Australians to receive three hours of free daily electricity
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Australian households will soon be able to use electricity for free for three hours every day under a new federal government plan designed to make better use of excess solar energy.
The Solar Sharer scheme will require energy retailers to offer free electricity during a set window in the middle of the day — the time when solar generation is high and demand is low. Wholesale prices often drop to very cheap or even negative levels during these hours.
The scheme will begin next July for customers on the Default Market Offer in NSW, South East Queensland and South Australia. The government plans to expand it nationwide by 2027.
Households with smart meters will be able to run appliances like washing machines, dryers and air conditioning at no cost during the free period.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the policy ensures everyone benefits from solar power — including renters and people without panels.
“There’s so much solar in the middle of the day that prices often fall below zero. This scheme spreads the benefits to all consumers,” he said.
Energy retailers, however, say the announcement caught them by surprise. The Australian Energy Council criticised the lack of consultation and warned that smaller retailers may struggle with market risks and costs.
Mr Bowen said he makes “no apologies” if the policy reduces retailer profits, adding that consumers come first.
The government believes the shift in energy use will ease pressure on the grid during the evening peak and may help keep long-term costs down by avoiding expensive network upgrades.
The scheme comes as households face growing concerns about power bills. Default Market Offer prices are set to rise by up to 9.7 per cent this year, depending on location.
Meanwhile, the Coalition remains divided over its climate policy, with the Nationals moving to abandon the 2050 net zero target. Critics argue that offering free daytime power could lead to higher prices at other times.
As the debate continues, the government points to strong solar generation pushing daytime wholesale prices into negative territory across almost every state.
“Free daytime power shows that what’s good for the planet can also be good for your wallet,” Mr Bowen said.
Source : ABC News
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