Carbon intensity update for 16th Sep 25

Here’s your detailed carbon intensity update for 16th September 2025. At Jaxi, we’re committed to helping you make informed choices about when to use energy, especially as demand on the grid rises and more fossil fuels are burned to meet that demand. Monitoring carbon intensity enables all of us to reduce our environmental impact by aligning electricity usage with greener generation periods.

Late Night & Early Morning (23:00 – 07:30)
During the late-night and early morning hours, the UK’s carbon intensity remained impressively low. Actual carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour (kWh) stayed between 55-75 gCO2/kWh, reflecting good availability of renewable energy. A slight increase to 75 gCO2/kWh occurred around 06:00 – 07:30, likely due to the beginning of the daily demand surge.

Morning to Midday (07:30 – 16:00)
As the day kicked off, carbon intensity dropped again — reaching a low of 57 gCO2/kWh by 08:00. This low level was sustained through to the early afternoon, highlighting a great window for using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers or charging electric vehicles while keeping your carbon footprint low.

Afternoon Surge (16:00 – 21:00)
A notable rise in demand from 16:00 onwards led to an expected spike in carbon intensity. The actual intensity peaked at 124 gCO2/kWh around 18:00 as backup power sources—often fossil-fuel generators—were brought online. During these peak hours, emissions increase significantly, making it the best time to minimise non-essential electricity use.

Evening Wind Down (21:00 – 23:00)
By nightfall, demand began to taper off and carbon intensity decreased accordingly. By 23:00, the carbon emissions had dropped to a cleaner 86 gCO2/kWh, closing the day on a greener note.

Why Monitoring Carbon Intensity Matters
Understanding and responding to changes in carbon intensity allows consumers to play an active role in reducing climate change. When electricity demand is high, and renewables can’t meet the full load, fossil fuels like coal or gas are used—pushing up emissions. By planning appliance usage during times of lower carbon intensity, households can reduce their contribution to greenhouse gases without compromising on lifestyle.

Keep checking back for your daily carbon intensity updates, and continue doing your part to support a more sustainable future. Together, we can manage energy smarter, greener, and more responsibly.