Surge in Energy Disconnections in Berlin: Thousands of Households Left Without Essential Utilities
In the past year, an alarming number of Berlin households have had their electricity or gas disconnected due to unpaid bills. According to data released by the Berlin Economic Administration in response to parliamentary inquiries from the Left faction in the Abgeordnetenhaus, 2024 saw a significant increase in utility shutoffs.
Electricity Disconnections
In 2024, a staggering 9,731 electricity disconnections were recorded, a sharp rise from the 5,569 in 2023 and 8,281 in 2022. Vattenfall, Berlin’s primary energy supplier, threatened an additional 57,580 disconnections. While many of these threats can be averted through agreements on alternative payment arrangements such as installment plans, the sheer number of notices reflects the growing financial strain on Berlin households.
Gas Disconnections
Gas supply interruptions also increased in 2024, with 1,130 households being disconnected. However, this figure remained lower than in previous years, with 2023 recording 1,398 disconnections. The Left faction attributed this decline to new regulations requiring energy providers to offer customers installment payment plans since June 2024.
Open Debts and Payment Backlogs
The data also revealed that Gasag, Berlin’s primary gas supplier, had accumulated approximately €16 million in outstanding debts from its private customers as of December 31, 2024. The company initiated disconnection proceedings for customers with payment arrears exceeding €150. On average, affected customers had outstanding balances of €1,188 at the time of disconnection notices.
Calls for a Ban on Energy Shutoffs
Sebastian Scheel, spokesperson for energy policy for the Left faction in the Abgeordnetenhaus, denounced the practice of energy shutoffs. "Access to energy is essential for a dignified life. Therefore, we demand a ban on disconnecting electricity and gas," he stated. "At the very least, there must be a licensing requirement and official review to ensure that vulnerable households are protected from these disruptions."
Government Response
The Berlin Economic Administration acknowledged the increase in energy shutoffs and emphasized the availability of the Hardship Fund for Energy Debts. This fund, which will continue in 2025, supports private households in preventing or reversing utility disconnections. Recipients of this financial assistance are required to participate in energy debt counseling.
Conclusion
The surge in energy shutoffs in Berlin highlights the growing financial challenges faced by Berlin households, exacerbated by rising energy costs. While the decline in gas disconnections is encouraging, the overall number of households left without essential utilities remains a significant concern. A ban on energy shutoffs or, at minimum, a thorough review process is urgently needed to protect vulnerable households and ensure their right to basic necessities.
