Millions of Aussies to Get THREE Hours of Free Electricity Every Day in Radical New Solar Scheme – But There’s a Catch!
- Households in NSW, South Australia, and south-east Queensland will be eligible for the free electricity period, set to roll out in July 2026
- The Solar Sharer scheme aims to reduce power prices by encouraging users to run appliances during the middle of the day when solar energy is abundant
- But experts warn that the scheme could push up prices at other times of the day, and not everyone will be able to access the offer
In a bid to harness the power of the sun and cut energy costs, the federal government has announced a revolutionary new scheme that will give millions of Australians three hours of free electricity every day. The Solar Sharer initiative, set to roll out in July 2026, will allow households in NSW, South Australia, and south-east Queensland to tap into the abundant solar energy generated during the middle of the day.
The brainchild of Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the scheme aims to reduce power prices by encouraging users to run their air conditioners, washing machines, and dishwashers during the free electricity window. “We want to see the benefits of renewable energy flow to all, even those without solar panels and batteries,” Mr Bowen said.
But not everyone will be able to join the party. The scheme is linked to the Default Market Offer (DMO), which is only available to households in the participating states. Those in other states will have to wait until 2027, when the government plans to work with state authorities to potentially extend the offer.
Even among those eligible, there are catches. Households will need to have a smart meter installed and explicitly select the Solar Sharer deal from their energy provider to get the free hours. And, of course, they’ll need to be able to shift their electricity use into the free-power period to reap the benefits.
Experts are divided on the impact of the scheme on power prices. While Mr Bowen expects it to lower costs for everyone, others warn that cheaper power during one part of the day could lead to higher prices at others. “To some extent, yes, pushing down prices at one period will inflate prices at another period,” said Goanna Energy principal consultant Marc White.
Tasmania, with its hydro-electric power generation, may be the exception to the rule. But for the rest of the country, the jury is still out on whether the Solar Sharer scheme will be a game-changer or arecipe for disaster.