Under the federal government's Solar Sharer scheme, some Australian households will be able to access three hours of free electricity a day. Here's how you can make the most of it.
Residents in New South Wales, South Australia, and south-east Queensland will have access to a minimum of three hours of complimentary power daily starting July 1 under the Solar Sharer Offer (SSO). The initiative applies exclusively to locations covered by the Australian Energy Regulator's Default Market Offer, though the federal government is considering expanding the SSO or equivalent programs to additional regions. Victoria has already scheduled a similar program to launch on October 1, offering three hours of zero-cost mid-day power.
To participate in the SSO scheme, eligible residents must possess a smart meter and enroll in the program. The Australian Energy Regulator aims to complete a mandatory nationwide installation of smart meters across all National Electricity Market customers by November 30, 2030. Consumers have the option to pay for an early installation ahead of their region's rollout schedule, particularly when adding battery storage or solar panels.
Although the exact daily schedule for the complimentary energy window remains unconfirmed, it is anticipated to take place between 11 am and 2 pm to align with peak solar generation. Currently, portion of mid-day solar energy is lost due to insufficient battery storage capacity and low household occupancy during these hours. Certain energy providers already maintain plans featuring similar free periods or off-peak "time of use" tariffs, though experts warn that contracts with free windows may apply higher prices during standard hours compared to traditional flat-rate tariffs.
Energy analysts note that smart meters enable consumers to monitor their usage patterns via online retailer portals or billing statements. Experts recommend that households maximize free power windows by adjusting the operational times of high-consumption activities, such as utilizing electric lawnmowers, vacuuming, laundry, bulk cooking, or charging electric vehicles. For residents away from home, appliances equipped with built-in timers or scheduling features—including dishwashers, washing machines, and split-system air conditioners—can be programmed to run during the window, provided safety risks like unmonitored clothes dryer usage are managed.
Maximizing the financial benefit of daytime power depends heavily on household infrastructure. Experts advise that pre-heating or pre-cooling a residence using scheduled air conditioning is only effective if the building is properly draught-proofed and insulated. Additionally, scheduling heat pump hot water systems to run during the free window allows households to store heated water overnight, while running dishwashers and washing machines during these hours can optimize overall hot water energy consumption.
Originally reported by ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Jun 28, 2026.
