CHEERS! PUT THE KETTLE ON

THE nation’s rush for a cup of tea after the ceremony will trigger a massive surge in electricity demand, National Grid said yesterday.

The networks operator said the biggest surge of 1,500megawatts is expected at the end of the ceremony, followed by the moment the newlyweds’ carriage enters Windsor Castle.

The surge could fire up 500,000 kettles.

That compares with a pick-up of 2,400MW following Prince William and Kate’s wedding in 2011. This would have been equal to boiling 800,000 kettles. The demand increases, called TV pick-ups, often follow key points in live sporting events as fans get up during a break and use appliances.

The key wedding moments expected to boost demand include the first glimpse of the royal family and guests, at 250MW, along with a 400MW boost when Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge arrive.

The arrivals of the Queen and also Ms Markle could see a 600MW demand, according to National Grid’s expert forecasters, whose estimates are based on detailed data from past events and behavioural trends.

By contrast, surges for the FA Cup final at Wembley later in the day look a bit tepid.

A much smaller pick-up of 200MW, equivalent to powering 67,000 kettles, is expected at full time – due at 7pm.

Duncan Burt, of National Grid, said: “The way we watch TV has changed greatly in recent years with more on-demand viewing, which means we only tend to see large pick-ups for live events such as this.”