The National Energy System Operator (Neso) says the World Cup will spark late‑night power spikes as England and Scotland play during the UK’s hours. Scotland’s group games start at 02:00, 23:00 and 23:00, while England’s begin between 21:00 and 22:00. All fixtures are in the United States, pushing UK viewers into morning. Match demand could rise by about 600MW, the load of Glasgow and Leeds.

Peak load will hit hardest at half‑time and full‑time, when millions of televisions, kettles and fridge doors switch on. Neso predicts England’s opening clash with Croatia could add as much as 800MW, surpassing the 600MW surge recorded during the 1966 triumph. The 1990 semi‑final still holds the record at 2,800MW, roughly a million kettles. Households will also run washing machines as games stretch into night.

Neso’s control room stands ready with battery farms and pumped‑hydro storage to balance supply, while 40‑50% of the tournament’s electricity should come from renewables, making this the cleanest World Cup on record. Energy‑efficient TVs will temper demand, but fans can expect a noticeable surge each time the home nations take the field.