Energy supplier Octopus Energy has announced a special offer ahead of this week's solar eclipse, allowing customers to earn free electricity by reducing their usage during the event.
Eclipse Power Down Session
As the Moon blocks up to 95% of the Sun over parts of Britain, Octopus is asking households to cut back on electricity use between 6pm and 8pm on 12 August, when the eclipse is at its darkest and solar generation takes a hit. Eligible customers who use less electricity than normal during those two hours will receive free electricity the following weekend.
Shifting everyday tasks such as running the washing machine or dishwasher outside the 6-8pm window is how customers can save money. The timing is significant because the eclipse will briefly reduce Britain's solar power output just as millions of people are arriving home and electricity demand is rising.
Solar's Role in Britain's Energy System
Solar energy plays an increasingly important role in Britain's energy mix. Solar generated a record 14.4% of Britain's electricity in July, meaning a couple of hours without sunshine can leave a gap that must be filled.
If enough households delay electricity use for a short time, it can reduce the need to start up extra gas power stations. Participants will get one hour of free electricity on Sunday, 16 August, during the daytime for using less electricity than usual during the Eclipse Power Down Session.
Customer Rewards and Safety Warning
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."
Customers can sign up for the Eclipse Power Down Sessions and also enter Octopus's eclipse photo competition for a chance to win free solar panels and installation, or £12,000 in cash instead.
The solar eclipse will be visible over the North East between 6 and 8pm, aligning with the electricity cut-back hours. The North East will see 90.22% coverage at peak totality (19:07).
The UKHSA has warned people not to look directly at the eclipse. It said: "Ordinary sunglasses - no matter how dark - allow harmful solar radiation to reach the retina and should not be used to view an eclipse. If you want to use eclipse glasses, make sure they are genuine with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard."
The agency explained: "During an eclipse, the sun appears dimmer than usual. This makes it easier to look at directly - and that's precisely the problem. The reduced brightness can override the body's natural reflex to look away, allowing intense sunlight to reach and damage the retina. This damage happens without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it's too late."
