World Cup final to drive major power surge
Electricity demand in Britain is expected to soar during the World Cup final between Argentina and Germany this Sunday.
The National Grid predicts usage to rise between 700MW and 900MW – equivalent to as many as 360,000 kettles being switched on during half-time and full-time.
It found the British public’s continued interest in games involving Brazil, with a 432MW pickup during the host country’s half-time in the semi-final defeat to Germany. Its penalty shootout win over Chile saw an even bigger pickup of 545MW.
Source: National Grid
John Young, Energy Forecasting Analyst at National Grid said: “With much of the nation expected to watch Germany play Argentina in Sunday’s final, we’re forecasting a major surge in demand as viewers make a half-time cup of tea or switch on lights as they leave the room.”
