Australia outlines regulatory pathway for Solar Sharer electricity offer

The Australian Government has released the consultation outcome paper for the Solar Sharer Offer, outlining the next steps for introducing a new opt-in retail electricity option for households. The proposed arrangement would require electricity retailers to offer at least three hours of free electricity during the middle of the day. Feedback gathered from market bodies, retailers, and consumers informed the proposed design and implementation approach. Based on this consultation, the Government has set out six design principles addressing system efficiency, flexibility, retailer viability, and the application of reasonable usage limits. The Solar Sharer Offer has been positioned for households that can shift electricity consumption into the designated daytime window. Implementation is planned through amendments to the Electricity Retail Code and supported by changes to the Default Market Offer framework. The Australian Energy Regulator will work with industry participants and government agencies to finalise regulatory settings. The offer is scheduled to be introduced in New South Wales, South Australia, and South East Queensland in July 2026, with consideration given to extending the scheme to other jurisdictions by 2027.