Australia is launching an initiative to offer free daily electricity to households in key states, aiming to leverage surplus solar power and ease grid strain.
The program, dubbed “Solar Sharer,” will begin in July 2026 for residents in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland. It seeks to incentivize consumers to shift energy-intensive activities, such as running air conditioners or washing machines, to times of peak solar generation.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen emphasized the government’s aim for “the benefits of renewable energy to reach everyone, even those who do not have solar panels and batteries.” The initiative directly addresses the problem of significant daytime renewable energy waste caused by low demand and insufficient storage capacity.
To participate, households must have a smart meter and explicitly opt into the offer through their energy provider.
The free electricity period is expected to occur between 11 AM and 2 PM daily, coinciding with the peak hours for solar power generation.
The “Solar Sharer” program is tied to the Default Market Offer (DMO), the maximum electricity price retailers can charge consumers, which is set annually by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). While initially limited to states regulated by the AER, the government plans to explore extending the offer to other states in 2027.
Concerns have been raised that this program could potentially lead to higher electricity prices during other times of the day for some consumers.
However, increased adoption of the “Solar Sharer” initiative is anticipated to reduce overall electricity costs for all users and minimize the need for expensive upgrades to the national grid infrastructure.
Australian broadcaster ABC News reported on the upcoming scheme. Many electricity providers across the country already offer similar free-power deals, but the “Solar Sharer” represents a coordinated government push to optimize renewable energy use.