Carbon intensity update for 18th Sep 25

UK Carbon Intensity Update for 18th September 2025

At Jaxi, we’re committed to helping you stay informed about the carbon intensity of electricity in the UK. By keeping track of when electricity generation is cleaner, you can reduce your carbon footprint by using energy at the most environmentally friendly times. On 18th September 2025, the carbon intensity varied throughout the day—highlighting key opportunities to plan appliance use and reduce impact.

Low-Intensity Overnight Period (17th Sept 23:00 – 18th Sept 01:30)
The evening began with a low carbon intensity level, with emissions ranging between 73 and 78 gCO₂/kWh. This was an excellent time for running appliances like dishwashers or charging electric vehicles.

Early Morning Stability (02:00 – 05:30)
Carbon intensity remained consistently low, fluctuating between 76 and 89 gCO₂/kWh. These early hours continued to offer great potential for energy-efficient usage.

Moderate Intensity Rise (05:00 – 07:00)
Demand began to pick up as the day started, causing carbon intensity to rise to moderate levels, peaking at 102 gCO₂/kWh. This increase often indicates additional reliance on fossil fuels such as coal. If possible, try to avoid energy-intensive activities during this window.

Daytime Dip Back to Low (07:00 – 15:30)
Throughout the late morning and into the afternoon, conditions improved with emissions dropping back to a low range of 71 to 89 gCO₂/kWh. Renewable sources likely met a larger portion of demand during this period – ideal timing for running home appliances.

Evening Peak Warning (15:30 – 19:00)
As electricity demand surged again in the early evening, carbon intensity rose to a moderate level once more, reaching a high of 114 gCO₂/kWh. This is a critical period for being energy-conscious – delaying heavy usage could help lower the need for carbon-intensive generation methods.

Eco-Friendly Evening Hours (19:00 – 23:00)
Toward the evening’s end, carbon intensity dropped significantly, hitting lows of 63 gCO₂/kWh. This timeframe provides one of the cleanest opportunities for household energy use.

Why Carbon Intensity Matters
When electricity demand is too high, energy providers may resort to fossil fuel-based sources like coal or natural gas to bridge the gap. This not only increases emissions but also undermines the progress of renewable energy. By choosing to use energy during low-intensity periods, you help reduce reliance on carbon-heavy generators and contribute to a greener future.

Stay tuned for daily updates from Jaxi and make informed choices to support sustainable living. Together we can minimise our collective impact on the environment—one plug at a time.