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National Grid is gearing up for a 650 MW spike in electricity demand as a result of the “TV pick-up” expected during the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia on Saturday.
The increase is expected at half time on Saturday afternoon, with the demand at full-time predicted to be lower at just 400MW.
A “TV pick-up” is an increase in demand seen during advert breaks or at the end of popular programmes as consumers switch on electrical appliances and lights.
The biggest peak seen so far during the tournament was at the conclusion of the Scotland verses Australia game when demand increased by 663MW.
National Grid’s energy forecasting manager Jeremy Caplin said: “It’s our job here at National Grid to balance the national transmission network, ensuring supply and demand are matched second by second.
“It’s something we are very good at but the forecast shows it will be an interesting day for TV pick-ups.”
National grid has calculated the total TV pick-up so far throughout the tournament sits at 12,522MW.
The biggest peak ever recorded during a rugby world cup occurred when England beat Australia in the final in 20013 when demand reached 2110MW at half time.
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