By Ebi Kesiena
Australia will introduce a new energy-saving plan that will give households at least three hours of free solar power each day, including those without rooftop panels, Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced on Tuesday.
The initiative, called the Solar Sharer programme, is set to start in 2026.
It will first roll out in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland before being extended to other parts of the country.
Under the plan, users will enjoy free electricity during the middle of the day when solar generation is at its peak.
Bowen explained that everyone could benefit, regardless of whether they own or rent, or have solar panels installed.
“People who are able to 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, and the more people take up the offer and move their use, the greater the system benefits that lower costs for all electricity users will be,” he said.
The announcement caused a dip in the share prices of two of Australia’s largest electricity providers, AGL and Origin Energy, which both fell by about three per cent on Tuesday afternoon.
Around four million Australian homes already have rooftop solar panels, and on sunny afternoons, generation can exceed demand to the point that electricity prices turn negative.
However, peak usage often comes hours later, putting pressure on the grid.
The new plan is designed to include all households, even those living in apartments, allowing them to access the midday solar energy supply.
Bowen has previously set an ambitious target for Australia to generate 82 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, alongside a legally binding goal of cutting emissions by 43 per cent compared with 2005 levels.
To take part in the Solar Sharer programme, customers must have a smart meter installed and will only benefit if they shift their electricity use to midday, such as by running household appliances or charging electric vehicles during those hours.
