Solar Sharer Archives - Renew Economy

Utilities

“Retailers are taking the piss:” Why cheaper power isn’t reaching consumers
Energy market specialist Tim Ryan says retailers are gaming everything from Solar Sharer and VPPs to dynamic network tariffs to protect their profits, and consumers are “the meal on the table.”
Anne Delaney

Sep 9, 2026

22
Podcasts

SwitchedOn Podcast: How retailers are standing in the way of cheaper power
Tim Ryan argues Australia is trying to build a 21st-century, consumer-led electricity system while preserving retailers as compulsory ‘middlemen.’ But retailers are businesses that have little incentive to help households use less electricity or pay less for it.
Anne Delaney

Sep 7, 2026

0
Policy & Planning

“Retailer viability” trumped bill savings in Solar Sharer design, says energy veteran
A policy designed to give households access to abundant free solar power has been nobbled by a regulatory process that put electricity retailer interests ahead of consumer bill savings, one expert says.
Anne Delaney

Sep 1, 2026

4
Electrification

SwitchedOn podcast: Why more consumers want less to do with the energy system
Energy Consumers Australia’s Ashley Bradshaw on the results of the latest consumer Report Card, and why consumers increasingly want less, rather than more, involvement with the energy system.
Anne Delaney

Jul 22, 2026

0
Electrification

Solar Sharer is here, offering free power to all. Will it level the playing field, or benefit batteries most?
Solar Sharer may have been sold as an consumer equity policy, but it could have more success as a grid levelling policy.
Anne Delaney

Jul 1, 2026

15
SwitchedOn Australia

SwitchedOn podcast: Why battery owners – not renters – could be the big winners from Solar Sharer
Solar Sharer could be one of Australia’s smartest energy policies – or just another confusing electricity plan that favours one type of consumer.
Anne Delaney

Jul 1, 2026

0
Policy & Planning

Illegal use of plug-in batteries adds urgency to campaign to approve balcony solar
A handful of Australians are already plugging in portable home batteries – illegally – suggesting that rules may need to change soon to deal with demand.
Rachel Williamson

Jun 2, 2026

1
Policy & Planning

Solar Sharer: Big savings predicted for some households from “three hours of free power” offer
State reveals new details of its “free power” plan that will launch in October, while national regulator offers fresh advice on Solar Sharer ahead of its July kick-off.
Sophie Vorrath

May 28, 2026

3