About 45,000 homes and almost 2,000 businesses lost power in southwest Berlin after leftwing militants set fire to a high-voltage cable bridge. The saboteurs, called Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group), said their goal was to “turn off the juice of those in power” and highlight Germany’s reliance on fossil fuels. The attack also affected four hospitals, 74 care homes, 20 schools, and public transport. Federal prosecutors have taken over the investigation but have few clues beyond footprints in the snow. By Wednesday, most power was restored, but 20,000 homes and 850 businesses remained without heating or hot water for days. Berlin residents expressed anger and confusion about how the power grid could be so vulnerable. Mayor Kai Wegner visited affected residents, while Red Cross workers handed out supplies and the army helped distribute diesel to hospitals. Berlin’s energy senator Franziska Giffey called the attack a “serious blow to critical infrastructure.” She noted the attackers likely used public maps to plan it and said future security must be prioritized over transparency. Experts have warned that German infrastructure lacks proper backup systems and that companies only meet minimum legal requirements. Much-needed investments in protecting energy networks and repairing old bridges and buildings have been delayed. The far-right party Alternative für Deutschland criticized the government for failing to protect citizens and offered blankets to those affected. Despite hardships, many Berliners showed support by opening hotels, libraries, and cinemas to those without power. Silke Peters, a retiree in Zehlendorf, described the blackout’s hardships and noted that prepping for emergencies is now more common in Germany. “Everyone in Germany is doing it these days,” she said. Her husband, previously skeptical, had secretly stocked emergency supplies. The power cut revealed deep flaws in Germany’s energy security and triggered urgent calls for stronger protection of critical infrastructure in Europe’s largest economy.