Massive increase in the number of power cuts in Leipzig

Around 7,500 people in the three major Saxon cities of Chemnitz, Dresden and Leipzig had to put up with power cuts in 2025. This means that the number of people affected has increased by almost 2,000 in the space of a year, according to a minor question from the Left Party in the state parliament. Energy suppliers respond to their customers' payment arrears by blocking electricity. The problem has increased significantly in Leipzig in particular.

Up to 15 days without electricity

While the number of disconnections in Dresden fell slightly from 2,373 to 2,112 and Chemnitz from 1,958 to 1,795, the number in Leipzig tripled - from 1,200 to 3,600. In Dresden, those affected were without electricity for an average of one week, while in Leipzig 70 percent of disconnections lasted up to 15 days. As in previous years, data for the districts, the amount of arrears and the number of children under the age of 18 affected were not collected.

The consequences are particularly bad for children, the elderly and the sick

Left-wing parliamentary group leader Susanne Schaper referred to the considerable social and health burden, as central basics of daily life - such as light, cooking and the refrigeration of food and medicines or digital communication - are no longer available. "The consequences are particularly bad for children and for elderly, sick or care-dependent people." The Left Party is calling for a fundamental ban on energy cuts.

Left: Suppliers should offer contingents of free or cheap electricity

Instead, energy companies should have to offer contingents of free or cheap electricity, Schaper suggested. "That is also an incentive to save energy." Free advice from consumer advice centers, for example, should accompany these measures - especially for over-indebted people.

Social fund proposed for hardship cases

For hardship cases, a social fund against energy poverty is necessary, which is filled by the energy companies and the state, Schaper demanded. "There is enough money for this. After all, the CO2 tax brings in billions year after year without any climate money flowing back to the citizens."