Who could benefit most from Labor’s proposed Solar Sharer scheme?

By /

News Brief: Labor’s Solar Sharer Scheme

Summary

The Australian federal government is proposing a “Solar Sharer” scheme that would offer free electricity for at least three hours during the middle of the day in specific regions. The plan aims to utilize excess solar energy and shift electricity demand to daytime, but its benefits and costs are debated.

Key Points

  • Eligibility: Initially applies only to households in New South Wales, South Australia, and South-east Queensland under the Australian Energy Regulator’s Default Market Offer. Expansion to other states is being considered by 2027.
  • Requirements: Consumers must actively sign up for the offer and have a smart meter installed.
  • Potential Beneficiaries:
    • People with Smart Appliances: Can schedule devices like washing machines or dishwashers to run during free hours.
    • People with EVs and Solar Batteries: Can charge batteries or electric vehicles for free during the day to avoid expensive evening rates.
    • People Who Work From Home: Can use electricity for computers and air conditioning during free hours without changing behavior.
    • Higher-Income Households: More likely to afford the necessary technology (smart appliances, batteries, EVs) and automation systems.
  • Controversies & Concerns:
    • Experts warn retailers might raise electricity prices at other times to compensate for free daytime power.
    • The scheme may disproportionately benefit affluent households who can invest in required technology.
    • Renters and lower-income households may face barriers due to lack of home ownership, funds for new appliances, or inability to install batteries.

新闻简报：工党的“太阳能共享”计划

总结

澳大利亚联邦政府提议推出一项“太阳能共享”计划，在特定地区的中午时段提供至少三小时的免费电力。该计划旨在利用过剩的太阳能并将电力需求转移到白天，但其益处和成本存在争议。

关键点

  • 资格：最初仅适用于澳大利亚能源监管机构默认市场报价所覆盖的新南威尔士州、南澳大利亚州和昆士兰州东南部的家庭。计划到2027年可能通过协商扩展至其他州。
  • 要求：消费者需要主动注册该优惠，并且必须安装智能电表。
  • 潜在受益者：
    • 拥有智能家电的人：可以设置洗衣机、烘干机或洗碗机在免费时段运行。
    • 拥有电动汽车和太阳能电池的人：可以在白天免费为电池或电动汽车充电，以避免昂贵的晚间电价。
    • 在家工作的人：可以在免费时段使用电脑和空调，而无需改变用电习惯。
    • 高收入家庭：更有可能负担得起必要的技术（智能家电、电池、电动汽车）和自动化系统。
  • 争议与担忧：
    • 专家警告，零售商可能会通过提高其他时段的电价来弥补白天免费供电的损失。
    • 该计划可能不成比例地惠及能够投资所需技术的富裕家庭。
    • 租房者和低收入家庭可能因缺乏房屋所有权、购买新家电的资金或无法安装电池而面临障碍。

Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-06/solar-sharer-scheme-free-power-electricity-who-benefits/105973232

Scroll to Top