How secure are the power grids in the northwest? - Berlin’s Energy Grid Hit by Far-Left Arson Attack, Leaving 100,000 in the Dark
A far-left extremist group has claimed responsibility for a deliberate arson attack on Berlin’s energy infrastructure. The incident, which occurred overnight on Friday, 16 January 2026, caused a major power outage affecting nearly 100,000 residents. Authorities are now working to restore full supply while investigating the security breach.
The attack targeted a cable bridge over the Teltow Canal in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district. The resulting fire disrupted electricity for around 45,000 households in areas including Lichterfelde, Zehlendorf, Nikolassee, and Wannsee. Engineers expect full power restoration by Thursday afternoon.
The Vulkangruppe, a left-radical activist collective, officially took responsibility for the sabotage. Meanwhile, energy providers have emphasised their preparedness for such incidents. EAM’s grid operates in a ring structure, allowing quick rerouting of power during failures. Wesernetz designs its network to isolate faults and prevent cascading blackouts. Transmission operator TenneT treats threats to infrastructure as a serious risk and maintains strict risk management protocols. The company collaborates with security agencies but keeps specific protective measures confidential. Similarly, BS Netz and EWE Netz avoid disclosing details of their security systems. EWE Netz, which runs a fully underground network, acknowledges that while no system is entirely immune to targeted attacks, its design offers strong protection against external interference. Avacon Netz also has contingency plans in place, including backup power systems and mobile response teams to minimise downtime during emergencies.
The attack has highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, prompting renewed focus on security measures. Energy providers continue to monitor networks and coordinate with authorities to prevent further disruptions. Full service in the affected districts is expected to resume by the end of the week.
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