UK households are being urged to avoid using their washing machines for two hours on Wednesday evening as Britain prepares for the deepest solar eclipse in almost 30 years. Octopus Energy, Great Britain's biggest household energy supplier, has asked customers to hold off using washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm on August 12.
Solar Eclipse Impact on Power Supply
The request comes as the moon is expected to block up to 95% of the sun over parts of Britain, resulting in a significant drop in the amount of solar power being generated. The eclipse is expected to remove the last of Britain's solar generation for the day at a time when demand for electricity could be particularly high.
The country's ongoing heatwave is already increasing the amount of power being used for appliances including fans, air conditioning and refrigeration. Octopus hopes that if enough customers delay everyday household jobs until later in the evening, it could reduce the need for additional gas-fired power stations to make up for the lost solar energy.
Rewards for Participants
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Octopus chief customer officer, 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 taking part could also receive something in return. Those signed up to Octopus Energy's rewards programme and its "saving sessions" are being offered a free hour of electricity the following weekend.
Grid Preparedness and Flexibility
The National Energy System Operator (Neso), which manages Great Britain's electricity system, said it has been "planning for over a year" for the eclipse, describing it as "one of the most unusual evenings our control room will manage this year".
Millions of people are expected to head outside to watch the event before returning home, which could push the usual early-evening peak in electricity demand to later than normal. Octopus said: "Household flexibility is one of Britain's biggest untapped energy resources."
The supplier estimates homes could provide as much as 13 gigawatts of flexible capacity through measures including shifting when appliances are used, electric vehicles and home batteries.
