Households and businesses in the southern region of Berlin are facing potential electricity shortages following an incident where power lines were damaged due to a fire believed to be politically motivated. The fire occurred on Saturday, January 3, on a cable bridge near the Lichterfelde power plant over the Teltow Canal, as stated by local authorities. Official reports on Sunday, January 4, attributed the fire to an intentional act by “left-wing extremists.”
Approximately 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses across four districts are currently experiencing power outages, impacting heating and internet services. Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected case of arson, drawing parallels to a previous power outage in southeast Berlin caused by radical activists in September.
Efforts are underway to authenticate a letter claiming responsibility for the recent disruption. Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner denounced the actions as a dangerous assault on the city’s power infrastructure by left-wing extremists, emphasizing the severe consequences for human lives. The city’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey, highlighted the extensive impact on crucial facilities and businesses, including hospitals and social institutions.
Although power has been restored to some households by Sunday, a significant number are expected to remain without electricity until Thursday due to challenges posed by snowy weather conditions and freezing temperatures. The adverse weather has compounded the difficulties faced by those affected by the ongoing power outage.