From July, eligible NSW households can access new “Solar Sharer” electricity plans offering three hours of free electricity each day, generally between 11am and 2pm.
Despite the name, you do not need rooftop solar. You do need a smart meter, and the offer is not generally available to homes supplied through an embedded network.
This could be valuable for Western Sydney households that can move energy use into the middle of the day. Washing machines, dishwashers, clothes dryers, pool pumps, electric hot water systems and electric vehicles can all be scheduled to operate during the free period. A home battery can also be programmed to charge during the window and supply the home later, although the economics depend on the battery, the plan and your normal usage.
The word “free”, however, should not be the only thing you compare. Daily supply charges still apply, controlled-load electricity may be excluded, free usage can be capped, and electricity outside the free window may cost more than on another plan. Solar owners should also check the feed-in tariff, because some free-power offers provide little or no payment for exported solar.
The best plan is therefore not necessarily the plan with the cheapest headline rate. It is the plan that best matches when your household uses, stores and exports electricity.
Before changing retailers, gather a recent bill and use the Australian Government’s free Energy Made Easy comparison service. Compare the estimated annual cost, not simply one tariff. Then review your results after the first billing cycle.
The practical lesson is simple: electricity plans are becoming more flexible, but saving money requires matching the tariff to your household—not changing your household to suit a clever advertisement.