Overview
- The Solar Sharer obligation begins in July 2026 in New South Wales, South Australia and South‑East Queensland, with possible expansion in 2027.
- Participation requires a smart meter, and households are expected to shift usage such as appliances or EV charging into the free midday window.
- Officials say the scheme targets periods of very low or negative wholesale prices to ease evening peaks and reduce price volatility.
- The program is designed to extend benefits to renters and households without rooftop panels, not just existing solar owners.
- The Australian Energy Council criticizes limited consultation and flags retailer risk and network‑cost concerns, while analysts cited in coverage project up to a 15% cut in power costs over a decade and more than 20 million tonnes of annual CO2 savings.