Octopus Energy, the UK's biggest energy supplier, is urging customers to use less power during the solar eclipse on Wednesday, when solar generation will temporarily drop at the evening peak demand time.
The eclipse will begin shortly after 6pm and conclude at around 8pm, with the moon expected to block up to 95% of the sun. Octopus is asking customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers during this period.
Reward for taking part
As a reward, 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 the grid
It is expected that domestic solar generation will drop by roughly 700 to 1,300 megawatts. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) said it expects the evening peak in electricity demand will 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
It comes as energy bills are forecast to rise again this winter. The Ofgem price cap went up by 13% in July, but analysts have warned of another bill rise when the price cap updates again in October, just as temperatures start to drop and households begin to turn on their central heating.
Energy research and consultancy firm Cornwall Insight currently predicts the Ofgem price cap will go up by another 2%. Ofgem has updated its methodology to reflect that people are now using less energy as a way to save money.
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. But 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.
