NewsUK NewsExpert AdviceIt comes as Britain looks set for its first solar eclipse in over 25 years11:05, 12 Aug 2026Homeowners will be tempted to carry on with their usual Wednesday routine, but one unusual event means they may have to consider the time they complete some daily chores. An energy expert has issued a reminder to households to hold off on using three appliances until after 8pm as a major solar eclipse is expected to cause a sharp, temporary change in electricity generation.‌Justin Nielsen from Wolf River Electric says there's no reason for households to panic or switch everything off, but has suggested moving their more flexible tasks until later in the evening. He specifically highlighted the washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer as devices that could easily be delayed.‌While saying Wednesday was "not a blackout warning" he explained that electricity system operators know when the eclipse is coming and have been preparing for it. He added that appliances which heat water or air are more worthwhile to postpone than smaller uses such as phone charging or a couple of lights.‌The advice comes as the UK prepares for a particularly deep partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12. The Royal Observatory Greenwich says around 90 per cent of the sun will be covered from London, with the eclipse beginning there at 6.17pm, reaching its maximum at 7.12pm and ending at 8.06pm.‌It is expected to have an effect on solar generation across Europe, with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity warning that photovoltaic output could fall by up to 9.7GW under clear-sky conditions. ENTSO-E said the change will be rapid but predictable and that transmission operators have been making preparations to maintain a secure and stable electricity system.Nielsen said the unusual feature is the speed at which solar generation will change across a large area at almost the same time. He stressed that one household running a dishwasher will not cause a problem, but said the eclipse provides a convenient opportunity to move non-essential electricity use where possible.Article continues belowFor households following the advice, the three appliances are relatively simple to identify: the washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer. Nielsen said delaying them until after 8pm would have little downside, particularly if they were not urgently needed that evening.The Royal Observatory Greenwich says the eclipse will be visible across the UK and Ireland, although the exact amount of the sun covered and the timings will vary by location. It also advises people never to look directly at the Sun, including during a partial eclipse, and recommends proper eclipse glasses or a solar telescope for safe viewing.For most households, there is therefore no need to start switching off essential appliances or worry about the lights going out. The expert's advice is simply to consider waiting until after the eclipse period for energy-intensive chores that can easily wait.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌property newsWeatherMet OfficeExpert Advice