Power Outage in Southwest Berlin Leaves Up to 50,000 Households Without Electricity; District Prepares Emergency Shelters

A major power outage in the southwest of Berlin has disrupted electricity supply to as many as 50,000 households and over 2,200 businesses, mainly in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district. The incident began early Saturday morning and is expected to persist for an extended period, as emergency services work to restore power. Authorities are considering opening emergency shelters in anticipation of ongoing outages, particularly with cold winter weather increasing the urgency for affected residents.

According to the local power grid operator, the outage was triggered by a fire that damaged several cables on a cable bridge over the Teltow Canal near the Lichterfelde power plant. The fire has been extinguished, but the damage has left large areas, including Nikolassee, Zehlendorf, Wannsee, and Lichterfelde, without electricity. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with police treating the incident as a suspected case of arson.

The outage has resulted in numerous practical challenges for residents. Many have reported heating failures, difficulties accessing homes due to electric shutters, and being unable to drive vehicles out of underground garages with electric gates. Some have sought temporary refuge with friends or relatives, while others are using alternative means such as garden grills to heat water.

Several hospitals, including the Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring and the Immanuel-Krankenhaus in Wannsee, have switched to backup power systems. Medical facilities have implemented emergency plans, and some patients have been relocated to unaffected institutions. In addition, multiple nursing homes in the area are impacted, prompting a coordinated response from local authorities, the Technical Relief Agency (THW), and the Red Cross to ensure continuity of care and safety for vulnerable populations.

The blackout has also affected mobile phone networks, internet services, and public transport infrastructure. Vodafone, a major telecommunications provider, reported that approximately 47,000 households have lost cable, internet, and television services. Although basic mobile connectivity remains available, the capacity is limited and may be temporarily compromised as battery backups on network masts are depleted. The Berlin S-Bahn reported that passenger information systems and ticketing machines at several stations between Mexikoplatz and Wannsee, as well as from Lichterfelde Süd to Lichterfelde Ost, are out of operation, though train services continue to run.

Authorities have set up designated points for residents to make emergency calls, as the outage has disrupted standard emergency numbers in some locations. Police and fire services are providing updates and coordinating relief efforts, including the potential establishment of emergency accommodation in community centers, youth clubs, or sports halls. The crisis management team is in ongoing consultation with various aid organizations and municipal officials to assess and address the evolving situation.

With temperatures forecast to remain near freezing and several centimeters of snow expected over the weekend, there are concerns that many people may be left without heating. Residents have been advised to use battery-powered lighting instead of candles, conserve mobile phone battery life, and check on neighbors who may require assistance. Supermarkets in the affected areas have closed due to the outage, and residents have traveled to nearby Brandenburg for essential shopping and services.

The situation is being closely monitored by Berlin's Senate and relevant agencies to ensure public safety and expedite restoration efforts. The timeline for full restoration of electricity remains uncertain, as teams focus on phased reconnection and prioritizing critical infrastructure. Local authorities have urged residents to make temporary alternative arrangements for accommodation and to remain vigilant during the ongoing disruption.