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The cost of fuel might be through the roof right now, but we’ve got some good news on the cozzie livs front. Thanks to a new state government initiative, Victorians could soon be running the dishwasher, charging the car and cranking the air fryer without worrying about the electricity bill – at least for a few hours a day.
From October 1, 2026, the Victorian Government will roll out a new Midday Power Saver program, offering households three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day, seven days a week. The initiative is designed to encourage people to shift their power use to daylight hours – when Victoria’s booming renewable energy supply means the grid is often producing more electricity than it needs.
Around 2.6 million Victorian households will be eligible to opt into the offer through their energy retailer. According to the government, the move could shave up to $300 a year off the average household energy bill, and as much as $1,070 annually for homes with solar panels and batteries that can maximise the daytime surplus.
For those working remotely, it’s a particularly timely perk. Running appliances, charging devices or even powering a home office during the free period could quickly add up to real savings – another small win for Victoria’s WFH crowd.
The scheme will require energy retailers to introduce a discounted daytime tariff, with the exact hours and pricing details expected to be announced in May. The broader aim is to reduce pressure on the grid during peak evening demand while making better use of the state’s renewable energy output.
Victoria’s solar boom is a big part of the equation. More than 850,000 homes already generate their own solar power, often enjoying near-zero electricity costs during the day. The new program essentially spreads those benefits more widely, giving non-solar households a chance to tap into the midday energy surplus, too.
In short: if you’re in Victoria and happy to time your laundry routine with lunch, your power bill might soon look a whole lot lighter.
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