MP raises compensation in talks over power cuts hitting Sheffield neighbourhood
High level talks after latest power cut hit thousands
A Sheffield MP has raised the issue of compensation in a meeting over concerns about the number of power cuts hitting one of the city’s neighbourhoods.
The meeting was held after the latest power cut to affect the Stocksbridge area of the city, which affected nearly 4,000 households on Monday.
Marie Tidball met officials from Northern Power on Thursday, over problems in the area.
Ms Tidball described repeated outages affecting communities including Wharncliffe Side, Oughtibridge, Deepcar, Stocksbridge and Penistone.
She said: “I’ve listened to lots of constituents tell me about the disruption these power cuts have been causing locally.
“Northern Powergrid explained that there is a vulnerability in the local network which they are working to repair, with the work currently expected to be completed by November 2026. Northern Powergrid acknowledged that communication with residents could have been better, and I appreciated their openness about this issue.”
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The MP has also asked for a named contact from Northern Powergrid so she can contact them about the cuts impacting the communities as quickly as possible, including out of hours.
She added: “I have also pressed them on a key contact for their priority service for vulnerable customers and further details on their compensation scheme for my constituents affected by prolonged or repeated cuts, within Ofgem’s guidance, and will continue to work with Northern Powergrid to make sure residents are kept informed and to press for the necessary work to be completed as quickly as possible.”
It is understood compensation is set by Ofgem’s rules rather than Northern Powergrid directly
Northern Powergrid said in a statement that customers in the S36 postcode area had experienced a combination of power interruptions relating to weather, underground and overhead cable faults, and generator failures.
The firm added: “We have completed targeted vegetation management and are prioritising further inspections and ongoing monitoring of the network to reduce the risk of additional issues.
“The network is currently operating under a temporary arrangement while essential substation work is completed. Once this work is complete, the network will return to its normal configuration.
“We understand how inconvenient power cuts can be, and we’re working to a solution to improve overall network resilience to reduce the impact for customers.”
The company has been keeping customers updated on a regular basis, including video messages from its Extra Care team.
Any customers who need additional help and support during a power cut can contact their dedicated Priority Service team on 0800 169 2996. Lines are open 24 hours a day
Monday’s power cut affecting 3,797 customers in the S36 postcode area.
Most had their power back on by soon after midday, although a handful were not back on until nearly 7pm.
The company has now agreed to provide Ms Tidball with a written confirmation of planned works and timetable.
She understands problems relate to an issue with the main feeder to the substation on Wheatacre Road.
Once works are completed, Northern Powergrid intends to hold local event explaining the cause of the vulnerability and work required to resolve it
Recent outages affecting Langsett were caused by a separate vegetation-related issue, not related to wider problems which Northern Powergrid is working to resolve.