Rise in the number of power cuts in major cities

The number of power cuts imposed by energy companies in Saxony's major cities increased in 2024. According to a minor inquiry by the Left Party in the state parliament, a total of 5,531 power cuts were recorded in Chemnitz, Dresden and Leipzig. There had been 3,607 disconnections in 2023. In Dresden, those affected were without electricity for an average of one week, while in Leipzig 70 percent of disconnections lasted "up to 14 days".

If you don't have electricity, you can't prepare food

"Nobody voluntarily risks a power cut - in most cases, their meagre wages, meagre pension or social benefits are not enough to cover these costs," explained Susanne Schaper, member of the state parliament and leader of the Left Party. Switching off the electricity doesn't help anyone and often makes the situation of those affected even worse. "Those without electricity are not only left in the dark, but are often also unable to prepare food."

Left-wing parties call for a legal ban on electricity and gas cuts

The left-wing parties are calling for a legal ban on electricity and gas cuts. Energy is a human right. "All energy supply companies should have to offer an electricity tariff structure that is socially fair and offers ecological incentives. We propose a binding quota of free or low-cost electricity based on the size of each household," said Schaper. Many people would then try to save energy and stay within the low-cost quota. This would also help with climate protection.

Proposal for a social fund against energy poverty

For cases of hardship, the left-wing party is proposing a social fund against energy poverty to be filled by the energy companies and the state. "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," argued Schaper.