Octopus Energy urges millions of households to use less electricity during solar eclipse

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Firm urges customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/08/when-where-how-uk-best-view-of-the-solar-eclipse">Where in the UK will get the best view of the solar eclipse?</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/aug/10/uk-employment-market-shows-rays-of-light-for-jobseekers-with-upturn-in-pay-study-shows-business-live">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Great Britain’s biggest household energy supplier is calling on its customers to use less electricity this week during the deepest solar eclipse in almost 30 years.</p><p>Octopus Energy has urged customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm this Wednesday as the moon is expected to block <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/08/when-where-how-uk-best-view-of-the-solar-eclipse">up to 95% of the sun</a> over parts of Britain.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/10/octopus-energy-electricity-solar-eclipse-washing-machines-dishwashers">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.