Australian Solar Sharer Offer gives households three free electricity hours each day

From 1 July 2026 the Australian Government’s Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) will provide eligible households in New South Wales, South Australia and South East Queensland with up to three hours of free electricity daily – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in NSW and SE Queensland, and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in SA. Eligibility requires a smart meter, a residential address (owner or renter) and exclusion from embedded networks. The SSO is incorporated into the mandatory Default Market Offer, meaning all major retailers in the regions must make the plan available.

The scheme aims to shift consumption to the middle of the day when wholesale prices are low because of abundant solar generation, lower evening peak demand, improve grid stability and reduce household energy bills. Households can save by running appliances, electric‑vehicle chargers, water heating or other high‑load devices during the free window, with a maximum of 24 kWh free per day. The offer remains optional; customers must opt‑in through their retailer and compare plans, as charges for usage outside the free period and daily supply fees still apply.

Analysts note that benefits vary. Homes without rooftop solar or those able to stay at home during daylight stand to gain the most, while households that already generate daytime solar or use battery storage may see limited additional savings. The policy is part of broader reforms to the Australian electricity market intended to make better use of renewable generation.