Avoid washing machines and dishwashers, says major UK energy company

The moon is set to cover almost all of the sun, creating the biggest solar eclipse the UK has seen in nearly 30 years.

The event will occur between 6pm and just after 8pm on Wednesday, with the peak between 7pm and 7.10pm.

Octopus Energy advises against turning on electrical appliances during this period.

Kieron Stopforth, head of flexibility at Octopus Energy, said: “When the moon blocks the sun on Wednesday, Britain will lose a chunk of its solar power just as millions of people are getting home and switching on their appliances.”

With over 90 per cent of sunlight being blocked, the UK’s solar power generation will decrease, coinciding with a peak in household energy use as people return home from work. (Image: Getty Images)

With over 90 per cent of sunlight being blocked, the UK’s solar power generation will decrease, coinciding with a peak in household energy use as people return home from work.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) estimates a loss of up to 1.3 gigawatts, the equivalent to powering a million homes or two nuclear reactors.

However, Peter Connor, an associate professor of sustainable energy policy at the University of Exeter, reassured: “It’s very unlikely there is any danger of the UK running out of power.”

To manage the situation, Octopus Energy’s Eclipse Power Down initiative is offering eligible customers one hour of free energy on Sunday, August 16, in exchange for altering their energy use during the eclipse.

Half a million customers currently participate in “demand-shifting” programmes with Octopus, which is voluntary.

Solar power is a significant energy source for the UK, with more than 35 per cent of the power grid’s energy coming from the sun.