Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Greece's Aging Power Grid Fuels Wildfire Destruction
Imagine Greece's power lines as old wires that sometimes cause sparks, like a faulty lightbulb.
When the sparks fly onto dry grass, they start fires.
This summer, many big fires were caused by these old power lines, burning lots of land.
The problem is, the wires weren't well taken care of for many years because of money issues.
Now, the government is trying to fix it by putting some wires underground and doing maintenance, but it's a slow process.
Some people are angry and want to take action because the same thing keeps happening every year.
Faulty power lines were the main cause of major wildfires in Greece this summer.
15 major fires were likely caused by the electricity network in 2024.
Underinvestment in the power grid during Greece's debt crisis is a key factor.
HEDNO, the power distributor, says it carries out regular maintenance and has increased spending.
Local authorities are considering legal action against HEDNO.
- Who
- Greek Firefighters, Public Power Distributor HEDNO, and the Greek Government
- What
- A report revealed that faulty power lines caused major wildfires in Greece.
- When
- The fires occurred during the summer months; the report was based on data from 2024.
- Where
- Greece, particularly near the Athens Riviera and other areas.
- Why
- Aging power grid infrastructure, lack of investment, and climate change contributed to the fires.
Local Authorities/Residents
Power Distributor HEDNO
Cause of the Fires
Local Authorities/Residents
Blame the power grid for negligence.
Power Distributor HEDNO
Denies negligence, citing regular maintenance and no link to the August fire.
Liability
Local Authorities/Residents
Local authorities plan to sue HEDNO.
Power Distributor HEDNO
HEDNO states that they have been found guilty in only three cases related to wildfires since 2012.
- Cause of Major Fires (Summer)
- Faulty Power Lines
- Affected Area (August Fire)
- 4,000 acres
- Fires Caused by Grid (2024)
- 15
- Grid Investment (2024)
- 165 million euros
- Underground Cables Installed Annually
- 1,800 km