Solar panels have been installed on more than four million roofs across Australia. The plan aims to provide access to all-day solar energy and encourage Australians to change their habits by shifting some energy use from the busy evening period to the free block.
It comes a month after renewable energy surpassed coal as the leading source of power generation in Australia, amid an ongoing political debate over the country’s energy future.
How will it work?
Free electricity would be delivered in the middle of the day when solar generation peaks, Bowen said, and would benefit the entire grid.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the scheme will be open to all Australians, whether they own or rent. Source: MONKEY / Lucas Koch
“People who can shift electricity consumption to the energy-free period will benefit directly, whether they have solar panels or not and whether they own or rent,” he said.
Other proposed changes to the standard offering include limiting marketing and competition costs embedded in prices.
How do you access the Solar Sharer program?
It’s unclear how energy providers will handle charging the installation fee, about $100 to $200, for homes without solar.
The administration is negotiating with other states and jurisdictions to extend the program through 2027.
‘Unintended consequences’ of the free energy proposal
“When developing energy products, such as those that offer free energy for a specified period, retailers, and particularly smaller retailers, must carefully consider their market exposure, hedging strategy, the impact of network costs and a range of other factors,” she said in a statement.
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