Hunter residents are being promised three hours of free energy daily under a new federal government scheme.
That’s regardless of whether they have solar panels or not.
But, there is a catch.
Customers who sign up to Solar Sharer through their power retailer will need to have a smart meter and be able to move their energy use into windows where electricity is free to get the bill savings.
And, if they choose to take up the deal, they can utilise appliances, run air-conditioners or swimming pool cleaners and charge their electric vehicles and batteries at home at no cost.
It’s set to be introduced next year through the Default Market Offer (DMO), requiring retailers to offer free electricity to household for at least three hours in the middle of the day.
“Adopting Solar Sharer means more Australians can be part of our world-leading rooftop solar take up,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said.
“People who move electricity use into the zero cost power period will benefit directly, whether they have solar panels or not and whether they own or rent.
“Free daytime energy for families across Australia is proof that what’s good for the planet is good for your pocket.
“Australians deserve a fairer go when it comes to their power bills.
“In our second term, we’re getting on with delivering improvements to ensure that no household or business pays more than they should.
“Reform to the DMO will strip out unnecessary costs and expand protections to all standing customers in embedded networks, including renters and apartment dwellers.”
Mr Bowen explained Australia boasted more rooftop solar capacity than the entire fleet of remaining coal-fired plants across the country.
“This abundant power makes wholesale daytime prices very cheap, and even negative, and means the energy market often has more electricity in the middle of the day than we currently use,” he said.
“As well as cutting power bills for customers able to shift their electricity use, Solar Sharer will lower costs for the system as a whole by lowering peak demand in the evenings.
“A lower evening peak has flow-on effects, minimising expensive peak electricity prices and reducing the need for costly network upgrades and interventions to ensure grid stability.
“The offer, to be provided through energy retailers, will initially be available to all households in DMO-regulated states – NSW, South-East Queensland and South Australia – from July.
“We will consult with other states to potentially extend it to other jurisdictions by 2027.
“The Australian Energy Regulator will regulate the Solar Sharer offer to ensure customers also get a fair deal outside of the free power period.”
Government consultation is now open.
Submissions can be made at https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/solar-sharer-offer
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