Tens of thousands without power in Berlin

TT

Published 2026-01-03 21.46

 

Local transport staff outside the powerless and closed Wannsee commuter train station. Photo: Michael Kappeler/Dpa Via AP/TT

Almost 45,000 households are without power in Berlin. For most, it may take until Thursday before electricity and even heating are restored, while temperatures in the German capital are below freezing.

Residents of southwest Berlin are the ones affected by the power outage after several high-voltage lines near a power plant were destroyed in a suspected arson attack, reports Tagesspiegel.

The damage is extensive and around 35,000 households are not expected to have their electricity restored until Thursday, according to grid operator Stromnetz. Many are also without heat because the local heating system is affected by the outage.

Mobile networks and local transport have also been affected and shops in the area are closed. Affected households are being urged to try to find alternative accommodation and around 1,000 beds have been set up in public facilities. Schools and kindergartens will remain closed until power is restored.