Finchley’s MP has promised “frank, face-to-face talks” with the CEO of a major electricity company after businesses experienced yet another crippling power cut yesterday.

Traders in North Finchley High Road and Ballards Lane complained in January that they have lost tens of thousands of pounds after suffering 15 power outages in just seven months.

Shops were forced to close yet again yesterday when electricity cut out between 11am and 6pm, despite the provider promising the issue would be fixed by January 17.

Now Finchley and Golders Green's MP Mike Freer says he wants answers.

He said today: “UK Power Networks need to up their game, not only to resolve the issue permanently, but to provide proper compensation.

“Whilst we have been in correspondence before, it is time for a frank, face-to-face meeting.”

A spokesman for Mr Freer added that his office was in the process of arranging a meeting at Parliament with the company’s CEO.

Businesses have so far only been offered £54 in compensation following each power cut – the current statutory minimum.

UK Power Networks, which provides power to homes and businesses across north London, blamed the regular faults on faulty equipment at a nearby substation, but promised business owners the issue would be fixed.

The latest outage has caused increased frustration among the traders, with some saying they plan to move their business when their lease runs out.

Shahbaz Husain, who runs Accountancy Advantage and has become a spokesman for the businesses, said: “It is outrageous that it has got to this stage. UK Power Networks are just hiding behind the legislation so they don’t have to pay more compensation

“I have seen some of the traders in tears. Some of these businesses were started from nothing and they are on the verge of going under because of these losses – it is heartbreaking.”

The Times Series has asked for a comment from UK Power Networks.