In short:
Victorian households can access free electricity between 11am and 2pm each day from 1 October under the new Midday Power Saver. Savings will depend on shifting electricity use into the free period, with higher charges applying at other times.
Plan Starts In October
Wyndham households will soon be offered three hours of free electricity each day under a new Victorian tariff, although whether it actually cuts a household’s power bill will depend heavily on when electricity is used.
The Victorian Midday Power Saver begins on 1 October 2026, offering eligible households electricity at no usage charge between 11am and 2pm, up to a daily fair-use cap of 24 kilowatt-hours.
Most electricity retailers will be required to offer the tariff.
How The Free Period Works
Electricity used outside the three-hour window can cost more under the tariff.
In the Powercor distribution zone, customers on the Midday Power Saver will pay 43.81 cents per kWh during the 4pm to 9pm peak period. Usage between 9pm and 11am costs 24.62 cents per kWh, while electricity between 11am and 2pm costs zero.
Households unable to move significant electricity use into the middle of the day could therefore potentially end up paying more rather than less.
The government estimates households could save between $149 and $428 annually if they shift between 5 and 30 per cent of their electricity consumption into the free period.
Why Electricity Is Free
The scheme takes advantage of periods when abundant rooftop solar and other renewable generation can push daytime wholesale electricity prices down, while encouraging households to move demand away from the more expensive evening peak.
Residents could benefit by scheduling washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, electric hot water systems, batteries or EV chargers between 11am and 2pm.
Households with electric vehicles could potentially save more by charging during those hours.
Check Before Making The Switch
The tariff may be less beneficial for households that use most of their electricity during the evening and cannot substantially change their usage patterns.
Retailers must warn customers that the plan could increase their costs if they cannot shift electricity use and provide information about other plans that may be more suitable.
Customers can leave the Midday Power Saver without exit fees.
Wyndham residents considering the offer should compare their existing tariff and electricity usage patterns before switching, rather than assuming the three-hour free period will automatically produce a cheaper overall bill.
