BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – After the day-long power outage, Berlin wants to better protect the critical infrastructure. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) announced that there should be short-term measures for this in Berlin. “We will now look again at how we can secure the places that are vulnerable in our critical infrastructure more quickly in the very, very short term,” explained Wegner.
The aim is to monitor 100 percent of the vulnerable and problematic areas of the above-ground power grid in Berlin with video cameras within a short period of time, said the head of government.
According to the Economics Senator Franziska Giffey (SPD), who is responsible for energy, one percent of Berlin’s 35,000 kilometer power grid currently runs above ground. 75 percent of these lines are already monitored with cameras.
Giffey said that when it comes to protection, the focus is now on the points that are vulnerable and would be associated with high damage in the event of a power outage. “This is a double-digit range of critical points” that could be considered for video surveillance. There is then protection through “optical, thermal and mechanical sensors”. There are already fences and other protection today. Now the police presence will also be increased day and night.
Improving the infrastructure is not just Berlin’s job, emphasized Wegner. He also reached an agreement on this with Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). A close exchange with the other federal states is also necessary./mvk/DP/nas