Energy and the Euros: How Big Matches Impact Our Grid

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will have probably noticed that there has been a lot of football on the TV recently. However, the European Championship isn't just a big event for football fans like me; it's also a significant moment for our energy grid. 

Let me explain. Here's a quick look at how England’s first game in the competition on the 16th of June influenced energy consumption and how services like equiwatt help manage these changes.

Data Source: National Grid ESO, [ESO Operational Transparency Forum], available at [https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/320206/download]

Key Events and Energy Fluctuations

• 20:00 - Match Start: As the match began, millions tuned in, causing a surge in energy demand.

• 20:13 - Jude Bellingham Scored: Following the excitement of Bellingham's goal, energy consumption saw a slight dip as viewers focused on the game.

• 20:45—Halftime: The 500MW significantly increased as people took a break, turned on lights, boiled kettles, and used other appliances.

• 21:05 - Second Half Begins: Energy demand stabilised as viewers returned to watch the second half.

• 21:55—Full Time: As the game concluded, another 250MW pick-up was observed, and people resumed their usual activities.

Why Energy Demand Fluctuates

During high-stakes events like football matches, collective behaviour causes notable changes in energy use. The start and end of the game, along with halftime, are critical moments when demand spikes as millions simultaneously use electrical appliances such as putting on the kettle as they make a cup of tea.

How equiwatt Helps

equiwatt helps manage peak time demand by working with National Grid ESO and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to help balance the grid and make sure demand does not put pressure on the grid. Our Virtual Power Plant platform reduces the load across the grid, avoiding potential blackouts and the need for fossil fuel-powered energy. Here's how it works:

• Home Appliances as a Virtual Power Plant: equiwatt connects with smart meters and uses home appliances and smart devices such as Electric Vehicles, heat pumps and thermostats to create a virtual power plant that balances the power grid by reducing peak-hour demand. This helps offset the use of dirty, polluting power plants often needed to meet surges in demand during the busiest periods of the day.

• Saving Money and Earning Rewards: Households can save money and earn rewards for reducing their energy use. equiwatt rewards customers for participating in powerDOWN events, reducing their energy consumption during peak times.

• Easy Participation: Anyone with a smart meter and half-hourly readings can use our free app to track energy usage and get rewarded. Notifications alert users to powerDOWN events, making it easy to participate.

• Redeem Rewards: Points earned from saving energy can be redeemed for eGift vouchers or used to support green projects and charities.

• Community Impact: By getting neighbourhoods or entire cities to reduce energy use simultaneously, equiwatt makes a significant impact. 

More Than Just an App

However, although we are very proud of our app, equiwatt not only offers its own direct-to-consumer app but also utilises its energy management platform to effortlessly build, deploy, and operate virtual power plant solutions for businesses.

Our bespoke solutions enable businesses to seamlessly enter energy flexibility markets, creating new revenue streams while also enhancing customer loyalty, retention, and engagement.

Moreover, they contribute positively to environmental sustainability by optimising energy usage and reducing reliance on fossil fuels helping ensure a stable, efficient, greener and more rewarding energy grid for businesses and their customers alike.

If you are interested in learning more about how equiwatt can help you or your business achieve its goals and provide added value to your customers, contact us today.

Conclusion

As we all follow the Euros, it's worth taking a moment to consider the impact of major events like football tournaments on our energy grid. Understanding and managing these fluctuations is crucial, and at equiwatt, we are determined to play a vital role in keeping our energy supply stable during these monumental moments for the nation.

Do you have any questions or additional topics you'd like to explore?

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