Saarbrücken/Berlin (dpa/lrs) – Last year, energy suppliers in Saarland turned off the electricity to around 2,400 consumers because of unpaid bills. That is a good 1,300 fewer power cuts than in 2022, according to figures from the Danish monitoring report from the Federal Network Agency and the Federal Cartel Office. The federal government communicates the figures at the request of Bundestag member Caren Lay (Left).
Nationwide, the number of power cuts implemented by network operators fell by two percent to almost 204,500 in 2023. The number of power cuts has fallen in most federal states. However, an increase was recorded in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg.
“The high electricity and gas prices are an enormous burden for many,” said Lay, spokesperson for rent, construction and housing policy for the Left in the Bundestag. It only recently became known that one in twelve households in Germany cannot heat their apartment adequately.
“More and more people are having to choose between a warm apartment and a full stomach.” This is nothing less than a scandal in one of the richest countries in the world,” said Lay. Politics must act. “We demand a ban on electricity and gas shut-offs as quickly as possible.” No one should have to sit in the dark or in a cold apartment.”
© dpa-infocom, dpa:241220-930-323305/1
