THE UK’s biggest household energy supplier has urged customers to use less electricity during the UK’s largest solar eclipse in 30 years, warning that solar power will “plummet”.
More than 90% of the sun will be obscured by the moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on Wednesday, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.
On Tuesday, Octopus Energy emailed customers urging them to “switch off, head outside and be in nature”, and cut down on electricity consumption between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday.
In the email, the company said: “While the moon is blocking the sun, solar generation will plummet at the same time as home energy demand spikes.
“By powering down together in saving sessions like this one, we can help take the strain off the grid and avoid the need to switch on extra fossil fuels.”
On its website, Octopus Energy said Wednesday’s eclipse falls at a “very busy time” for power consumption in the UK as people tend to use a lot of electricity in the evenings to make dinner, boil the kettle and watch television.
The company added: “Currently, the UK has to fire up extra fossil-fuel run power stations to satisfy everyone’s energy needs at the busiest times of day, which is very expensive and causes lots of emissions.”
Octopus supplies power to more than 10 million homes in Britain.
What have the Met Office said about the eclipse?
Met Office spokesman, Grahame Madge said: “Skies across southern Scotland should be largely clear and bright at the time of the eclipse. However, northern and western parts of Scotland could experience cloudier conditions.
"The hourly-feature on the Met Office weather app will provide a good steer for people living in those regions potentially affected by cloud.
"Those expecting to see the event will need to have uninterrupted views to the western horizon. You can check this over the next two nights by looking to see if you can see the sun from your planned location around 7pm."
Why can't you look at a solar eclipse?
Looking at a solar eclipse directly can cause permanent eye damage.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Sun's "reduced brightness can override the body's natural reflex to look away, allowing intense sunlight to reach and damage the retina".
How to look at an eclipse safely
It is advised to look at an eclipse using special eclipse glasses, which are certified with ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015.
The eclipse can also be viewed safely through a pinhole finder, by projecting the Sun's image onto paper using a pinhole projector, by holding up a colander and looking at its shadow, or by looking at the shadows cast by leaves on the ground.
Where can I buy solar eclipse glasses?
Many independent opticians and selected branches of major chains such as Jessops, Boots and Specsavers stock certified eclipse glasses.
They can also often be found in museums and observatories, particularly in gift shops.
You can also find eclipse glasses online, but ensure they meet the specific certification.
