Victorians are set to receive three hours of free electricity during the day this October under a new state government plan to reduce household energy bills.
The government said around 2.6 million households will be eligible for the plan, and the average family can expect to save up to $300 per year on electricity, while solar panel and battery owners can save over $1000.
The scheme requires opt-in via energy providers and allows free daytime power every day of the week, for three hours excluding peak evening and morning times. The specific times will be announced in May.
This means that households can expect zero run costs for using the washing machine or dishwasher during the day.
Retailers will be required to offer a discounted tariff to households during the day, with the scheme kicking in from October 1.
The new plan is part of the Victorian government’s push for residents to work from home more.
“It’s another reason why working from home can save you time and money,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
The plan has previously been criticised, with energy providers arguing that they should be given more time to prepare for the scheme, as it could result in higher costs outside of the free period.
Around 850,000 household are solar or battery powered, and many have criticised that these households might have an unfair benefit as they already use solar power for cheap or free during daytime hours.
The state is also set to implement more rules from July 1, with energy retailers being required to make sure customers who have been on the same plan for over four years are paying a “reasonable price”, otherwise they will need to be moved to a cheaper plan.
Image: Shutterstock
