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australian government has announced an ambitious plan to provide at least three free hours to families in three states solar energy Every day – even if they don’t have panels on the roof.
“Solar Sharer” scheme, to launch in July 2026, covers homes with smart meters new South Wales, queenslandand south Australia,
The program is designed to utilize surplus solar energy during the sunniest hours of the day and help consumers cut costs amid rising energy bills.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the plan would ensure “every last ray of sun is powering our homes rather than going to waste”.
The initiative, he said, is “proof that what’s good for the planet is also good for your pocket”. “People who are able to shift electricity use to zero-cost electricity periods will benefit directly, whether they own or rent solar panels, whether they own or rent solar panels. And the more people who take up the offer and step up their use, the more the system will benefit from lower costs for all electricity users,” he said.
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The scheme is open to all households in the three states – including those living in apartments – even if they do not have solar panels installed.
Households will be encouraged to run energy-intensive appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and air conditioners, and to charge electric vehicles and home batteries during the free-power window.
The government said this change in usage patterns could reduce pressure on the power grid in the evening and reduce overall electricity prices.
According to Mr Bowen, the scheme will be implemented through changes to the default market offer, which sets limits on how much electricity retailers can charge.
“There is now so much electricity in the middle of the day that prices are often very cheap or negative and according to our analysis, this should be something that energy companies can incorporate and offer,” Mr Bowen told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.,
“This is not a silver lining, and it is part of a suite of measures, but it is a good one. No one will claim that a particular policy solves all the challenges in the energy market.”
Australian The energy regulator will monitor the rollout to ensure households “get a fair deal” outside the free period.
Not all industry players welcomed the move. The Australian Energy Council, which represents major electricity retailers and generators, criticized the lack of consultation before the announcement.
Chief executive Louisa Kinnear warned that acting without information could “damage industry confidence as well as create the potential for unintended consequences”, including some companies “exiting the market”. Guardian,
He said the government’s recognition of the benefits to customers from innovative energy products is positive, but failing to consult could have “a lasting impact on product innovation that could further support the energy transition”.
Mr Bowen said the government would work with states not yet covered by the default market operator to expand the program nationally by 2027.
According to Reuters, in 2022, Mr Bowen announced an ambitious target to generate 82 per cent of Australia’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, complementing a legislative commitment to cut emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels.