Edinburgh’s Grassmarket pubs are facing a troubling situation as power cuts disrupt their operations. These outages have affected businesses during the festive season, especially around Hogmanay. Owners describe their struggles as being plunged into a “black hole,” which threatens their viability and customer experience.
Business Concerns Over Power Outages
Since 2021, bars and pubs in Grassmarket have experienced recurrent power failures, prompting an urgent letter to SP Energy Networks. The correspondence, which also reached City of Edinburgh Council’s chief executive Paul Lawrence and local MSP Angus Robertson, expresses “deep concern” over the ongoing issues.
Systemic Vulnerabilities Highlighted
- Businesses report multiple outages during festive periods.
- Power cuts have deterred patrons from the area.
- Owners argue that SP Energy Networks’ response has not addressed the root causes.
The letter notes that while SP Energy Networks has apologized and initiated network condition reviews, the reactive nature of repairs has proven inadequate. The pub owners emphasize the need for urgent and lasting solutions to protect the area’s hospitality industry.
Impacts on Edinburgh’s Grassmarket Sector
With Hogmanay approaching, the timing of these power failures poses an additional threat. Grassmarket is a popular destination for New Year revelers, making it crucial for local businesses to operate smoothly during this peak season.
The ongoing power issues highlight the necessity for thorough infrastructure improvement. The affected pubs hope for proactive measures to ensure reliability for both customers and businesses alike.
