Edinburgh Pubs Face Power Outages Before Hogmanay Celebrations
Edinburgh’s Old Town is facing significant power outages just days before the Hogmanay celebrations. These outages have disrupted at least 30 establishments in The Grassmarket area. Restaurant and bar owners are expressing serious concerns regarding the financial impact on their businesses during this festive period.
Impact of Power Cuts on Local Businesses
Local establishments claim they are experiencing crippling losses due to these electrical failures. Owners describe the situation as creating “a black hole” for holiday trade. The ongoing outages have forced many businesses to reconsider operations amid decreased foot traffic.
Concerns Raised by Business Owners
A letter addressing these issues was submitted to the chief executive of SP Energy Networks. It outlined ongoing power issues that have persisted since 2021, particularly during festive seasons. The letter highlights the critical need for effective solutions rather than temporary fixes.
- Recurring power failures causing significant losses.
- Disruptions reported multiple times daily, particularly during peak trading hours.
- Loss of revenue in one December weekend cut services for an entire Friday night and Saturday lunch.
Business owners emphasized that there are still operational costs to manage despite the power failures. They must pay staff, dispose of spoiled food, and handle lost bookings, all compounding their financial strain.
SP Energy Networks’ Response
SP Energy Networks has acknowledged the intermittent power supply problems in Grassmarket. A representative indicated that their team is actively addressing the issues, especially as Hogmanay celebrations approach. They are aware of the situation’s urgency and are taking steps to mitigate further outages.
The representative confirmed that power outages occurred on Tuesday due to a low voltage protection fuse triggered by a fault. These interruptions lasted several hours, impacting local businesses at a crucial time.
Looking Ahead
SP Energy Networks is enhancing staffing levels to provide additional support during the New Year festivities. They plan to meet with local business owners in the new year to discuss potential long-term solutions to this ongoing issue.
As Hogmanay festivities near, the focus remains on restoring consistent power supply to ensure local businesses can thrive and celebrate the New Year with their patrons.
