Millions of Australian households can now access up to three hours of free electricity daily under a new federal government initiative aimed at reducing power bills by shifting energy use to the middle of the day. The Solar Sharer Offer (SSO), effective from Wednesday, provides eligible households in New South Wales, southeast Queensland, and South Australia with up to 24 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of free electricity during peak solar generation hours. The scheme does not require rooftop solar panels, as it is designed to share the benefits of abundant daytime solar generation more broadly.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify, households in the specified regions must have a smart meter installed and be supplied by an electricity retailer required to offer the scheme. Those receiving electricity through an embedded network—such as many apartment buildings, retirement villages, or caravan parks—are not eligible. Both homeowners and renters can participate, and rooftop solar is not necessary. Households without a smart meter should contact their electricity retailer to inquire about an upgrade, as smart meters are being rolled out across the National Electricity Market, with all older meters due for replacement by the end of 2030.
Free Electricity Hours and Cap
The free electricity is available daily during the middle of the day when rooftop solar generation is highest. In New South Wales and southeast Queensland, the free period runs from 11am to 2pm, while in South Australia it is from 12pm to 3pm. The offer is capped at 24 kWh during this three-hour window each day. Households will still pay for electricity used outside this period, and any power used above the daily cap during the free window will also be charged.
How to Sign Up
The SSO is not automatic; eligible households must opt in through their electricity retailer. Before switching, consumers are encouraged to compare the new tariff with their current plan, paying attention to rates charged outside the free window. Energy retailers with more than 1,000 customers in eligible areas are required to offer the scheme. The federal government's Energy Made Easy website can help compare plans.
Maximizing Savings
According to the Department of Energy, households that shift more of their electricity use into the free window are expected to save the most. To maximize benefits, households can run washing machines, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and electric ovens during the free period; charge electric vehicles or home batteries; schedule hot water systems; and pre-heat or pre-cool homes. Using built-in timers on appliances can help, but consumers should avoid leaving clothes dryers running unattended unless advised it is safe. Households with smart meters can access detailed energy-use data from their retailer to identify high-consumption appliances and potential savings.
Will It Save You Money?
Savings depend on how and when households use electricity. Heating, cooling, clothes dryers, and EV chargers are among the biggest electricity users, making them ideal to run during the free window. Consumers can contact their retailer for eligibility and sign-up information, or use the Energy Made Easy website to compare plans before switching.
