The excitement, tension and then elation after Katie's victory caused people to temporarily change their usage of power in a significant and measurable way.
Electricity demand fell by over six per cent during the contest as people stopped using appliances or paused in work or during other activities to watch the bout on television, after the bout demand for power reduced again during the medal presentation to the Irish boxer took place.
Demand for power fell during the bout by 205 megawatts – which is over six per cent of demand at the time, or the equivalent of the electricity usage of over 130,000 homes.
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Supply and demand for power are managed and monitored continuously at the EirGrid National Control Centre. The changes in demand were managed efficiently and without any difficulty by EirGrid’s engineers in the Control Centre.
At the start of the boxing match, electricity consumption fell because people were watching TV together and not using other appliances. That reduction was about 205 megawatts, or over 6% of demand as the boxing match neared its conclusion.
After the end of the bout usage of power rose again as kettles were boiled, or fridges
opened nationwide, and people resumed their activities.
Demand fell again by 90 megawatts during the medal presentation and the playing of
the National Anthem.
As Katie Taylor progressed in the Olympic games during the week, the effect on electricity demand also grew, reflecting how her performances entranced the nation. For example, the semi-final in which Katie boxed earlier in the week also caused a 3% reduction in demand.
This is one of a small number of televised events where demand has changed in a measurable way at times when large numbers of people are watching a particular televised event.
(CD/GK)
