Up to 5,000 euros in damages after a blackout: you need to know that

Many people in Germany are afraid of a blackout – i.e. a large-scale and unforeseen power failure. Not only is this frightening, but it can also damage sensitive equipment. In certain cases, you are entitled to compensation of up to 5,000 euros.

In principle, Germany has a very stable power grid and normally there should not be large-scale power failures. But most recently, a statement by the head of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK) caused a sensation, because he assumes that there could be a blackout in Germany from January 2023. The statement was later put into perspective, but many people in Germany are now unsettled.

A notice: This article does not replace legal advice in the event of a claim. If you have further questions, you should contact a specialist lawyer.

Up to 5,000 euros compensation after blackout

If, for whatever reason, an unforeseen blackout does occur, the worst-case scenario could be damage to sensitive equipment, death of animals such as fish in an aquarium, or spoilage of food stored in a refrigerator. Then you could be entitled to damages of up to 5,000 euros. This can apply in the following cases:

• Mains overvoltage: The grid operator is obliged to ensure that there is no grid overvoltage. If this happens and connected devices are damaged, then the Product Liability Act applies.
• Power failure: If devices are damaged during a power outage, the network operator can also be held liable. Consumers can then refer to the Grid Connection Ordinance.

What do you have to do? If there is a blackout or a power surge and equipment is damaged or other damage occurs as a result, you must document this immediately. You have to record everything, i.e. defective devices, deceased living beings or food that has spoiled. The incident must then be reported to the network operator. The network operator may hire an expert to examine the case (source: t-online).

You can equip yourself for the blackout with a solar generator:

When is there no compensation?

The grid operator is only liable for your damage if the power failure or a grid overvoltage intentionally or negligently was brought about. Liability does not apply in the event of force majeure. So if, for example, lightning strikes or there is a natural disaster. In addition, a blackout must last a really long time so that compensation can be claimed. A brief power outage doesn’t count. The value of the damage incurred per connection user must also be at least 500 and no more than 5,000 euros. The network operator must also pay a maximum of 2.5 million in damages per incident.