Free Electricity

From 1 July 2026, eligible households in South East Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia will have access to a new electricity plan offering three hours of free electricity every day.

Known as the Solar Sharer Offer (SSO), the initiative aims to make better use of Australia’s abundant midday solar generation while helping households reduce electricity costs. The offer is available to eligible homes with a smart meter and is designed to encourage electricity use during periods when renewable energy is most plentiful.

At first glance, three hours of free power sounds like an obvious way to save money. However, whether it actually lowers your electricity bill depends on your lifestyle, energy habits and the tariff offered by your retailer.

Here’s what every Brisbane homeowner should know.

What Is the Solar Sharer Offer?

The Solar Sharer Offer is a regulated electricity plan that participating retailers must make available to eligible households in South East Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

Instead of paying for electricity during a designated three-hour period in the middle of the day, households can use up to 24 kWh of electricity at no usage charge during that window. You’ll still pay your daily supply charge and for electricity used outside the free period.

The initiative is designed to use excess solar energy that would otherwise go unused when rooftop solar generation is at its highest.

Who Can Access the Offer?

To be eligible, households generally need to:

• Live in South East Queensland, New South Wales or South Australia
• Have a smart meter installed
• Be with a retailer required to offer the Solar Sharer plan
• Choose to opt into the plan

You don’t need rooftop solar to participate. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible if they meet the requirements.

What Time Is the Free Electricity Available?

For South East Queensland, the free electricity period is scheduled between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm each day.

This aligns with the time when solar generation across the electricity network is typically at its highest.

Is It Really “Free”?

Yes—but only during the designated window.

Outside those three hours, your normal electricity charges apply. Depending on your retailer, rates outside the free period may be higher than on other plans, so it’s important to compare the total cost rather than focusing only on the word “free.”

Who Will Benefit the Most?

The Solar Sharer Offer is likely to work best for households that can shift large amounts of electricity use into the middle of the day.

Examples include:

• Running the dishwasher
• Washing clothes
• Using the clothes dryer
• Heating water
• Charging an electric vehicle
• Operating a pool pump
• Running air conditioning while people are home

Households with flexible daytime routines or people working from home may see greater savings than families who are away until the evening.

What If You Already Have Solar Panels?

Many homeowners are asking whether rooftop solar is still worth installing if free daytime electricity is available.

The answer is yes.

A rooftop solar system gives you more than three hours of low-cost energy. It allows you to generate electricity throughout daylight hours, reduce reliance on the grid and choose from a wider range of electricity plans.

If your home includes battery storage, you can also store excess solar energy for use after sunset, helping reduce expensive evening electricity purchases.

The Solar Sharer Offer is designed to complement Australia’s growing renewable energy network—not replace rooftop solar.

Should You Get a Home Battery?

For households considering battery storage, the Solar Sharer Offer creates another opportunity.

Some homeowners may benefit by charging a battery during the free electricity window and using that stored energy later during peak periods, depending on their electricity plan and battery configuration.

Whether this strategy is worthwhile depends on your daily energy usage, tariff structure and battery size. Speaking with a qualified solar and battery installer can help determine the best approach for your home.

Tips to Maximise Your Savings

If you choose the Solar Sharer Offer, consider:

• Scheduling appliances to run automatically during the free period.
• Charging your electric vehicle during the free window.
• Running pool pumps during midday.
• Using timers for hot water systems where appropriate.
• Comparing your new electricity bill after switching to ensure you’re actually saving money.

Is the Solar Sharer Offer Right for You?

The answer depends on your lifestyle.

If you’re home during the day or can easily shift electricity use into the free period, the offer could reduce your power bills.

However, if most of your electricity usage occurs in the evening, another electricity plan—or investing in rooftop solar and battery storage—may deliver greater long-term savings.

Before switching, compare:

• Daily supply charges
• Peak electricity rates
• Off-peak rates
• Your household’s energy usage patterns

Looking beyond the “free” headline will help you make the right decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need solar panels to access the Solar Sharer Offer?

No. Eligible households can access the offer even if they don’t have rooftop solar.

Is the Solar Sharer Offer automatic?

No. Eligible households need to opt into the plan through their electricity retailer.

Can renters use the Solar Sharer Offer?

Yes, provided they meet the eligibility requirements, including having a smart meter.

Is rooftop solar still worth it?

For many Brisbane homeowners, rooftop solar continues to provide significant long-term savings because it generates electricity throughout the day and can be paired with battery storage for evening use.

Thinking About Solar?

The Solar Sharer Offer highlights just how valuable daytime solar energy has become.

If you’re considering installing rooftop solar, upgrading your existing system or adding battery storage, the team at AIS Electrical can help you choose a solution tailored to your home’s energy needs.

Contact AIS Electrical today for expert advice on solar, batteries and energy-efficient electrical solutions.