National Grid is expecting the UK’s demand for electricity to escalate substantially in the coming weeks due to the Rugby World Cup, which gets underway tonight at Twickenham.
The energy giant has predicted that during the half-time interval of England’s opener against Fiji, the UK’s demand for electricity will increase by 500 megawatts (MW). This is the same as 200,000 kettles being switched on.
National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world and experienced its highest ever increase in demand during the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, in which England defeated Australia.
As the referee blew for half time, the swell in electricity demand across the UK was the equivalent of two million kettles being turned on.
This effect on demand is known as ‘TV pick-up’ and is reflective of the broadcasting schedule at that time. Electricity demand usually increases when a television program finishes or during the advertisement break when people take a break from their screen.
Experts at the firm have forecast which games at this year’s World Cup will produce the highest levels of energy growth.
Unsurprisingly, the company expects the games involving the host nations, England and Wales, along with matches including nearby Scotland and Ireland to generate the highest surges.
Image courtesy of Sanjay Ghosh via Flickr, with thanks.
