Berlin Citizens Fight to Remake the City’s Electricity Grid with Renewables

What if a city’s power grid belonged to its people? A grassroots movement in Berlin is betting millions on a greener future—and challenging corporate control.

, and Administrator

2025 November 21 . 7:01 AM

1 min read

In this image on both sides there are buildings, electric poles. There are few vehicles parked in... — In this image on both sides there are buildings, electric poles. There are few vehicles parked in front of the buildings. In the middle there is a road.

Berlin Citizens Fight to Remake the City’s Electricity Grid with Renewables

A Berlin-based citizens' group, BuergerEnergie Berlin, is pushing to take over the city’s electricity grid when the current operator’s contract expires. The cooperative, with over 1,000 members, has raised 5 million euros ($6.5 million) to fund its bid. Their aim is to replace Vattenfall, the current operator, and shift the grid toward renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This comes as the Berlin Senate prepares to select a new operator for a 20-year term starting in 2015. The outcome of the bid will determine who controls Berlin’s electricity grid for the next two decades, potentially accelerating the city’s transition to renewable energy. The final decision rests with the Berlin Senate, which will assess all applicants before awarding the contract.