Octopus Energy is asking its customers to reduce their electricity use during the solar eclipse on Wednesday, which is expected to cause a temporary drop in solar power generation at the evening peak when households are using energy-heavy appliances.
The eclipse will begin shortly after 6pm and end at around 8pm, with the moon expected to block up to 95% of the sun. Octopus is urging customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers during this window.
Reward for participating customers
As an incentive, the supplier said it will give customers signed up to its “savings sessions” scheme a free hour of electricity to use next weekend.
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.”
Impact on electricity system
Domestic solar generation is expected to drop by roughly 700 to 1,300 megawatts. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) said it expects the evening peak in electricity demand to be later than usual on Wednesday as millions head outdoors to watch the eclipse.
In a post on X, Neso said: “As millions of people head outside to catch a glimpse, Britain's electricity demand is expected to shift too. It's something we've been planning for over a year, helping keep the electricity system balanced while the nation looks to the skies.”
Energy bills forecast to rise
The request comes as energy bills are forecast to rise again this winter. The Ofgem price cap went up by 13% in July, and analysts have warned of another increase when the price cap updates again in October.
Energy research and consultancy firm Cornwall Insight predicts the Ofgem price cap will go up by another 2%. Under previous Ofgem calculations, the current price cap is set at £1,862 a year, and Cornwall Insight predicts this could rise to £1,906 in October.
Ofgem has updated its methodology to reflect that people are now using less energy to save money. Based on its new lower estimates, the current price cap is set at £1,663 a year, and analysts say it could increase to £1,699 in October.
