Millions of Australian households will soon be able to tap into the solar network for free thanks to a new government initiative.
From July next year, the initiative – called Solar Sharer – will provide Australian households with up to three hours of free solar power when solar generation is at its peak. The government announced that solar panel uptake has been so successful that the network currently makes more than what is being used in the middle of the day, and it wants to try alleviating pressure by letting residents tap into it. The approach is being described as a win-win for both the network and Australian residents.
“Free daytime power for families across Australia is proof that what’s good for the planet is good for your pocket,” Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said.
Households don’t need to have solar panels to reap benefits
The offer will be provided by energy retailers to households in New South Wales, South Australia and South-East Queensland as long as they have a smart meter and move their electricity use to the middle of the day, which is when the Solar Sharer scheme will be in operation.
Even households that don’t have solar panels can benefit from the scheme, and eventually, it will open up to houses and apartments nationwide.
“Our Solar Sharer Offer means more Australians can be part of our world-leading rooftop solar take-up,” Bowen said.
“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.”
The cost of living continues to put pressure on Australian households, and energy prices continue to steadily rise, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting in September a nine per cent increase in the last quarter. In the 12 months to September, household electricity prices grew by over 23 per cent.
A key factor contributing to this was the end of government-funded energy rebates, which had previously helped to keep prices down. This increase has had an overall impact on inflation, with the Consumer Price Index rising by over three per cent over the last year.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
