Repair timeline stretches out for several months.
After a prolonged power outage that lasted over 60 hours, Berlin's southeastern region has finally been restored. The outage, Berlin's longest post-war power outage, was the result of an extremist arson attack on Monday night.
The incident has served as an impetus for intensified efforts to ensure the safety and security of the city's power supply. The power grid in Berlin, spanning approximately 35,000 kilometers, with 99% being underground, will see changes aimed at enhancing its overall safety.
The task of restoring power is still complex, but progress is being made. An interim solution has been implemented to restore damaged lines to operation, and the two masts damaged by fire have been deemed stable and usable, making the task somewhat easier. As of late Thursday afternoon, the approximately 50,000 affected electricity customers have been reconnected.
No problems have been reported to the operator during the first night after the end of the power outage, a positive sign that the efforts are moving in the right direction.
The plan to replace overhead lines with underground cables is part of a long-term strategy to make the network safer. This will not only improve security but also reduce the number of overhead lines in the city. In the future, Berlin will see fewer overhead lines, with the one in Johannestal being a potential candidate for replacement.
The coordination of measures for the security of power supply facilities in Berlin is primarily handled by the responsible federal and state authorities for hazard prevention and infrastructure protection. The expansion and modernization of the network are also part of the plan to make it safer.
However, it's important to note that whoever has criminal intent will always find ways. Despite efforts to improve security, there is no such thing as 100% security. A closer look will be taken at potential points of vulnerability and necessary measures will be implemented to mitigate risks.
The end of the power outage marks a significant step forward, but the work is far from over. Repair work is expected to continue for several more months, potentially extending into 2026. The city remains committed to making its power supply network safer and more resilient for the future.
