theluxordream3

Earth experiences two to five solar eclipses every year.

A total eclipse only happens somewhere on the planet

roughly once every 18 months and any single specific spot on the globe

will only see a total eclipse about once every 400 years.

A solar eclipse has never caused a widespread loss of electricity

or a major power outage.

While eclipses temporarily reduce solar panel power output,

grid operators routinely forecast these predictable celestial events

and successfully balance power networks using backup generation,

such as gas or hydroelectric power.

The price of electricity for Wednesday evening rose

to more than £211.40 per megawatt-hour at 7pm, its highest level since June 30th.

Notice how the price increased when there was lots of sunshine

but also increases when there is slightly less?

When will conditions align to trigger a price reduction?

I won't hold my breath.

I suspect this is just a money-making scam. (I think he's on to something...Ed.)

"Don’t use electricity during the solar eclipse" Octopus Energy warns :)

I can't see how a brief drop in sunlight could have any significant effect.

If so we'll be in major trouble by the Winter Solstice.

The BBC are taking a different approach:

"How to watch today's solar eclipse live online from anywhere in the world"

Running a washing machine typically costs between 13p and 30p in electricity

per cycle in the UK. This equals about £43 to £55 a year

for an average household doing around four loads a week.

Your internet uses roughly 150 to 250 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity

per person per year when factoring in data centres,

transmission networks, and local Wi-Fi routers.

At typical UK electricity rates of about 24p to 30p per kWh,

this costs each user roughly £36 to £75 annually in electricity.

I asked AI two questions:

"should i use a washing machine during the eclipse?"

You should avoid using your washing machine today (Wednesday, 12th August 2026)

between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm BST.

"should I use the internet during the eclipse?"

Yes, you can safely use the internet during a solar eclipse

because the phenomenon does not emit any harmful radiation or physical energy

that disrupts Wi-Fi, fibre optic cables, or broadband routing.

The Trump administration has spotted that solar panels don't work at night:

In mid-2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum

faced public scrutiny for sharing charts pointing out

that solar power "failed after sunset" or produces zero electricity at night.

(Nothing gets past these eagle-eyed operators)

In conclusion: the eclipse is irrelevant but has become a commercial event

exploited for profit based on a web of BS and self interest.

Best time to buy eclipse-viewing glasses?

   tomorrow.

regards

Titus