Britain's energy network operator National Grid is analyzing data and surveying soccer fans in a bid to gear up for the surge in electricity demand during the World Cup from half-time cups of tea and toilet breaks.
The surges in demand happens when people across the country collectively switch on kettles and lights during a break in major sporting events or the climax of a popular TV show.
Forecasting the surge in electricity is crucial to prevent blackouts resulting from a serious strain on the energy network.
"We'll be working throughout the tournament to make sure electricity supply and demand is balanced from kick-off until after the final whistle. That will mean our engineers and forecasters keeping a close eye on what's happening out in Brazil," John Young, energy forecasting analyst at National Grid, said in a press release.
National Grid saw the biggest increase in demand in the 1990 World Cup when England lost to West Germany in the semi-finals on penalties, a surge equivalent to 1.12 million kettles being used.
The company's forecasters have been analysing historical data on when the demand surges occurs. National Grid has also been surveying the public to find out their viewing habits during the games.
"We've been looking closely at historic data from previous tournaments, but we want to hear from football fans across the country to find out how and where they will watch the big games," Young said.
