Power interruptions expected across Berlin as Steglitz-Zehlendorf reconnected

All households in Berlin face brief power interruptions on January 7 as the district of Steglitz-Zehlendorf is reconnected to the grid.

Berlin households should expect power interruptions

Germany’s Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BKK) has warned residents in Berlin to prepare for power interruptions on January 7.

The interruptions are expected as Steglitz-Zehlendorf is reconnected to the grid. Around 20.000 households in the southwestern district have been without electricity since Saturday. As the district is reconnected, all Berlin residents have been instructed to disconnect personal generators and avoid using high-power appliances, such as washing machines, until 10.30am.

The Steglitz-Zehlendorf power cut was triggered by an attack on a gas plant in Lichterfelde, which has been claimed by the “Vulkangruppe” (Volcano Group). The group has since said it did not intend to cause a widespread blackout, but target the fossil fuel industry.

Uptick in break-ins over power cut weekend

Since the beginning of the power cut, police in Berlin have also recorded an increase in burglaries, according to a report by rbb. Steglitz-Zehlendorf is one of Berlin’s wealthiest districts.

Over Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there were 19 attempted or successful break-ins, predominantly in flats or large villas. Burglars also targeted shops and, in two cases, cash machines, though these burglaries proved unsuccessful.

Police presence was increased as a result, with around 300 additional officers on duty in the district each evening since the power cut began.