Solar eclipse in the UK: Octopus Energy urges customers to reduce their consumption between 18 and 20 p.m.

British energy provider Octopus Energy is asking its customers to limit their electricity consumption on Wednesday between 18 p.m. and 20 p.m., during the solar eclipse. The company hopes this will reduce reliance on gas-fired power plants and is offering free electricity the following weekend to participating households.

Octopus Energy, the UK's largest energy supplier to residential customers, is urging them to postpone certain electricity uses during Wednesday's solar eclipse. The moon is expected to block up to 95% of the sun over parts of Britain, leading to a temporary drop in solar power generation.

"With the moon obscuring up to 95% of the sun over parts of Britain, Octopus Energy is asking households to reduce their electricity consumption between 18 p.m. and 20 p.m." the company stated in a press release, promising "Free electricity the following weekend" to customers who will play along.

The United Kingdom is among the most advanced European countries in the development of renewable energies. However, its electricity system remains heavily dependent on gas, particularly when solar or wind power production declines.

Postpone certain electrical uses until after the eclipse.

According to Octopus Energy, photovoltaic production reached an unprecedented level in the British electricity mix during the month of July.

"In July, solar power produced a record 14,4% of the country's electricity," indicates Octopus Energy. "If enough households delay their electricity consumption for a short period, this can reduce the need to start up additional gas-fired power plants."

The supplier is specifically inviting its customers to shift the use of the most energy-intensive electrical appliances outside the period between 18 p.m. and 20 p.m.

Simply shift your daily tasks outside the event's time frame. For example, run the washing machine earlier, or wait until later to use the dishwasher or turn on the game console. advises the company to its clients.

European electricity grids mobilized

Beyond the astronomical spectacle, the eclipse presents a technical challenge for European electricity grid operators. They must constantly maintain a balance between production and consumption to guarantee security of supply.

The ENTSO-E association, which represents European electricity transmission system operators, indicated that operators had taken specific measures to anticipate the temporary drop in photovoltaic production.

"Ready to guarantee the safe and stable operation of the electrical system throughout the duration of the event," European network managers assured.