On August 12, the UK will witness an almost total solar eclipse for the first time this century. Octopus Energy is encouraging customers to help ease strain on the grid by cutting electricity use during peak eclipse hours, with the incentive of a free hour of electricity the following weekend.
- Eclipse darkens solar power between 6 pm and 8 pm on August 12
- Cut electricity use during this window to earn free power next weekend
- Sign up via Octopus Energy’s rewards portal to participate
What happened
The UK will experience an almost total solar eclipse on August 12, a rare event not seen this century. During the eclipse, the moon will partially block the sun, causing a temporary drop in solar energy production. This reduction hits at a time when electricity demand typically peaks in the early evening.
Octopus Energy has launched an initiative asking its customers to reduce their electricity usage between 6 pm and 8 pm on the day of the eclipse. By shifting energy-intensive tasks like running the washing machine or kettle to other times, customers can help ease the demand on the National Grid during this solar disruption.
Why it feels good
Taking part in the Eclipse Power Down Sessions offers more than just helping the environment—it also brings direct benefits to customers. Octopus Energy rewards those who use less electricity during the eclipse with a free hour of power on the following Sunday when grid demand is lower.
This approach encourages energy-conscious habits while creating a moment of community engagement around a spectacular natural event. It also helps reduce reliance on gas power stations that would otherwise need to compensate for the lost solar generation, supporting cleaner energy use overall.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you haven’t signed up yet but want to participate, Octopus Energy customers can register online through the company’s rewards portal to join the Power Down Sessions. Don’t forget to watch the sky safely using solar glasses during the eclipse to fully enjoy this once-in-a-generation event.
Beyond the eclipse, there are other simple ways to reduce energy bills, such as avoiding leaving devices on standby, using smart plugs, and considering fixing your energy tariff. Keeping mindful of electricity use not only saves money but also supports a cleaner and more resilient power grid.