A large-scale power outage in southwest Berlin has left approximately 45,000 households without electricity since Saturday, January 4th, 2026. Authorities are investigating the incident as a politically motivated attack, allegedly carried out by far-left extremists, targeting high-voltage power lines near the Lichterfelde power plant. The disruption is impacting both residential areas and around 2,200 businesses, causing widespread inconvenience and raising concerns about critical infrastructure security.
The fire, which erupted on a cable bridge over the Teltow Canal, initially plunged a significant portion of the city into darkness. While power has been restored to some areas, officials estimate that roughly 35,000 customers may remain without electricity until Thursday, January 8th, as repair crews battle snowy conditions and freezing temperatures. Emergency shelters have been established to support vulnerable residents.
Extent of the Berlin Power Outage & Restoration Efforts
The affected districts include parts of Lichterfelde, Nikolassee, Zehlendorf, and Wannsee. The immediate impact included the loss of heating, internet access, and essential services for a large segment of the population. A care point has been set up at a sports center on Hüttenweg in Zehlendorf, offering assistance to those impacted by the blackout.
Repair work is proving challenging due to the winter weather. The Berliner Energieagentur (Berlin Energy Agency) is providing updates on the situation and coordinating with emergency services to minimize disruption. Authorities are prioritizing reconnection efforts for critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and emergency services.
Who is the ‘Volcano Group’?
Investigations are focusing on a group known as the “Volcano Group,” which claimed responsibility for the attack in a letter obtained by German media outlet rbb. The letter reportedly contained details about how the fire was initiated, but police have yet to confirm its authenticity.
Security authorities have been monitoring the “Volcano Group” since its formation in 2011. According to intelligence reports, the group adheres to anarchist ideologies and frequently focuses on issues related to climate change and environmental activism. A security expert from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Felix Neumann, described the group as belonging to the left-wing extremist spectrum.
Details regarding the group’s size and internal structure remain unclear. Neumann noted that there is limited reliable information available. While primarily active in Berlin and Brandenburg, previous targets have included crucial infrastructure components such as cable ducts, radio installations, and electricity pylons, highlighting a pattern of disruption.
Recent Infrastructure Attacks in Germany
This incident follows a similar attack in September 2023, where an electricity pylon in the Treptow-Köpenick district of Berlin was targeted with arson, resulting in power outages for approximately 50,000 households and businesses. That event took around 60 hours to fully resolve. This latest attack is considered more severe due to the larger number of affected customers and the difficult weather conditions impeding repairs.
The nature of these events is prompting renewed discussion about Germany’s critical infrastructure protection. While the police investigate the claims made by the “Volcano Group”, the focus is on bolstering security measures and preventing future attacks. Analysis of previous communiqués attributed to the group suggest a consistent anti-establishment and pro-environmental stance.
Additionally, there is growing concern regarding the potential for copycat incidents. Authorities are urging vigilance and encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity near energy infrastructure. The severity of the current power outage underscores the vulnerabilities within the electricity grid, even in a developed nation like Germany.
As repair efforts continue, residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and prepare for potentially prolonged disruptions. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of securing essential services and the potential consequences of politically motivated acts of sabotage, and could influence future discussions about energy security in the region.
Stay tuned to local news sources for updated information on the restoration timeline and further developments in the investigation.
