Australia is preparing to introduce a major energy initiative that will grant households— including those without rooftop solar—at least three hours of free solar electricity each day. Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that the program is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Called the Solar Sharer program, the rollout will start in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland before expanding across the country.
Households will enjoy free electricity during the middle of the day, when solar output is at its peak. This timing is intended to reduce pressure on the national grid.
Australia currently has around four million homes with rooftop solar, and on sunny days, excess generation can drive electricity prices into negative territory. Yet demand usually spikes later in the day, leading to instability.
Bowen emphasized the program’s inclusive design: “People who can shift their electricity use to the zero-cost period will benefit—whether they own solar panels or not, and whether they own or rent their homes.”
To qualify, households must have a smart meter. Running high-consumption appliances—like washing machines, dishwashers, or EV chargers—during the free midday window will maximize savings.
Mass participation will be essential. Bowen noted that the more households shift their usage, the greater the overall benefit to the grid and the lower the long-term electricity costs for everyone.
Following the announcement, shares of major energy providers AGL Energy and Origin Energy fell by about 3% by late afternoon.
The initiative aligns with Australia’s broader renewable-energy commitments, which include reaching 82% renewable power by 2030 and cutting emissions 43% from 2005 levels.
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