Midday Power Saver: free power from 11am to 2pm
Updated 6 November 2026
Since 1 October 2026, Victorian retailers with more than 1,000 customers must offer an opt-in plan with free power between 11am and 2pm, up to 24 kWh a day. You need a smart meter. You don't need solar.
What you can run in the free hours
| Load | Typical kWh in 3 hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EV on a 7 kW home charger | About 21–22 kWh | Uses nearly all of the 24 kWh daily limit on its own |
| Home battery | 10–14 kWh | Fills the battery for the evening, even on cloudy days |
| Heat pump hot water | 2–4 kWh | Set the timer to heat in the free window |
| Dishwasher, washing machine, dryer | 1–4 kWh | Use delay start |
EV owners: battery, free hours or overnight plan?
If the car is home in the middle of the day, the free hours beat everything: an EV doing 300 km a week needs about 7 kWh a day, which costs about $200 a year on an 8c overnight plan and nothing in the free window. If the car is at work all day, a battery charged free at midday can carry that power to the evening.
The catch
Usage rates outside the free window can be higher than on a normal plan. Compare the whole plan, not only the free hours. Our calculator lets you put in your own rates.
Questions people ask
When does the Midday Power Saver start in Victoria?
It started on 1 October 2026. It is opt-in: you ask your retailer to move you to the plan.
Is the free midday power capped?
Yes. Free usage is limited to 24 kWh a day between 11am and 2pm.
Do I need solar panels for the Midday Power Saver?
No. You need a smart meter. Homes without solar can still use the free hours for an EV, a battery or hot water.