Overview
- The draft Default Market Offer for 2026–27 would lower residential bills by 1.3–10.1% and small‑business bills by 7.6–21.2%, with outcomes varying by region.
- Indicative savings include $58–$226 for NSW households, about $216 in southeast Queensland, and roughly $31 in South Australia, while some NSW small businesses could save more than $1,300.
- A new Solar Sharer tariff would provide three hours of free daytime electricity from July for eligible customers in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, with settings designed to prevent higher charges outside the free window.
- The regulator attributes the proposed cuts to lower electricity contract prices, reduced spot price volatility, increased output from wind and batteries, and declines in retail operating and environmental scheme costs.
- The draft is open for consultation ahead of a late‑May final decision for 1 July commencement, with the AER noting its modelling predates the Middle East conflict and encouraging customers to compare market offers beyond the safety‑net default.