Octopus Energy has issued a plea to millions of UK households to reduce electricity consumption during Wednesday's solar eclipse, specifically avoiding the use of washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm. The energy supplier warns that the eclipse could cause a significant drop in solar power generation, potentially leading to pressure on the national grid at peak demand times.
Eclipse to Slash Solar Output Across Europe
The solar eclipse is expected to wipe out 9.7GW of power production across Europe between 7.15pm and 9.30pm. In the UK, this could mean losing between 700 megawatts and 1.3GW of solar generation, according to the company. This reduction comes at a time when household electricity demand typically peaks, as people return home and begin evening routines.
Octopus Energy emphasizes that this is not just about preventing blackouts but also about avoiding the need to switch on fossil fuel power stations. The company highlights that household flexibility is a largely untapped resource, estimating that homes could provide a whopping 13 gigawatts of flexible capacity to support the electricity system, particularly through smart appliances, electric vehicles, and home batteries. However, only a fraction of this potential is currently being used.
Analysts Warn of Tight Power System
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets have warned that the eclipse will "pile pressure" on Europe's already "tight" power system. They note that Europe's electricity supply is already strained due to the ongoing heatwave, with power plants forced to shut down or reduce production as high temperatures have reduced hydro levels and increased the need to cool nuclear and coal plants. This combination of factors makes the grid more vulnerable to any sudden loss of generation.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Octopus's 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." She added that 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.
Britain's Costly Energy Waste
The appeal comes as Britain has already spent a staggering £1 billion this year turning off wind farms and switching on gas plants instead, costs that ultimately end up on everyone's bills. Data from the Wasted Wind tracker shows that Britain reached this milestone last Saturday, two months earlier than in 2025, with costs a whopping £300 million higher than this time last year.
Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, criticized the current system, saying: "The way Britain's electricity system is run is bonkers – you wouldn't grow tomatoes in your garden, only to bin them and buy expensive, imported ones from the shop. So why are we doing the same thing with electricity?" He argued that the UK should use wind power to give people cheap power locally, instead of paying billions to throw it away. "That'd be a welcome relief for families and businesses – it's low hanging fruit that should absolutely appeal to a government which is focused on cost of living and devolution."
How Households Can Help
Octopus Energy encourages customers to shift their electricity usage outside the critical window. Simple actions like delaying the washing machine or dishwasher by a few hours can make a significant difference. The company also suggests using smart appliances to automate this shift, as well as charging electric vehicles and home batteries during off-peak times. In return, customers can earn rewards through the company's flexibility schemes, which compensate them for adjusting their usage.
The company stresses that collective action is vital. With millions of households participating, the cumulative effect could be substantial, potentially saving millions of pounds in avoided fossil fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions. As the eclipse approaches, Octopus Energy urges everyone to check their energy usage and plan ahead to ensure a smooth evening for the grid.
