Explaining The Current Energy Situation

Electricity prices across Europe have risen throughout 2025 due to various global events. Even though Ostrom always sources 100 % renewable electricity, our electricity-at-cost model means our prices follow overall market trends. Grid fees in Germany are also changing, and these adjustments apply to all energy suppliers. As the chart shows, future electricity prices in €/MWh are expected to rise further toward winter.

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Energy-Impacting Events in 2025/2026

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⚖️ Legal Changes:

Each year, updates to electricity surcharges impact prices for the following year. These changes are governmental and therefore market-wide, and hence apply to all energy providers in Germany. Here’s what’s new for 2026:

• CHP Surcharge: Now 0,446 ct/kWh, supporting combined heat and power generation with increased subsidies.
• §19 StromNEV Levy: Increased to 1,559 ct/kWh, ensuring competitive grid fee relief for energy-intensive industries.
• Offshore Liability Levy: Raised to 0,941 ct/kWh to fund risks of offshore wind farm grid connections.
• Electricity Tax: Remains stable at 2,05 ct/kWh, funding pensions with relief options for energy-intensive users.

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⛓️ Geopolitical & Market Factors:

• Russia-Ukraine War: Ongoing conflict and strikes on energy facilities from both sides continues to impact global supply chains, contributing to market volatility and price uncertainty. (Link)
• New EU sanctions against Russian natural gas: Additional sanctions further clamp down on energy supplies to the entire market.(Link, EU)

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🌡️ Environmental & Seasonal Factors:

• Increased Heating Demand: As heating demand increases, this is one main driver of seasonal energy price changes.
• Winter Weather (Dunkelflaute): Reduced solar during winter contributes to lower overall supply.
• Market Impact: Rising oil and gas prices affect electricity costs via the merit-order effect (Link)

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As outlined above, the combination of geopolitical tensions, climate extremes, renewable energy challenges, and broader market dynamics has created upward pressure on energy prices across Europe. We completely understand that hearing about a price change can be challenging, especially since we all share the same commitment to sustainability and fairness.

Our Promise to You Amid Market Changes

Despite these market challenges, we remain firmly committed to our principles:

• Providing electricity at cost, without any markups on your kilowatt-hour (kWh) price.
• Absorbing short-term price spikes whenever possible, ensuring we only pass on necessary long-term increases.
• Continuously investing in and supporting renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and trust during this period. Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to mitigate these impacts.

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If you have purchased the Ostrom Price Cap, your maximum price will be capped, protecting you from any price increases above these thresholds.

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Due to this price adjustment, you have a special right to terminate your contract (Sonderkündigungsrecht). However, even with these changes, Ostrom continues to offer one of the most competitive kWh rates in the market with 100% green energy and no hidden fees. Our transparent pricing model remains significantly below many traditional providers. Should you choose to exercise your termination right, simply inform our team. Whichever path you choose, our team remains available to support you with any questions or assistance you may need (chat, app, contact form).

Elevate Your Energy Management

At Ostrom, we have always leveraged technology to help you reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. Explore our smart solutions such as:

• Smart Meter: Get accurate daily energy usage insights without checking meters manually.
• SimplyDynamic Tariff: Save up to 35% by using energy during cheaper, greener hours.
• NeoGrid™: Earn up to 300 € yearly while optimizing EV charging and supporting grid balance.
• Smart Home Integrations: Connect EVs, heat pumps, solar panels, or battery storage devices.
• Ostrom Price Cap: Protection against electricity prices above 40 ct/kWh on the SimplyFair tariff.
• Ostrom Store: Energy-efficient devices with special discounts and Wallet credit.

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Questions? Visit our FAQs, use chat support, or our contact form.

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Thank you again for your understanding and continued partnership in our mission towards a greener future.

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Warm regards from Berlin,

Matthias, Karl, and the Ostrom Team