Australia launches "Solar Sharer" program offering three hours of free electricity daily to reduce grid strain and lower bills.

Australia is launching a "Solar Sharer" program offering three hours of free electricity daily during peak solar production, typically around noon, to manage surplus solar power that has caused negative prices and grid instability. The initiative, starting in select states, encourages households to shift 25% of their usage to this window, reducing evening grid strain. Large households could save about 28% on annual bills, with average costs around $2,000 in Sydney and $1,700 in Victoria. While the Australian Energy Council raised concerns over limited industry consultation, the Smart Energy Council praised the move as a step toward smarter energy use and affordability.