Interactive Tool Reveals Optimal Times for Greener Energy Use in the UK

A new interactive tool, Grid Insights, developed by renewable energy company Dwellow, is providing real-time information on Britain's electricity sources and forecasting the cleanest energy periods for consumers. The free dashboard aims to help households identify the optimal times to run high-consumption appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or electric vehicle chargers, aligning with periods of high renewable energy generation.

The tool allows users to see the current and forecasted electricity mix, detailing contributions from wind, solar, nuclear, and fossil fuels. It also highlights significant milestones like the country's greenest half-hour, windiest day, or most solar-powered day, and tracks the duration of coal-free power generation. This comes as the UK's electricity system is undergoing a significant transition, with renewables accounting for a record 52.5% of electricity in 2025 and fossil fuel contributions reaching historic lows.

Adam Raw, co-founder of Dwellow, stated that understanding when electricity is at its greenest is becoming increasingly valuable, especially as more homes electrify. "As more homes electrify over the coming decade, people won't just think about how much electricity they use, but when they use it," he said. Aligning energy-intensive tasks with periods of high renewable generation can contribute to reduced carbon emissions. Furthermore, as more flexible energy tariffs become available, this approach could also lead to household savings.

Experts suggest various energy-saving measures, including turning off appliances at the wall instead of leaving them on standby, washing clothes at 30°C to reduce electricity use, and air drying laundry instead of using a tumble dryer. Ensuring dishwashers are full before operation and utilizing eco modes on appliances can also contribute to savings. For devices like smartphones, which typically charge within an hour and a half, charging during the day rather than overnight can prevent wasted electricity. Shortening showers to four minutes is also cited as a way to reduce energy consumption and bills.