In a groundbreaking announcement, the Albanese government has unveiled plans to provide Australians with three hours of free solar energy each day, regardless of whether they have solar panels installed. This initiative, branded as Solar Sharer, is set to launch in July next year and aims to capitalize on the abundant solar power generated during the sunniest part of the day.

Under the Solar Sharer scheme, electricity retailers will be required to supply free power to households for at least three hours daily during peak solar production times. The goal is to encourage the use of power when it is most plentiful, thereby reducing strain on the grid and promoting sustainable energy practices.

The program will be accessible to all Australian homes and apartments equipped with smart meters, provided they adjust their energy consumption to match the midday hours when solar energy is most abundant. This strategic shift not only benefits the environment but also offers consumers significant savings on their energy bills.

Initially, the offer will be rolled out in New South Wales, South-East Queensland, and South Australia—areas currently governed by the Default Market Offer (DMO), which sets a cap on electricity prices. However, the government plans to consult and expand this offer nationwide by 2027, ensuring all Australians can take advantage of free solar energy.

These are NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia, with consultations to extend the offer to the rest of the country by 2027.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the move would benefit all Australians.

“Free daytime power for families across Australia is proof that what’s good for the planet is good for your pocket,” he said.

“People who are able to move electricity use into the zero cost power period will benefit directly, whether they have solar panels or not and whether they own or rent.

“The more people take up the offer and move their use, the greater the system benefits that lower costs for all electricity users will be.”

Electricity prices are rising, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing they have jumped nine per cent in the last quarter, subsequently having an impact on inflation.

Bowen said the government would reform the DMO to make it cheaper for Australians.

“Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their energy bills,” he said.

“Reform to the DMO will strip out unnecessary costs and expand protections to all standing offer customers and small customers in embedded networks, including renters and apartment dwellers.”