Customer equipment was to blame for a single premises loss of power that called off Stevenage vs Cambridge, the network operator has said.

Officials were left with no choice but to abandon Stevenage FC’s home game with Cambridge United last night after a loss of power, initially thought to be a power cut to the broader area.

A club statement was released last night which confirmed the game had been cancelled due to “a local area power cut”.

This morning, however, UK Power Networks told The Comet that no other premises lost their electricity in the area.

A spokesperson said: “Our engineers attended within 15 minutes of being called to a single premises off supply in Broadhall Way at 8.04pm yesterday.

“After some access issues we found the problem was on the customer’s equipment, and were able to help restore power by 9.30pm.

“We would remind all business customers who rely on electricity, to have back-up supplies for rare occasions like this.”

The club has confirmed that fans will be able to use their tickets for the rearranged fixture or request a refund.

The Comet: Players warm-up in the darkness.Players warm-up in the darkness. (Image: TGS Photo)

Lights went off at the Lamex Stadium, in Broadhall Way, at around 7.15pm while the players of both teams were warming up for the League One match.

They were hurried off the pitch but for a while chaos reigned, with the wi-fi and internet connections intermittent at best.

Some lights came back on at around 8pm.

The problems also hit the new turnstiles, which need electricity to operate, leaving thousands stuck outside and without information.

The Comet: Crowds outside of the Lamex.Crowds outside of the Lamex. (Image: Mark Hemmings)

Police officers apparently told the club that an estimated 4,500 people had to be contained outside the ground by a reduced number of police compared to normal while power was out.

The club has been contacted for comment.

According to yesterday's club statement a local area power cut was confirmed by UK Power Networks, quoted as saying: “We are receiving reports from other customers about a power cut in your area.

“We are investigating reports of a power cut and more information will appear here shortly, so keep checking for updates. We are sorry for any disruption this may be causing you”.