Octopus Energy urges millions of households to use less electricity during solar eclipse

Firm urges customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday

• Where in the UK will get the best view of the solar eclipse?

Great Britain's biggest household energy supplier is calling on its customers to use less electricity this week during the deepest solar eclipse in almost 30 years.

Octopus Energy has urged customers to avoid running washing machines and dishwashers between 6pm and 8pm this Wednesday as the moon is expected to block up to 95% of the sun over parts of Britain.