\n In a joint letter to SP Energy Networks CEO Nicola Connelly, restaurants, bars and over operators writing under the umbrella of ‘Grassmarket Hospitality Operators’ said they were \u201cdeeply concerned\u201d after a series of blackouts between 2021 and 2025, including the most recent on December 30.\n<\/p>\n
\n This outage saw an underground cable fail on Kings Stables Road, leaving properties without power. Engineers have warned supply may need to be cut again on Hogmanay to complete repairs, the venues said.\n<\/p>\n
\n Another outage earlier this month, on December 11, was traced to a low-voltage cable joint failure near Kings Stables Road Lane. Temporary restoration was achieved, but businesses faced multiple interruptions during fault-finding.\n<\/p>\n
\n People sit in an outdoor restaurant area in The Grassmarket, Edinburgh, (Image: Jane Barlow)\n<\/p>\n
\n The letter highlights a \u201chistorical pattern\u201d of failures, including faults in December 2022, 2024 and 2025, and claims engineers admitted the local substation is too small to cope with demand.\n<\/p>\n
\n Business owners say the outages have caused \u201csubstantial financial losses, equipment damage and reputational harm\u201d during peak trading periods.\n<\/p>\n
\n While SP Energy Networks has apologised and promised network reviews, traders insist reactive repairs are not enough.\n<\/p>\n
\n Businesses are demanding immediate reinforcement plans, including a published timeline for upgrading the Grassmarket\u2019s ageing power infrastructure.\n<\/p>\n
\n They say this is essential to prevent further outages that have repeatedly hit the area during the busiest trading period of the year.\n<\/p>\n
\n Read More:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n \n They also want a dedicated liaison group to keep affected businesses informed and involved in planning. Traders argue that being left \u201cin the dark\u201d during peak festive periods is unacceptable and damages confidence in the city\u2019s hospitality sector.\n<\/p>\n \n In addition, the letter urges SP Energy Networks to introduce contingency measures to minimise disruption over the winter months.\n<\/p>\n \n Staff take in tables and chairs at The Beehive pub in the Grassmarket (Image: Getty Images)\n<\/p>\n