Australia is offering free daytime electricity

From July 1, 2026, energy retailers in NSW, South Australia, and South-East Queensland must offer households at least three hours of free daytime electricity daily through the Solar Sharer Offer scheme, requiring only a smart meter and opt-in enrollment. The program passes on the benefit of cheap midday solar power to consumers by timing free electricity windows (roughly 11am-2pm) to coincide with peak solar generation when wholesale rates are lowest. Victoria is under consultation for possible expansion in October 2026, with other states expected to follow by 2027.