Northern Russian Cities Plunged Into A Blackout

• 26.01.2026, 11:36

Bloomberg estimated the magnitude of the impact.

A blackout has hit the north of the Russian Federation. Murmansk and Severomorsk, as well as surrounding areas, have been without power for the fourth day because the old infrastructure could not withstand the frost.

The Bloomberg writes that five transmission towers collapsed near Murmansk on January 23, causing power outages, and subsequently water and heat outages in the city and neighboring Severomorsk, the main base of Russia's Northern Fleet.

Authorities said water and heating were almost restored to the area over the weekend, but power outages continue as the power grid operator awaits new supports and harsh weather conditions hamper repair work.

The incident underscores the strain on Russia's aging power grid, as decades-old infrastructure becomes increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather and disruptions. Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on suspicion of negligence, saying the power system operator failed to properly maintain the transmission lines.

The Murmansk region in northwestern Russia, bordering Norway and Finland, is an important industrial center and home to companies such as Russia's largest mining concern MMK Norilsk Nickel and fertilizer producer PhosAgro.

The combined population of Murmansk and Severomorsk is about 300,000, although authorities have not said how many consumers remain without power.

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On January 25, the region's governor, Andrey Chibis, declared a state of emergency in Murmansk. He warned that demand for electricity could peak when people return to work and school, which could lead to new blackouts to avoid accidents.