From October 2026, most Victorian households will have a new choice: stay on traditional evening peak rates, or shift appliances to midday and earn free electricity. The government’s Midday Power Saver scheme offers three hours of free electricity daily between 11am and 2pm. Many households don’t know about this yet and could miss out on real savings. This guide explains how the scheme works, who qualifies, and how much you could actually save.
The short answer
- Free power 11am–2pm, every day from 1 October 2026 — you must opt in with your retailer.
- You need a smart meter — no solar, battery, or special equipment required.
- It’s not a rebate — rates outside the window are higher, so it only pays off if you can shift usage.
- Best for work-from-home, EV chargers, pool pumps, and homes with a battery.
What is the scheme?
Victoria’s Midday Power Saver requires electricity retailers to offer plans with three hours of free electricity daily between 11am and 2pm. The scheme starts 1 October 2026 and applies to about 2.6 million households with smart meters.
It’s not a rebate or subsidy. Instead, rates outside the free window are higher to offset the free period. However, Victorian rates remain cheaper than comparable plans in NSW, Queensland, and South Australia (12 to 19 percent lower on average).
You’ll need a smart meter and must actively opt in with your retailer. No solar panels, batteries, or special equipment are required.
11–2
Free electricity every day, 11am to 2pm
$149–$300
Typical yearly saving by shifting appliances to midday
$1,070
Per year with solar + battery charging in the free window
Who can benefit most?
Households that benefit most are those who can shift electricity use into the 11am to 2pm window. This includes people working from home, households with flexible appliance timing, and homes with EV chargers or battery systems.
Households with fixed evening consumption patterns (cooking dinner at 6pm, peak heating or cooling hours) will see limited savings regardless of the plan.
How much can you save?
The Victorian Government estimates households can save between $149 and $300 per year by shifting appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and pool pumps to the free window.
Households with solar and battery storage could save significantly more — up to $1,070 per year — by charging batteries during the free period and using stored energy during expensive evening peak hours.
Your actual saving depends on how much electricity you can realistically shift into the 11am to 2pm window.
Read more: what solar actually costs in Melbourne after rebates
Does solar or battery storage help?
Solar and battery systems increase the value significantly. A household with a battery can charge during the free 11am to 2pm window (especially with solar generation) and discharge during expensive evening peak hours. This creates a real arbitrage opportunity — and with export rates now near zero, it is a big part of why solar is still worth it despite low feed-in tariffs.
Without solar or batteries, the scheme still works by shifting appliances to midday, but the saving is more modest.
Already have solar? A battery makes the Midday Power Saver far more valuable — here is how to add one to your existing system.
How do you sign up?
From 1 October 2026, contact your electricity retailer and request a Midday Power Saver plan. Participation is optional. Switching takes a few minutes, and you can return to a standard plan later if the offer doesn’t suit your household.
Check your current usage pattern before switching. If most of your electricity use happens in the evening, the plan will cost more than a flat-rate option, not less.
Is it worth switching?
Switch if you work from home, have an EV charger, run a pool pump, or have a battery system. The saving is real and requires no equipment investment.
Don’t switch if your household consumes most electricity in the evening and can’t shift appliances. Higher off-peak rates will cost more than a standard plan.
Evaluate your actual usage before 1 October 2026. Most households fall somewhere in between and need to do the maths with their retailer’s specific rates.
Combined with any rebates you are eligible for, the savings can add up quickly.
Axial Electric can help you prepare
If you’re considering battery storage, EV charging, or heat pump hot water to get the most out of the Midday Power Saver, our team can advise on system sizing and performance. Axial Electric works across Melbourne and surrounding areas with a Victorian Electrical Licence and 15+ years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need solar to benefit?
No. Any household with a smart meter can shift appliances to the free window. Solar and batteries amplify savings but aren’t required.
What if I’m rarely home during midday?
You may still benefit by scheduling appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or EV chargers to run between 11am and 2pm. If most of your usage remains outside those hours, a standard plan may be better.
Can I switch plans later if it doesn’t work?
Yes. Switching is optional and you can return to a standard plan anytime if the offer doesn’t suit your household.
When should I sign up?
Sign-up begins 1 October 2026. You don’t need to prepare now, but review your usage pattern before that date.
