World Cup games to be among biggest electricity surge events in Scottish history

As the build-up continues for Scotland’s return to a men’s World Cup after nearly 30 years, energy companies are preparing for one of the biggest electricity surge events in Scottish history.

A 5% to 10% increase in overnight demand is expected when the national side takes on Haiti at 2am on Sunday.

Fans will switch on their TVs at home, be watching the match down the pub, or at special watch parties, when most people are normally asleep.

ScottishPower and SSE have pointed to the millennium and, before that, the 1969 moon landings as among the last times so many Scots were up at night watching the same thing.

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower CEO, said: “We’re gearing up for a huge moment as millions of people, from across generations, come together in the early hours of the morning for the national men’s team’s return to the World Cup for the first time in almost three decades.

“While supporters focus on the football, the homes, businesses, pubs and fan zones will be connected to an electricity grid that’s powered by renewable generation and monitored 24/7 by our networks teams to keep power flowing.”

Paul Murray, head of SSE distribution control, added: “We’re proud to be helping power Scotland’s supporters as they tune in to cheer on the team at a World Cup for the first time in a generation.

“Many of the colleagues working to keep the power flowing hadn’t been born the last time Scotland went to the World Cup, which underlines just how significant a moment this is.

 “Scotland’s electricity system has never been more central to everyday life, and moments like this highlight the importance of a modern, resilient network that can respond to changes in demand. Behind the scenes, our teams are monitoring and managing the system to ensure a reliable supply to homes and businesses.

“Our ongoing investment in Scotland’s energy infrastructure is creating a new legacy for Scotland – and we hope the team can do the same.”