AFAECheck now: Are free hours of power worth it for you?
Done in1minute
Answer a few quick questions about your home and find out whether an electricity plan with free hours power plan is likely to save you money. If it would, see the plans you can get and compare the offers. The entire process takes about a minute.
How come I can get free hours of electricity?
Some states now make electricity retailers offer a plan with free electricity for a few hours in the middle of the day, every day.
You don't need solar panels, and you don't need to own your home — the program is designed to use surplus energy in the grid during the middle of the day.
In South East Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, this is called the Solar Sharer Offer.
In Victoria, it’s called the Midday Power Saver Program.
Power companies may still offer similar plans in other regions, too.
Common questions
Do I need solar panels?
No. The free hours come from your electricity retailer, not from your roof. You don't need solar panels to take the offer.
I rent. Can I still take the offer?
Yes. Renters and apartments qualify. You don't need to own your home.
What matters is whether you have a smart meter and whether you can choose your own electricity company.
If you’re not sure if you have a smart meter, you can read more here.
Why do you ask about my hot water and my car?
Hot water, pool pumps, and cars consume a significant amount of electricity, and their electricity usage can be easily shifted into the free hours.
Economic modelling shows that these are some of the most important factors when figuring out if you’re likely to benefit from free hours of power.
On the contrary, it can be more difficult to shift something things like a washing machines cycle if you can’t be home during the day. In a similar vein, gas appliances—like gas hot water or gas cooktops—aren’t included.
Can I end up paying more?
Yes, some households can.
If most of your electricity use is in the evening and you can't change that, the free hours won't save you much. Other factors, like the daily supply charge, peak rates, or other discounts you’re receiving might mean switching isn’t worth it.
Our tool is designed to tell you if you’re unlikely to be better off by switching. Before you switch, make sure to consider the whole bill, not just the free hours.
What if I'm not sure how to answer a question?
Pick "I'm not sure" or make your best guess.
You'll still be able to get an answer, and you can go back to check the details later.
Taking the questionnaire is free, and you can do it as many times as you want.
How do I switch?
You switch through an electricity retailer, not through us.
Ask your current retailer, or another one, for the offer by the name you get at the end of the questionnaire. Compare the whole bill before you agree to anything.
We don't sell electricity plans and we don't get paid when you switch.
Do you make money if I switch?
No.
This tool is designed to be educational and informative. We do not sell electricity plans, and we do not get any kickbacks from power companies if you decide to switch.
Our mission is to help ordinary Australians save on their power bills.
Who are Australians for Affordable Energy?
We are a non-partisan organisation. We work on what Australian households pay for electricity, and on practical ways to bring that down.
We were co-founded by Dr. Margo Lockhart and Jo Dodds. You can read more about both of them on our about page.
We don’t sell electricity plans and we don’t get paid when you switch.