Octopus Energy is urging millions of households to cut back on electricity use during Wednesday evening’s solar eclipse, warning that the rare event could place additional pressure on Great Britain’s power grid.
Customers are being asked to delay using washing machines and dishwashers on Wednesday evening due to the eclipse
The energy supplier is asking customers to avoid running washing machines, dishwashers and other non-essential appliances between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday 12 August.
In return, eligible customers signed up to Octopus’s rewards programme could receive a free hour of electricity to use the following weekend.
The request comes as the moon is expected to block up to 95% of the sun over parts of Britain, temporarily reducing the country’s solar power generation at a time when electricity demand is expected to rise.
Why the eclipse could affect the power grid
The eclipse is expected to remove much of Great Britain’s remaining solar generation during the early evening, when households typically begin cooking, cleaning and using entertainment devices.
The impact could be worsened by the UK’s fifth heatwave of the year, with high temperatures likely to increase demand for fans, air conditioning and refrigeration.
The National Energy System Operator, known as Neso, has been preparing for the unusual conditions for more than a year.
It expects the normal early-evening peak in electricity demand to happen later than usual, as millions of people head outside to watch the eclipse before returning home.
Across Europe, the eclipse is expected to reduce power production by around 9.7 gigawatts between 7.15pm and 9.30pm at its strongest point. In Britain, the loss of solar generation could range from 700 megawatts to 1.3 gigawatts.
Delaying a load of washing, postponing the dishwasher cycle or charging an electric vehicle after the eclipse could help reduce pressure on the grid
Octopus is encouraging customers to move flexible electricity use to a later time, rather than stop using appliances altogether.
Delaying a load of washing, postponing the dishwasher cycle or charging an electric vehicle after the eclipse could help reduce pressure on the grid while solar power output is lower.
“Many of us will be looking up at the sky on Wednesday evening to experience this once-in-a-generation event,” said Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Octopus’s chief customer officer. “But as the sun disappears, so will some of Britain’s solar generation, just as demand peaks.”
She added that shifting everyday tasks could reduce the need for gas-fired power stations and allow households to earn rewards for helping to balance the electricity system.
Free electricity offered as an incentive
The offer is available to Octopus customers who have signed up to the supplier’s “Saving Sessions” scheme. The programme rewards households for using more electricity when renewable energy is plentiful, or less when demand is high and renewable generation is limited.
Octopus estimates that homes across Britain could provide up to 13 gigawatts of flexible electricity capacity through smart appliances, electric vehicles and home batteries. However, the supplier says only a small proportion of this potential is currently being used.
The company hopes the eclipse will encourage more households to take part in managing demand at critical moments.
Europe’s energy system already under pressure
The eclipse is taking place against a challenging backdrop for Europe’s energy networks. High temperatures have reduced river water levels needed to cool some nuclear and coal-fired power stations, while drought has affected hydropower reservoirs in Norway.
Low wind speeds and power plant outages have also contributed to concerns about electricity supplies. In June, the heatwave led Neso to issue its first summer warning notice over the security of Britain’s electricity supply.
