Widespread power cut in Schleswig-Holstein: Who pays for the damage?

Automatically translated from German. · Read original

A widespread power cut on Sunday 19 October 2026 affected around 40,000 households in five districts of Schleswig-Holstein and caused considerable damage due to power surges. Those affected should act immediately to assert their rights to compensation and to document the damage properly.

Cause and affected regions of the power cut

The power cut was triggered by a short circuit in the 110,000-volt high-voltage grid, which led to a power surge. According to the grid operator SH Netz, this had the same effect as a lightning strike on the power line. The exact cause of the power surge remains unclear at present; a team comprising IT and network operations specialists is analysing 10,000 lines of measurement data.

The districts of Nordfriesland, Dithmarschen, Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Schleswig-Flensburg and Steinburg were affected. After around two hours, the power supply had largely been restored, although some households near the source of the fault in Friedrichstadt (Nordfriesland district) were still without power.

Damage caused and fire risk

The power surge caused extensive damage to electrical appliances in many households, ranging from broken washing machines to smoking sockets and burning domestic electrical systems. Michael Herte from the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Advice Centre explained that during a power surge, there is far more energy in the cables than is technically intended, which can lead to considerable damage.

The power surge resulted in several fires:

• A fire broke out at a surge arrester in the Friedrichstadt substation.
• At the substation in Linden (Dithmarschen district), there was a smouldering fire with smoke emanating from a medium-voltage installation.
• A thatched-roof house in Bunsoh (Dithmarschen district) caught fire after an electrical box caught alight. The fire spread to the entire house, causing damage amounting to around 500,000 euros.

The network operator SH Netz strongly recommends having fuse boxes, domestic electrical installations and all connected electrical appliances inspected by a specialist firm.

Rights of those affected and compensation

As an affected party, you are entitled to compensation in the event of a power surge. Electricity is regarded as a product, and case law considers a power surge to be a product defect. The network operator is liable here as the manufacturer, regardless of fault, if privately owned property is damaged.

However, there is an excess of 500 euros, which means you will have to bear part of the cost of the damage yourself. For damage amounting to several hundred euros, Michael Herte recommends seeking legal advice. The Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Advice Centre offers support in this regard.

At the same time as reporting the incident to the network operator, you should also report the damage to your home insurance or contents insurance provider. They may be able to help you with the claims settlement. Remember that you should not delay in doing this either.

Documenting and reporting damage correctly

Accurate documentation of the damage is crucial for making a claim. Follow these steps:

• Report the damage immediately: Report the damage to the network operator straight away.
• Secure evidence: Be sure to keep any faulty appliances or parts; do not dispose of them.
• Take photographs: Document the damage with photographs.
• Electrician’s report: If an electrician has assessed the damage, ask them to set out their assessment of the cause of the damage in writing.
• Notify your insurer: Report the damage to your home insurance provider at the same time.

The network operator records voltage levels in detail using permanent data loggers, so it can be determined whether power surges occurred. This can help in establishing who is at fault.

A percentage calculator can be useful for calculating potential costs or reimbursements, for example, to work out the excess as a proportion of the total damage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step to take in the event of damage caused by a power surge?

The first step is to report the damage immediately to the network operator and, at the same time, to your home or contents insurance provider. You should also document the damage thoroughly with photographs and keep any faulty appliances.

Can I hold the network operator liable for the damage?

Yes, the network operator is liable as the manufacturer, regardless of fault, for damage to privately used property, as a power surge is classified as a product defect. Please note, however, that there is an excess of 500 euros.

What role does the Consumer Advice Centre play?

The Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Advice Centre, represented by experts such as Michael Herte, offers advice to those affected to help them understand their rights and explore appropriate legal action, particularly in cases where the damage amounts to several hundred euros.

Sources: ndr.de · Tageblatt.de · DIE WELT. As at 20 October 2026.