Octopus Energy is offering Brits free electricity and £12,000 in cash this week to celebrate the partial solar eclipse on August 12, the UK's fullest eclipse in 54 years.
How to get free electricity
Families who reduce their energy usage between 6pm and 8pm, when the eclipse is at its fullest, will earn an hour of free electricity for the following weekend, on August 16. Customers must be signed up for the supplier's rewards scheme, Octoplus, and Saving Sessions.
Win solar panels or £12,000
Octopus is also holding a competition where Brits could be in with a chance to win solar panels for their home, or £12,000 cash. To enter, share a photo on social media of what you did during the eclipse with the hashtag #OctoEclipse and tag @OctopusEnergy.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief customer officer at Octopus Energy, said: “Many of us will be looking up at the sky on Wednesday evening to experience this once-in-a-generation event. But as the Sun disappears, so will some of Britain’s solar generation, just as demand peaks.”
“By shifting everyday tasks like the washing machine or dishwasher until later, households can help reduce the need for gas power stations – and earn rewards for doing their bit.”
Eclipse details
The Royal Greenwich Observatory has said it will be the most dramatic solar eclipse in the UK since 1999, with between 90 and 96% of the Sun obscured by the Moon. Spectators in parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain will be treated to a total eclipse.
The best spots in the UK are London at 90%, Pembrokeshire at 94%, and Cornwall at 95%. Those on the south-western tip of Ireland might see almost 97.5% coverage, making it the best spot in the British Isles.
Safety warnings
The dim light of an eclipse can bypass the body's instinctive urge to look away, allowing powerful sunlight to penetrate and damage the retina. The injury occurs painlessly, meaning you might not recognise that damage is taking place until it's already happened.
Standard sunglasses don't offer sufficient protection and could actually prove more dangerous, as the decreased glare will make staring at the Sun feel more comfortable for extended periods, allowing more damaging radiation to penetrate the retina.
Purpose-made eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers are the safest way to view the eclipse. These authentic glasses can be purchased from trusted retailers, though beware of online products which fail to meet standards.
