Australian households in New South Wales, South Australia, and South East Queensland are now eligible for three hours of free midday electricity daily, following the launch of the Australian Government’s Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) on July 1, 2026. This new regulated electricity offer aims to reduce energy bills for consumers while optimising the use of Australia’s abundant daytime solar generation.

The voluntary program, available to residential customers with a smart meter, allows participants to consume up to 24 kWh of electricity during designated midday periods at no cost. This initiative is a key component of reforms to the Default Market Offer (DMO), requiring energy retailers in these regions to provide the Solar Sharer Offer.

How the Solar Sharer Offer Works

Under the SSO, eligible households can access free electricity during the peak solar generation hours. The specific free periods vary by state:

  • New South Wales and South East Queensland: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • South Australia: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Crucially, participants do not need to have rooftop solar panels installed to benefit from the scheme, making it accessible to a broader range of households, including renters.

“When the sun is shining at its brightest and power is negative or at its cheapest, then consumers, whether they have solar panels or not, whether they be renters or not, should be able to benefit from that.” – Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The daily cap of 24 kWh is designed to be generous, with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) noting it is equivalent to a typical day’s usage for a five-person household. Any electricity consumed beyond this cap, or outside the designated free hours, will be charged at the customer’s standard tariff.

Maximising Your Savings

The primary goal of the SSO is to encourage households to shift their energy-intensive activities to the free midday period. This strategy not only reduces individual electricity bills but also helps to better utilise the surplus solar power often generated during these hours, easing pressure on the grid during evening peak demand.

Households are encouraged to run appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens, or to charge electric vehicles (EVs) and home batteries during the free-power window. For those considering a smart meter upgrade, understanding how these devices can help manage energy consumption to align with free periods is key. You can find more information in our guide: Unlock $800+ Savings: Your Smart Meter Guide for Australia 2026.

For EV owners, utilising the free midday hours for charging could significantly reduce running costs. Explore how to optimise your charging strategy with our guide: Slash EV Charging Costs by Up To $800/Year: Best Electricity Plans in Australia 2026.

Homeowners with existing solar systems and batteries, or those considering a new installation, can also benefit by programming their battery systems to charge during the free midday window, effectively getting ‘free’ energy storage for later use. For more on battery options, refer to: Home Battery Backup for Blackouts in 2026: Systems & Costs from $7,000.

Broader Impact and Future Plans

The introduction of the Solar Sharer Offer highlights Australia’s commitment to integrating renewable energy more effectively into the National Electricity Market (NEM). By incentivising daytime consumption, the government aims to reduce curtailment of solar generation and improve grid stability.

The scheme is currently available in NSW, SA, and SE QLD, with plans for a national rollout by 2027, following further consultations on tariff design, consumer protections, and market impacts. Victoria is set to introduce a similar scheme, the Midday Power Saver, from October 1, 2026.

This move comes as Australia continues to lead the world in rooftop solar adoption, with over 4.4 million homes and businesses having installed solar panels as of June 2026. Programs like the SSO are crucial for ensuring that the benefits of this extensive solar uptake are shared more broadly across the population, regardless of individual solar ownership. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program also continues to offer upfront discounts on battery storage, further supporting the shift to a more resilient, solar-powered grid.

This new offer represents a tangible step towards a more energy-efficient and cost-effective future for Australian households, leveraging the country’s abundant solar resources to directly benefit consumers.