There’s a new change coming to the way electricity is used and shared in Australia. It’s called the Solar Sharer Offer. This federal scheme will give households access to three or more hours of free daytime electricity, and it starts in 2026 across New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. As more plans enter the market, some households are already reviewing options such as the Energy Australia Secure Saver plan to understand how upcoming changes may fit their usage needs.
This offer is built around the idea of shifting how people use power – not just when it’s cheaper, but when it’s most available. That availability comes from solar energy, most of which is generated in the middle of the day. And while this may sound like it’s only good news for homeowners with solar panels, the benefits reach much further-including renters, businesses, and people who don’t have solar.
For those trying to manage costs, this is the right time to look into your current plan and explore how free usage hours can support your savings goals. If you haven’t compared your plan in a while, using trusted comparison tools can be a smart first step.
What Exactly Is Free Daytime Electricity?
The Solar Sharer Offer is a government-backed requirement that makes energy providers offer residential electricity plans with three or more hours of free usage during the day. These hours are expected to sit somewhere around midday – typically the time when solar generation is highest.
Not every household will need to join these plans. It’s optional. But having a free electricity window allows people to shift usage patterns without needing major upgrades. For example, families reviewing AGL Energy Plans may find options that better suit their daytime routines. Even if the plan includes slightly higher prices at other times of the day or a higher daily supply charge, the free midday hours can still lead to real savings – especially for those who can set appliances to run during that time.
Can Renters Benefit From Free Electricity Too?
Yes. Renters, as well as people in apartments or homes without rooftop solar, will still be able to use free electricity during the designated hours if they’re on one of the available plans. You don’t need to own the roof or install panels to take advantage of this.
The key is making small shifts in how and when appliances are used.
For example, during free periods you can:
- Run dishwashers or washing machines on a delay timer
- Heat water using an electric system set to daytime only
- Charge small appliances or home batteries
- Cool or heat rooms ahead of peak hours
- Set pool pumps to operate during the free block
These adjustments can reduce overall energy costs without changing daily routines too much. Renters and homeowners alike may also compare offers tied to Energy Australia Solar Plans to understand how solar-friendly plans impact daytime consumption.
How Does This Lower Energy Costs for Everyone?
When more people use electricity during the middle of the day, it helps balance the national energy load. Right now, a lot of solar power goes unused – or “curtailed” – because it isn’t needed at the time it’s generated. Giving people an incentive to use more electricity during solar hours helps prevent that waste. This change also reduces pressure on the grid in the late afternoon and early evening, when demand usually peaks. Over time, this can help reduce the need for expensive grid upgrades and lower generation costs.
Those cost savings can affect electricity prices in general, even for people who aren’t on a free electricity plan. In short, the more balanced the demand, the lower the long-term costs for everyone.
Is This Offer Linked to Solar and Battery Systems?
It works alongside them but doesn’t depend on them. You don’t need solar panels or a battery to benefit from free daytime electricity. However, if you do have either, you may see extra value. Households with solar batteries may gain extra value by charging their systems during the free period. That stored energy can then be used in the evening when electricity normally costs more
Meanwhile, solar owners without batteries still benefit on cloudy days or when midday usage temporarily exceeds their solar output. Some homeowners exploring solar-friendly options also look into Energy Australia solar plans as part of their planning.
How Does This Affect Small Businesses?
Businesses may not be eligible for the exact same free electricity plans as households, but the effects will still reach them. The more the grid is balanced by shifting residential usage to the middle of the day, the less price pressure there is during the peak periods-which often overlap with standard business hours. If business hours overlap with solar peaks, this is a good time to review your plan. Some operators use comparison services to explore different retailers, including the structure of AGL energy plans, which sometimes offer favourable daytime rates.
For small offices and shops, this may also be a good time to review your systems and check if your business is on one of the best business electricity rates in your area.
What Should You Look For in a Plan?
Free electricity plans will likely come with trade-offs-such as higher charges outside the free window or a higher daily supply fee. That’s why it’s important to look at the full plan details, not just the headline offer.
Here’s a simple table of what to check when reviewing offers:
| Plan Element | What to Look For
|
| Free Usage Period | Check the time window and duration |
| Supply Charges | Compare with your current rate |
| Peak Usage Charges | Note the rate outside the free period |
| Usage Limits | See if there’s a cap on free usage |
| Plan Conditions | Read the fine print on contract terms |
Accurate comparison tools help show the differences clearly. This is especially useful for households comparing options such as the Energy Australia Secure Saver plan as they prepare for the Solar Sharer rollout.
Is Now a Good Time to Switch Plans?
Yes. The lead-up to the Solar Sharer Offer gives people time to explore options and plan for changes in how they use electricity.
Some retailers have already begun experimenting with early versions of free power offers. If you haven’t checked your plan in over a year, this is a great time to compare savings opportunities. People exploring flexible daytime rates may also look into AGL energy plans to better understand how market offers differ from default options.
Wrapping Up
Free daytime electricity represents a major change in how households can manage energy bills. Even renters and people without solar will be able to benefit from midday free-use windows. Start by understanding your usage habits and reading your plan details carefully.
The more informed you are, the easier it becomes to find a plan that suits your lifestyle, whether you’re seeking savings, stability, or renewable-friendly features. As new offers emerge, including solar-focused products like Energy Australia solar plans, the opportunities for smarter energy use will continue to grow.