Understanding Solar Soak, the Victorian Midday Power Saver and the Solar Sharer Offer
As rooftop solar generation continues to increase, electricity pricing arrangements are evolving to better reflect periods of high daytime solar generation.
To help manage these periods of high solar generation, a number of new electricity pricing arrangements, tariff structures and customer programs are emerging in response to these changing conditions. While they may sound similar, they are different programs with different eligibility requirements and availability.
This article explains:
- What Solar Soak is
- What the Victorian Midday Power Saver is
- What the Solar Sharer Offer is
- What these initiatives may mean for embedded network customers
What is Solar Soak?
Solar Soak is a new lower-cost usage period within the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) three-period Time of Use tariff structure introduced from 1 July 2026. It is not a government rebate or customer incentive program.
It has been introduced to encourage electricity use during the middle of the day when solar generation is typically at its highest.
For customers who have access to a tariff that includes a Solar Soak period, it may be a good time to:
- Run dishwashers, washing machines and dryers
- Charge electric vehicles
- Operate electric hot water systems
- Run pool pumps or other scheduled equipment
- Use heating or cooling during the day to reduce evening energy use
For embedded network customers, access to a tariff structure that includes a Solar Soak period will depend on factors such as:
- Metering capability
- Billing system capability
- Site-specific electricity arrangements
- Applicable regulatory requirements
The exact times and rates may vary; not all embedded network customers will automatically have access to a Solar Soak tariff.
What is the Victorian Midday Power Saver?
The Victorian Midday Power Saver is a Victorian Government initiative that will commence from 1 October 2026.
Under the program, eligible households may receive a three-hour free electricity period between 11:00am and 2:00pm each day.
The program is designed to:
- Help reduce household electricity bills
- Encourage electricity use when solar generation is abundant
- Reduce demand on the electricity network during the evening peak period
To be eligible, households must:
- Be located in Victoria
- Have a smart meter that meets the required Victorian metering standards
- Be a customer of a licensed electricity retailer with 1,000 customers or more
- Meet any other applicable program requirements
The Victorian Government has confirmed that licensed electricity retailers with 1,000 customers or more will be required to offer the Victorian Midday Power Saver. Exempt sellers, including many embedded network operators, are not required to offer it, but they may choose to take part voluntarily.
Savings will depend on how much electricity can be shifted into the free-power period.
What is the Solar Sharer Offer (SSO)?
The Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) is an Australian Government initiative designed to help more households benefit from periods of abundant daytime solar energy.
Under the SSO:
- Eligible customers receive a minimum of three hours of free electricity during the middle of the day
- Participation is voluntary
- Customers must have a smart meter
- Rooftop solar is not required
The Solar Sharer Offer is available to eligible residential customers in:
- New South Wales
- South Australia
- South-East Queensland
The Solar Sharer Offer does not apply in Victoria and is not currently intended for customers within embedded networks.
What Does This Mean for Embedded Network Customers?
If you live in an apartment building, retirement village, shopping centre or another property supplied through an embedded network, the availability of these arrangements may differ from customers supplied directly by a traditional electricity retailer.
Availability of Solar Soak, the Victorian Midday Power Saver and the Solar Sharer Offer within embedded networks may depend on:
- Government policy settings
- Regulatory requirements
- Whether the customer is supplied by a licensed retailer or an exempt seller
- Metering capability
- Billing system capability
- Site-specific electricity arrangements
Customers should not assume that these options are automatically available within all embedded networks. If your electricity is supplied by an exempt seller, the Victorian Midday Power Saver may only be available if that seller chooses to participate.
Who Benefits Most?
These arrangements generally provide the greatest benefit to customers who can shift electricity use into lower-cost or free daytime periods.
Examples may include:
- Customers who work from home
- Households with electric vehicles
- Customers with battery systems
- Households able to schedule appliance usage during the day
Examples of daytime energy use include:
✓ Running the dishwasher after lunch
✓ Charging an electric vehicle during the day
✓ Using washing machines and dryers during lower-cost periods
✓ Setting timers to run appliances during the middle of the day
Customers who are unable to move electricity use away from higher-priced periods may see limited benefit from these initiatives and, in some cases, may be better suited to a flat-rate tariff.
Important
Availability of the Solar Sharer Offer, Victorian Midday Power Saver and Solar Soak tariff structures depends on eligibility requirements, metering capability, retailer participation, regulatory requirements, embedded network capabilities and whether the customer is supplied by a licensed retailer or an exempt seller.
These initiatives are not automatically available to all customers, including customers within embedded networks. Please check your eligibility and electricity supply arrangements before relying on a free or lower-cost daytime electricity period.
If you have questions about your specific circumstances, please contact our Customer Support Team.
Learn More
Victorian Midday Power Saver
https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/save-energy-and-money/victorian-midday-power-saver
Solar Sharer Offer (SSO)
https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates/solar-sharer-offer