In Hamburg, the number of households facing energy disconnections has surged dramatically, with incidents nearly tripling from 2,174 in 2023 to 6,145 in 2024.

This alarming spike in disconnections is largely attributed to rising energy prices, which severely affect low-income households already grappling with debt and unemployment.

The consequences of energy cuts are dire, leading to health issues and social isolation, particularly among vulnerable groups such as families with children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Despite the growing crisis, a hardship fund established in late 2022 to prevent disconnections has been underutilized, with only 75 cases reported by its closure in March 2024.

This hardship fund was intended to cover 80% of debts for customers facing disconnections, but it has faced criticism for its lack of outreach and support for those in need.

Many eligible individuals, particularly those receiving social benefits, are either unaware of the fund or feel too ashamed to apply, often opting for alternative payment arrangements with their energy providers.

In response to these challenges, the Left Party in Hamburg is advocating for a new, more accessible hardship fund, criticizing the previous one for being complicated and poorly publicized.

To assist residents, Hamburg offers free advisory services through organizations like the Hamburg Energy Guides and the Consumer Center, which provide information on energy savings and financial assistance.

Local politicians have suggested measures to alleviate the situation, including exempting energy prices from grid fees and establishing affordable energy quotas for residents.

Additionally, energy providers impose high fees for reminders and reconnections, further compounding the financial burden on customers facing disconnections.

The crisis extends beyond electricity, as water disconnections have nearly doubled from 285 in 2023 to 549 in 2024, while gas disconnections increased from 9 to 49 in the same period.

Olga Fritzsche, the Left Party's social policy spokesperson, has expressed concern that the rate of energy disconnections has returned to pre-COVID levels, severely impacting residents' ability to maintain basic living standards.