Currently consumers in Germany have the choice between an average 41 gas suppliers Berlin, December 09, 2010 competition in the German gas market has can put remaining strong this year. After a recent market analysis of the independent consumer portal toptarif.de has the choice for domestic customers since the beginning of the year more than doubled. Overall, the competition density is currently but still less than half as high as that of the current market. Currently consumers in Germany have the choice between an average 41 gas companies”, explains Daniel Dodt by toptarif.de. Twelve months ago, the number of available competitors, however, was at only 19. Compared to the end of the year 2008, as individuals between six suppliers could choose, the density of competition on the market has grown almost seven-fold.” Households in southwestern of Baden-Wuerttemberg have the largest selection with over 60 providers available.

Also in Hamburg, as well as parts of Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony and Thuringia, the competitive density is above average highly. There are significantly fewer options for consumers, however, remain largely in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia, where in many cities and towns operate less than 30 companies on the market. In addition to pure new party, act more and more local public utilities and providers in national markets or expand their delivery areas. There are also increasingly Stadtwerke, which brought together national brands on the market. The trend can also be observed that companies enter parallel in the electricity and gas distribution”, as Daniels. In the past many new vendors started first on the electricity market and were later active in the gas market.” Handed and increasing competition is supported by improved entry and conditions in the gas market. So have according to the Federal Network Agency including the halving of the 12 market areas (zones) to six in the last year, as well as the revision of accounting methods to a lasting improvement in the conditions of competition led.