How to decide if the Solar Sharer Offer is right for you
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- How to decide if the Solar Sharer Offer is right for you
You may have received information from your electricity retailer about the new Solar Sharer Offer (SSO), or seen it mentioned in the news.
The Solar Sharer Offer is a regulated electricity plan designed to help households make use of abundant solar energy during the middle of the day. While it won't be the best option for everyone, some households could reduce their electricity costs if they are able to shift their energy use into the offer's free electricity period.
What is the Solar Sharer Offer?
The Solar Sharer Offer is an opt-in standing offer available to eligible residential customers with a smart meter.
In South Australia, the offer includes three hours of free electricity every day from 12 pm to 3 pm. The free period remains fixed year-round and does not change with daylight saving.
The offer has been introduced in Default Market Offer regions, including South Australia, New South Wales and South East Queensland.
Electricity used during the free period is free up to a limit of 24 kWh per day. If you exceed this amount, additional usage during the free period may be charged at a set rate.
It's important to remember that the daily supply charge still applies.
Frequently asked questions
The Solar Sharer Offer is based on a time-of-use tariff structure.
To provide free electricity during the middle of the day, retailers recover those costs through slightly higher usage charges during the rest of the day. This means electricity consumed outside the free period will generally cost more than on a standard time-of-use standing offer.
Whether you save money depends largely on how much of your electricity use you can move into the 12 pm to 3 pm free period.
No.
Despite the name, you do not need rooftop solar to access the Solar Sharer Offer. The offer is intended to allow households to benefit from periods of high solar generation across the electricity network, even if they do not generate solar power themselves.
The Solar Sharer Offer may suit households that can regularly shift a meaningful portion of their electricity use into the middle of the day.
Examples of higher-energy activities that could be shifted into the free period include:
- Running washing machines, dryers and dishwashers
- Charging an electric vehicle
- Running a pool pump
- Using heating or cooling to pre-condition your home
The more electricity you can consistently use during the free period, the more likely you are to benefit.
The offer may be less suitable for households that use most of their electricity in the evening and cannot easily change their usage patterns.
Because electricity rates outside the free period are generally higher, customers who continue to use most of their energy in the morning or evening may not see savings and could potentially pay more.
Yes.
A smart meter is required to access the Solar Sharer Offer, as well as other time-of-use and flexible pricing plans.
If you have an older basic meter, speak with your retailer about your metering options and whether any costs may apply for an upgrade.
If you have a controlled load, such as separately metered electric hot water, it is billed under a separate tariff.
These charges are not covered by the Solar Sharer Offer's free electricity period, even if the appliance operates between 12 pm and 3 pm.
If you're unsure whether you have a controlled load, check your electricity bill or ask your retailer.
No.
The Solar Sharer Offer is required to be offered by retailers with over 1,000 residential customers. Smaller retailers aren’t required to offer it.
Before you sign up
Before switching to the Solar Sharer Offer, consider the following:
- Do you have a smart meter?
- Can you realistically move some of your electricity use into the 12 pm to 3 pm period?
- Have you checked the usage rates outside the free period?
- Have you considered the daily supply charge?
- Do you have a controlled load that will continue to be charged separately?
- Have you reviewed your electricity usage over the past 12 months?
Comparing the Solar Sharer Offer with your current plan using your own usage data is the best way to determine whether it is likely to save you money.
Talk to you retailer
If you're interested in the Solar Sharer Offer, contact your retailer to confirm:
- Whether you are eligible
- Your current metering arrangement
- The rates and charges that will apply
- How any controlled load tariffs will be billed
Your retailer should also explain how the offer works and whether it is likely to suit your usage patterns.
Need help?
If you're having difficulty resolving an issue with your electricity retailer, EWOSA may be able to help.
EWOSA provides free, fair and independent dispute resolution services for South Australian electricity and water customers.