Letter re: recent power cuts from K Mather MP
To: Phil Jones Chief Executive – Northern Powergrid
Dear Phil,
I am contacting you today because the frequency of power outages in my Selby and Kippax constituency is at a level that is completely unsustainable and unacceptable. You will be acutely aware of the huge damage that power cuts can cause for local communities. Here in Selby and Kippax, power cuts are disrupting our lives several times a week - causing anxiety for families cut off from access to essential amenities and loss of income for local businesses. Just yesterday, residents in villages surrounding Selby experienced over 12 outages and intermittent cuts within a 24 hour period. This can’t go on. I am today asking for you to resolve the problem as a matter of priority. I appreciate that there are many inter-related causes for faults and outages and that your teams cover a vast and rural area which can exacerbate challenges. I would be grateful if you could please provide a clear explanation for the increase in outages in recent weeks and if you could outline whether customers are entitled to compensation for their experiences. Over the past month, hundreds of local people have contacted me to raise concerns about the grid instability. I want to let you know that I intend to raise this matter today with the Minister for Energy Security and the National Energy System Operator (NESO). I look forward to receiving your prompt response, which will hopefully provide some much needed clarity and reassurance for residents across Selby and Kippax.
Best wishes, Keir Mather MP Member of Parliament for Selby and Kippax
Last updated: 9 December 2025