Solar Eclipse Could Cut Sun-Powered Electricity — Energy Company Asks UK Homes to Help

Octopus Energy, Britain's biggest home electricity supplier, is asking customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers from 6pm to 8pm on August 12. A solar eclipse — when the moon blocks the sun — could cut sunlight by up to 95% over parts of the UK, reducing sun-powered electricity across Europe. Participating homes get two free hours of electricity the following weekend.