General · 12 August 2026
UK grid asks for backup power as Wednesday's eclipse cuts solar energy
Image by moystock140886 on Freepik
NESO, the electricity grid operator, expects a 1,200-megawatt shortfall between 6pm and 8pm when the moon covers the sun. Wholesale energy costs are projected to rise past £210 per megawatt-hour, though officials insist no homes will face actual blackouts. Meanwhile, Octopus Energy is promising eligible households free weekend electricity if they manage to reduce their usage during the event.
Reported by City AM · How we write briefs