Australia to offer three hours of free power daily under Solar Sharer

The federal government will require electricity retailers to offer households at least three hours of free power each day from July 2026 in a bid to absorb surplus solar generation, ease pressure on the grid and help customers cut bills. The Solar Sharer program will initially apply to customers with smart meters in New South Wales, southeast Queensland and South Australia, and the government intends to consult with other states about expanding the scheme by 2027.

Under the plan retailers must provide an opt-in tariff that gives consumers a daily three-hour window in the middle of the day when electricity is free. Households will be able to run high-demand appliances, charge electric vehicles or store energy in home batteries during that period. Customers will not be automatically moved onto the new plans under existing contracts; they must choose to opt in and have a compatible smart meter.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the measure would direct abundant daytime solar output into homes rather than allowing it to go to waste. "What's good for the planet is good for your pocket," he said, adding that the scheme is intended to include people who cannot install...