The Solar Sharer Offer is changing how eligible Australian households can use electricity, especially for energy-intensive appliances such as hot water systems.
From 1 July 2026, eligible households in New South Wales, South East Queensland and South Australia can access at least three hours of free electricity during the middle of the day.
For hot water, this matters because some systems can heat water during the free daytime window and store it for later use.
What is the Solar Sharer Offer?
The Solar Sharer Offer is an optional electricity offer designed to encourage households to use more power during the day, when abundant solar energy is being generated across the grid.
A common misconception is that you need rooftop solar panels to access the offer. You do not.
The offer is based on when you use electricity, not whether your home produces solar power. Eligible renters and homeowners may be able to benefit, provided they have a smart meter and opt in through their electricity retailer.
Find out more ..Solar Sharer how to save on your electricity bill
Can i use my current electric water heater?
The answer is that you could utilize your existing electric water heater by installing a 24hr timer on the electrical power supply circuit that is dedicated to your water heater.
You do need to have a current smart meter installed at your meter board to take advantage of this new 3 hours of fee power during the day. Homes that have an electric water heater that has a continuous demand power supply, can simple program a timer fitting to the meter board to bring the power on to the water heater within the free power time slot.
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