utility company using a wireless connection.

Energy

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Seven Things To Note When Choosing An Energy Provider

When it comes to choosing an electricity provider in Germany, there are several factors to consider in order to find the best fit for your needs.

Energy

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Part 12: What Is A Direct Power Purchase Agreement

Direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) and certificates of origin (COs) are two mechanisms that enable businesses and individuals to purchase renewable energy directly from a specific energy generator.

Energy

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Part 11: 10 Energy Saving Tips for Summer

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a time for high energy bills. With the hot weather and longer days, it's easy to overuse your air conditioner and other appliances. However, there are plenty of ways to save energy and money during the summer months. In this article, we'll share 10 energy saving tips that you can use to keep your home cool and comfortable without breaking the bank.

Energy

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Part 10: 10 Energy Saving Tips for Winter

Are you looking for ways to save energy and lower your heating bills this winter? Look no further! We've compiled a list of 10 energy-saving tips to help you stay warm and save money during the colder months. From sealing drafts to using energy-efficient light bulbs, these simple strategies can make a big difference in your energy consumption and bottom line.

Energy

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Part 9: 10 Energy Saving Tips for Households

Energy conservation is important for households looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills. By implementing simple changes in their daily habits, homeowners can make a big impact on their energy usage.

Energy

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Part 8: How The Power Grid Works

The power grid is a complex system that delivers electricity from energy suppliers to end users, such as households and businesses. It is made up of three main components: generation, transmission, and distribution.

Energy

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Part 7: How Nuclear Fusion Works

Nuclear fusion is a process that occurs when two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process.

Energy

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Part 6: How Nuclear Energy Works

While we source from solar, wind and hydro energy at Ostrom, nuclear energy has always been one that is quite contentious. Some countries such as Germany have strong feelings against nuclear energy, while other countries such as France get most of their energy mix from nuclear power.

Energy

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Part 5: How Hydro Energy Works

Hydroelectric power, also known as hydro power, is a form of electricity that is generated by the movement of water. It is a clean and renewable energy source that has been used for centuries to provide electricity to homes, businesses, and communities.

Energy

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Part 4: How Wind Energy Works

Wind power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the power of the wind to generate electricity. It is a clean and plentiful source of energy that has been used for centuries, but has only recently become a more significant part of the global energy mix.

Energy

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Part 3: How Solar Energy Works

Solar power is a form of renewable energy that is generated by converting sunlight into electricity.

Energy

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Part 2: How To Estimate How Much Energy You Use

Estimating how much energy a household consumes in kilowatt hours (kWh) is an important step in switching energy providers. This information is often required by energy providers when signing up for a new plan, and it can also help households better understand their energy usage and potentially find ways to save energy and lower their energy bills.

Energy

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Part 1: What Is A KiloWatt, kWh and Other Energy Terms?

Electricity is a fundamental part of our daily lives, and it's important to have a basic understanding of the terms and units used to measure and describe it. Here is a summary of some common electricity terms:

Energy

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How You Will Benefit from the Strompreisbremse in Germany

German consumers were hit hard in 2022. To provide some relief, the government has responded with an energy relief package called the Strompreisbremse. Here is how it works

Energy

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Ostrom Price Decrease #2: December 2022

Ostrom reduces electricity costs for all customers — saving on average 100€ per year!

Energy

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Ostroms SimplyFair tariff is TÜV Nord Certified

Here at Ostrom, we work hard to ensure we’re contributing towards the energy transition every day. This is why, since we started in April 2021, we’ve only supplied our customers with 100% green energy—no compromises, just renewables.

Energy

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The Merit Order And How It Affects Electricity Prices

The Merit Order describes the Order, of which energy source gets used first – from the cheapest (renewables) to the most expensive (gas). The cheapest source of energy production always feeds in first. However, the Merit Order does not represent a legal law, but an economic law, that attempts to describe how the electricity price on the electricity market comes about.

Energy

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How Ostrom Is Driving The Energy Transition With Smart Meters

With the help of Smart Meters and variable tariffs, customers can benefit from the change in electricity costs during the day and therefore save money on their electricity bills.

Energy

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Why A European Embargo Of Russian Gas Might Actually Lower Prices

The news is in - Russia once again is decreasing the gas flows to Europe to just 20% via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

Energy

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Ostrom Price Adjustment: July 2022

The situation remains uncertain. Russia reduced the gas supply through pipeline Stream 1 by 60% in mid-June due to a delay in maintenance. As a result, gas prices reached new record...

Energy

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War in Europe and Its Impact on Current Energy Prices

Gas imports from Russia were reduced by 60% due to delayed maintenance of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in mid-June. The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection declared the Gas Emergency Plan alert level on June 23, 2022.

Energy

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Three Reasons Why Electricity Price Guarantees Are Actually More Expensive

Price Guarantee (Preisgarantie), even the term itself sounds reassuring. It’s one of those things that sound great in theory. As you’ll learn, it has become a way for traditional energy providers to keep their margins – literally at their customers’ expense. We should start thinking more of them as price lock-ins!

Energy

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Goodbye and Farewell EEG levy - Ostrom Price Adjustment

The EEG levy abolishment, price fluctuations and the development of the Ostrom price.

Energy

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Ostrom Signs New PPA with GETEC

Starting in the second half of 2022, Ostrom will purchase green power directly from Hannover-based energy service provider GETEC ENERGIE via PPAs.

Energy

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Ostrom Price Adjustment: January 2022

Prices are still rising. We explain why we have to adjust our prices as well.

Energy

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When Energy Suppliers Go Bust: What Customers Need To Know

Due to increased energy prices, more and more electricity providers are going bankrupt. This post covers what you need to know as a customer if this happens to you, and how to ensure you don't end up overpaying for electricity.

Energy

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Ostrom Price Adjustment: November 2021

We, as well, have to adjust our prices due to current market fluctuations. We tell you more about our reasons, how we purchase electricity and what you can do.

Energy

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The Ostrom Tariff Explained

Ever wondered how your electricity tariff is composed? Here's a quick explanation of how the Ostrom tariff is set up.

Energy

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“The Real Deal”: Get Real Green Energy with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Always wanted to know what PPAs are? If yes, we have the answer to your question. No? Keep on reading about direct energy contracts, the concept behind it and how they impact climate change.

Energy

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Are Green Energy Certificates Really Green?

It's often labeled "Ökostrom", but it isn't always Ökostrom. A short explanation of how the green energy certificate market works and why traditional energy provider can offer green tariffs without even doing anything for the environment.

Energy

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Here's how home office affects your electricity bill

Learn about three ways to lower your electricity bill at home during home office.

Energy

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How Christmas becomes cozy and green

Three tips how to lower your electricity bill on Christmas

Energy

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How the electricity market developed in 2020

The impact of the pandemic on the rising share of renewable energy

Energy

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Why customers won't benefit from switching portals

Discovering the reason for 9.7 million Germans changing their electricity provider

A Better Way to Find an Apartment in Germany Fast

Expat

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A Better Way to Find an Apartment in Germany Fast

Trying to find an apartment in Germany can be time consuming and frustrating. Here is our list of websites you can try to find an apartment in Germany fast.

Eighteen Point Checklist of Things To Note While Moving Apartments

Expat

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Eighteen Point Checklist of Things To Note While Moving Apartments

Moving to a new apartment can be a stressful and overwhelming process. From packing and transporting your belongings to setting up utilities and updating your address, there are many details to consider.

How You Can Benefit From The New Fair Consumer Contracts Act

Expat

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How You Can Benefit From The New Fair Consumer Contracts Act

A new law was passed to protect your rights as a consumer. Find out what this means for you in this blog article.

How To Get KfW Funding For An E-Car WallBox For Your Business

Expat

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How To Get KfW Funding For An E-Car WallBox For Your Business

The German government offers companies a comprehensive funding program for e-car charging stations through its own investment and development bank (KfW). Here you can find out exactly what the program entails and how you can apply for it.

Know Your Consumer Rights For Your Electricity Contract

Expat

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Know Your Consumer Rights For Your Electricity Contract

Consumer rights can be very confusing and even more so in a foreign country. Maybe you wonder what rights of special termination you got or you simply want to switch your provider, we try to help out and guide you through your consumer rights in Germany.

Beginner’s Guide to the German Electricity Market

Expat

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Beginner’s Guide to the German Electricity Market

The energy market in Germany can be tricky and confusing - here is a guide to help you!