SSE prepared for energy demand across the north of Scotland as nation switches on for World Cup

As Scotland prepares for its first men’s World Cup appearance since 1998, teams across SSE are gearing up to help power what is expected to be one of the biggest electricity surge events in Scottish history for the early hours of a Sunday morning.

The match against Haiti, taking place in Boston at 02:00 BST on Sunday 14 June, is expected to draw viewers across homes, pubs and organised fan zones. Engineers anticipate a 5–10% increase in overnight electricity demand across the north of Scotland — during what is typically one of the quietest periods for the network.

The last time Scotland’s men’s team appeared at a World Cup in 1998, the country’s electricity system was largely powered by fossil fuels and nuclear generation. Today, it is predominantly powered by renewable sources from major assets like Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm to iconic hydro stations such as Pitlochry.

Over the past three decades, the way the network operates has also fundamentally changed. The growing use of electric vehicles, heat pumps and more efficient homes is reshaping overnight demand, as overall electricity use continues to rise and is expected to double by 2050.

At the centre of this are SSE’s control room teams, who monitor the system in real time and respond instantly to changes in demand, ensuring stability across both transmission and distribution networks during major national moments.

Paul Murray, Head of SSE Distribution Control, said: 

“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. 

“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 lasting legacy — and we hope the team can do the same on the pitch.”

SSE is investing £25 billion over the next five years to strengthen and expand its transmission and distribution electricity infrastructure across the north of Scotland, supporting renewable generation and the network upgrades needed to meet rising demand and maintain a reliable, resilient system.

This investment is also supporting a new generation of talent helping to deliver the infrastructure that will serve communities for decades to come. Chloë Crawford, a Trainee Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, is currently supporting projects to modernise and strengthen Scotland’s electricity network.

She said: “I wasn’t even born the last time Scotland played at a World Cup, so it’s pretty amazing to see the country get behind the team and know I’m experiencing it for the first time. It really brings home just how much has changed since 1998, not just in football, but in our energy system too.

“I love being part of that transition to cleaner energy, it’s exciting to know that, in my own way, I’m helping support a system that’s more sustainable, resilient and ready for moments when the whole country switches on at once.”