Electricity in Frankfurt Without a Credit History: Mainova Must Supply You, Prepayment or a Deposit Needs a Reason, and a Cut-Off Takes Weeks

You Are Supplied Even If You Did Nothing

Moving in and flicking a switch is enough. Mainova explains that when you use electricity in a home without another supply contract, a basic supply contract arises automatically. It describes the basic tariff as “Mainova Strom Classic”, with no minimum term and two weeks’ notice. It still asks you to register yourself, and our guide to registering electricity as a tenant shows how.

The reason there is always a supplier is § 36 EnWG: in each grid area the basic supplier, the one with the most household customers, must supply household customers on its published terms and prices. It cannot treat customers differently depending on when their contract arose. The only exception named is where supply is economically unreasonable for the supplier. The Bundesnetzagentur explains how to find your basic supplier, and in Frankfurt that is Mainova.

What Mainova May Ask For

The terms of basic supply are the Stromgrundversorgungsverordnung (StromGVV), which Mainova publishes with its supplementary conditions valid from 1 January 2026. Two paragraphs matter for a newcomer:

Neither is automatic for newcomers. Both require a concrete reason and an explanation in writing. If you get a demand, ask for the reasons and the end condition in writing, and compare the amount with your expected consumption.

The Credit Check

The same document lists a section on credit checks. According to the supplementary terms, Mainova currently uses two credit agencies: CRIF GmbH in Karlsruhe and Creditreform AG in Neuss. The Schufa is not among the agencies named. The terms do not describe when a check is made, and Mainova’s registration page does not mention one. A newcomer with no German credit file may simply show no data at an agency, which is not the same as negative entries. If a supplier asks for money because of a check, ask what the reason is, and you can request a free copy of your data from the agency. Our guide to correcting a wrong Schufa entry explains your data rights.

Paying, and Paying Late

• Methods. Mainova offers direct debit, a collection authorisation, bank transfer and cash payment into the account, according to its supplementary terms.
• Late fee. A flat charge of 0.88 EUR can apply under § 17 Abs. 2 StromGVV, with the basis shown on request. The first reminder is free.
• Escalation. The terms say Mainova reserves the right to use a lawyer or a collection agency, and the costs would fall on you. Mainova’s help page adds the risk of a Mahnbescheid, court costs, collection and cut-off fees. If a court payment order arrives, see our page on what to do with a Mahnbescheid.
• Your monthly amount. If the advance does not fit your use, see how to change it in our guide to the Abschlag.

Before Power Is Cut

1. Reminder and threatAfter a reminder, the supplier may threaten the cut-off, also together with the reminder. It must at the same time tell you that you can report grounds that make a cut-off disproportionate, and where to send them.
2. Four weeksThe cut-off may only be carried out four weeks after the threat (§ 41f EnWG).
3. ThresholdsYou must be in arrears by at least double the monthly advance, and by at least 100 EUR. Amounts you contested in due form with reasons, amounts deferred by agreement and claims already in a pending arbitration case do not count.
4. Notice of the dateThe start must be announced by letter eight working days ahead.
5. RestorationThe supply must be restored without delay once the reasons end and you have paid the costs of the cut-off and reconnection, which may be charged as a flat amount that must not exceed the costs normally to be expected, and you can ask for the calculation basis.

§ 41f EnWG adds two protections. A cut-off is not permitted if it is out of proportion to the breach or if you show a sufficient prospect that you will pay. And it is not proportionate where a household member has a special need of protection, for example a concrete danger to life or limb from health or age. With the threat, the supplier must also inform you about options to avoid the cut-off at no extra cost, such as local help, prepayment systems, payment plans with deferral, state minimum-income benefits and recognised debt counseling.

If You Are Struggling

Mainova’s help page says to contact customer service as soon as you see that the energy costs exceed your budget, and offers a Ratenplan and a written agreement to avoid a supply block. It lists the free debt counseling offices of Frankfurt. Our guide to free debt counseling shows which one is responsible for your district. If the supplier is the problem, not you, read our page on what happens when a supplier goes insolvent, and for the cheaper alternatives to basic supply, our page on choosing an energy tariff.

Step by Step

1. Register your move-in with Mainova or another supplier, ideally two weeks before.
2. If a prepayment or deposit is demanded, ask for the reasons, the amount and the end condition in writing.
3. Pay by direct debit or standing order to avoid late fees.
4. If money gets tight, call Mainova before a reminder arrives and ask for a Ratenplan.
5. If a threat arrives, answer in text form with any ground for disproportionality, and call a debt counseling office.
6. Compare tariffs once you are settled, since basic supply can be left with two weeks’ notice.

Compliance Note

This guide summarises § 36 and § 41f EnWG, the StromGVV with Mainova’s supplementary conditions valid from 1 January 2026, and Mainova’s information pages as read in October 2026. Terms and prices change, and your own contract decides which rules apply. This is not legal advice. Confirm the details with Mainova or a consumer advice centre.