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Find out how the Victorian Midday Power Saver operates, who qualifies, how to receive three hours of free electricity every day and whether changing plans could benefit you.
Victorian households will soon have another option for cutting their electricity costs. Starting on 1 October 2026, eligible households can receive three hours of free electricity each day from 11am to 2pm, helping households save by changing the times they use energy.
Although “free electricity” may sound straightforward, the offer may not suit every household. This guide explains what the Victorian Midday Power Saver involves, who is eligible and what to consider when deciding whether to make the switch.
When will the Victorian Midday Power Saver begin?
The Midday Power Saver will start on 1 October 2026.
Most electricity retailers will need to make the tariff available to eligible residential customers. However, households will need to actively opt in, as they will not be moved onto the tariff automatically.
The Midday Power Saver is expected to be offered to most Victorian households that:
have a smart electricity meter
are residential electricity customers
receive their electricity from an eligible retailer.
Businesses are not eligible.
With this tariff, electricity consumed between 11am and 2pm every day is free, including on weekends.
There is, however, an important consideration: electricity used outside the free period could be slightly more expensive than with some other plans. Retailers offset the cost of providing free electricity by adjusting their rates for the remaining hours.
The greatest savings can be achieved by shifting energy intensive activities into the free period, rather than simply using more electricity overall.
The Victorian Government estimates that households could reduce their annual electricity costs by approximately $149 to $428, depending on how much of their electricity use they can move into the free midday period.
Households with an electric vehicle could potentially save more by charging during the free period rather than overnight or during higher priced evening periods. Government modelling suggests EV owners could save several hundred dollars more per year.
The amount you actually save will depend on factors including:
your household’s electricity consumption
whether someone is at home during the day
how easily you can schedule appliances or use smart devices
the electricity rates charged outside the free period.
The Midday Power Saver is most beneficial when you can move more of your electricity consumption into the free three hour period.
Appliances that can be scheduled include:
washing machines
clothes dryers
dishwashers
pool pumps
heat pump hot water systems
electric vehicle chargers.
Many newer appliances have delayed start settings, allowing them to operate automatically during the free period while you’re away from home.
The program can also work well for heating or cooling during the day, as long as the electricity is used within the free period.
It can vary. Households with rooftop solar already produce much of their electricity during the day, which means the extra savings may be lower compared with homes that do not have solar.
However, the Midday Power Saver could still be useful in certain circumstances, especially if you have:
an electric vehicle
a home battery
a heat pump hot water system
high electricity usage during the day.
For instance, you could use the free electricity to charge your home battery or EV when cloudy conditions reduce solar generation, then use the stored power later in the evening when electricity rates are higher.
The tariff is intended for households that can move a significant amount of their electricity consumption to the middle of the day. If most of your energy use takes place in the evening, such as cooking dinner, heating or cooling your home after work, or using appliances overnight, the savings may not be enough to balance out the higher rates charged outside the free period.
Before you switch, your retailer must provide information about:
Customers are also covered by consumer protections, including a cooling off period. You can leave the tariff without paying exit fees if you find that it does not suit your household.
From 1 October 2026, eligible households can contact their electricity retailer to sign up for the Midday Power Saver.
Before making the switch, it is worth:
For households able to take advantage of daytime electricity, the Midday Power Saver could provide a simple way to reduce ongoing energy costs while also supporting greater use of renewable energy across Victoria.
Does the Victorian Midday Power Saver replace my existing electricity plan?
Yes. If you choose to join, you will move to a new tariff that provides free electricity from 11am to 2pm, although the rates at other times of the day may be different.
Can renters access the Midday Power Saver?
Yes. Renters can use the tariff if the household meets the eligibility requirements, has a smart meter and receives electricity from a participating retailer.
Can I leave the Midday Power Saver if it is not suitable?
Yes. Customers can opt out at any time without exit fees and are also covered by a cooling off period after signing up.
Do I need rooftop solar to benefit from the tariff?
No. The Midday Power Saver can be used by households with or without rooftop solar. Homes without solar could potentially benefit more if they are able to move their electricity consumption into the free midday period.
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