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utILItY WeeK | 20th - 26th June 2014 | 5 500 the number of eDF energy staff who held a 24 hour strike over pay on June 16, the third in recent weeks. €300m the amount of money wasted by uK energy consumers each year because of poor energy efficiency, according to research by energy management software firm Opower. England's first World Cup match failed to meet National Grid's demand expecta- tions with half-time electricity pick-up lower than predicted. National Grid expected a surge in electricity demand at half time on Sat- urday of 700MW, but only experienced a pick-up of 550MW. After the full-time whistle, at 12.50am on Sunday, the pick up was just 180MW. An estimated 15 million people watched the match. The opening game of the 2014 World Cup, which saw hosts Brazil play Croatia, saw a pick-up of 647MW, higher than the predicted 550MW. The difference between the estimated pick-up and the actual demand surge was within National Grid's normal margin for error. The company has predicted a surge of 1,300MW at half time in England's second game of the World Cup on Thursday, when the Three Lions face Uruguay. The highest TV pick-up experienced by National Grid was 2,800MW after the 1990 World Cup semi-final, when Eng- land lost on penalties to West Germany. The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, in April 2011, holds the record for the biggest demand surge for a non-sporting news event. Once the couple reached Buckingham Palace at 12:40pm, there was a demand spike of 2,400MW. eLeCtrICItY Utility Week last week hosted the first of its annual Star Awards to celebrate the vital contribution of frontline and back office staff, recognising individuals and teams from energy and water businesses. The award winners were selected by an expert team of judges and picked up their prizes at the Manchester- based summer party from acclaimed comedian and Mock the Week regular Holly Walsh, and Utility Week editor Ellen Bennet. Both are pictured here with joint- winners of the Above and Beyond team award, the Oxford Calor Centre team, who shared the honour with Morison Utility Services. Footie fans give cuppa a miss "China and the UK stand united for more collaborative working that will help to achieve long lasting energy security" Energy secretary Ed Davey says the UK and Chinese governments have signed a civil nuclear agreement to pave the way for Chinese firms to invest in Hinkley Point C. "We are calling for a national affordability scheme and we want to engage with consumers, the industry and you as workers" Shadow water minister Angela Smith says "new ways" are needed to help those who can't pay their water bills "It is more important than ever to let the marketplace decide, rather than for politicians to champion their half-baked ideas" Analysts at Investec say in a research note that the biggest favour the CMA probe can do for UK energy sector is to foster a competitive environment.