Major Power Outage in Nice: Suspected Arson Disrupts Energy Supply – DW Report (May 25, 2025)

A second major power outage in just two days struck southeastern France, this time impacting the city of Nice. It happened early Sunday morning after an electrical facility was reportedly damaged by suspected arson.

Mayor Christian Estrosi took to X, emphasizing the role of “malicious acts” in this incident. The public prosecutor in Nice confirmed that investigations into “organized arson” have begun.

The blackout hit around 2:00 a.m. local time, leaving about 45,000 homes without power. Public transport, including the trams, was halted, and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport briefly lost power during its overnight closure. Thankfully, power was restored by 5:30 a.m., according to Enedis, the energy provider.

It’s not clear yet if this outage is connected to a similar blackout that affected Cannes just a day earlier. That incident disrupted the final day of the Cannes Film Festival, which draws global attention.

On Saturday, Cannes experienced its blackout shortly after 10:00 a.m. Due to a fire in a substation in the nearby village of Tanneron, the mayor, David Lisnard, suggested it might have been a targeted criminal act. The situation intensified in Villeneuve-Louet, about 9 miles from Cannes, where three pylons of a high-voltage power line were cut down, raising serious concerns about infrastructure safety.

The Cannes Film Festival quickly responded by switching to an alternative power supply to ensure that events and screenings continued as planned, including the closing ceremony.

Historically, power outages in France have led to significant public outcry. According to data from a recent survey by IFOP, around 65% of French citizens express dissatisfaction with the country’s energy management, particularly during critical events like festivals or major public gatherings.

As the investigation continues, reactions on social media reflect growing frustrations and concerns about public safety. Many users are calling for better security measures to protect vital infrastructure.

In light of these events, experts say it’s essential for communities to bolster their utility protections. Ensuring the integrity of electrical facilities not only helps prevent outages but also maintains public trust in these essential services.



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