☀️ Victoria Joins the Free Power Race: Your Next Bill Could Hit ZERO! | EServices4u
Nov 14
3 min read
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The "Solar Sharer" Domino Effect
The federal government’s proposed Solar Sharer Offer (SSO)—mandating at least three hours of free midday power for customers with a smart meter in NSW, Queensland, and South Australia starting July 2026—has created national momentum.
The Problem: Australia has world-leading rooftop solar. This means a massive oversupply of cheap or even free power during the day, but high demand (and cost) in the morning/evening peaks.
The Solution: The SSO encourages households to shift high-energy use (like running the washing machine, charging an EV or a home battery) into the midday "solar surplus" window.
Victoria's Response: Since Victoria is regulated under the Victorian Default Offer (VDO), not the federal Default Market Offer (DMO), the state is designing its own version to ensure Victorians aren't left behind in the race for bill savings.
🔍 What Victoria’s Regulator is Investigating
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has tasked the Essential Services Commission (ESC) with exploring a new, regulated tariff. This will be part of setting the 2026–27 Victorian Default Offer (VDO), the state's benchmark electricity price.
The Goal: A regulated tariff giving all residential customers—not just those on the VDO—a window of free electricity each day.
Why Midday? The ESC confirms peak costs occur in mornings and evenings. Midday demand is low, but solar generation is at its peak. Shifting usage would ease strain on the grid, reduce the need for expensive fossil-fuel peaking power, and ultimately put downward pressure on wholesale and network costs for everyone.
Timeline Update: The ESC is currently seeking feedback from consumers and industry until December 12, 2025, with a draft decision expected in March 2026 and the final VDO for 2026-27 announced by May 2026. This is a critical consultation period for the future of Vic Energy pricing.
📈 Victoria’s Green Energy Momentum is Paying Off
This push for smarter tariffs comes as Victoria demonstrates impressive progress in its clean energy transition, making it a powerful case study in the global energy shift.
Emissions Success: The state has achieved a 31% emissions reduction between 2005–2023, while the economy has grown by 57%—beating its 2020 target and on track for its 2025 goal.
Renewable Energy Power: Renewable energy accounted for an impressive 42% of electricity in the latest financial year. Victoria also has nation-leading targets for Offshore Wind and Energy Storage (2.6 GW by 2030, 6.3 GW by 2035) to back up solar supply.
Market Context: Separately, the ESC has also noted that its decision to stop setting a minimum feed-in tariff from July 1, 2025, aligns with falling wholesale daytime prices—further reinforcing the need for customers to consume their own solar energy (or free grid solar) rather than export it.
💡 Unlock Your FREE Power Potential with Solar + Battery
A 'free power' window is a game-changer, but to truly maximise your savings and achieve energy independence in Australia, a smart solar and battery system is the ultimate solution. A battery allows you to capture and store that free midday energy (or your own solar production) to use during the high-cost evening peak, guaranteeing the biggest savings.
Don't wait for the tariff! Start preparing your home or small business to leverage the solar surplus now.
EServices4U: Your Expert Partner in Australian Smart Energy
We specialise in helping Victorians and Australians make the most of the solar revolution. The new VDO proposal is the perfect time to upgrade your system to be smart-meter and free-power-ready.
✔ Smart Solar Solutions: High-efficiency panels and optimal system design.
✔ High-Capacity Battery Solutions: Store the 'free' midday energy for the expensive evening peak.
✔ Energy Bill Audits: Custom advice to identify your biggest savings opportunities.
✔ Custom Systems: Designed for homes, rentals, or small businesses across Victoria.
Ready to cut your bills and embrace #SustainableLiving?
Explore your options at www.eservices4u.com.au and start powering your future today.
