What changed on 1 July 2026
The AER's DMO 8 determination brought the first widespread residential electricity price cuts in years. The reductions were driven by lower wholesale electricity costs (falling contract prices, reduced spot price volatility, and increased output from wind and battery generation during evening peaks) and lower environmental and retail operating costs.
| Region | Flat rate change | TOU change |
|---|---|---|
| NSW (Ausgrid) | Down 3.4% | Down 3.7% |
| NSW (Endeavour) | Down 4.7% | Down 5.3% |
| NSW (Essential) | Down 5.0% | Down 7.7% |
| SE QLD (Energex) | Down 7.2% ($155/yr) | Down 10.7% ($229/yr) |
| SA (SAPN) | Up 1.4% ($33/yr) | Down 1.1% |
| VIC (avg) | Down ~3% | Down ~3% |
| Regional QLD | Down up to 6.9% | QCA regulated |
Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026-27 (DMO 8) Final Determination, 26 May 2026. Victorian figures from ESC VDO 2026-27.
The Solar Sharer Offer
The biggest innovation in DMO 8 is the Solar Sharer Offer (SSO), a new opt-in electricity plan that gives eligible households three hours of free electricity during the middle of the day:
NSW and SE QLD: free period is 11am to 2pm daily. SA: free period is 12pm to 3pm daily. Up to 24 kWh per day can be used for free during the window.
The Solar Sharer Offer is available to any household with a smart meter. You do not need solar panels. All retailers with more than 1,000 customers must offer it. The annual price cap matches the TOU DMO, with slightly higher rates (1 to 4 cents per kWh more) outside the free window.
Our take on the July 2026 reset
This is the best time to compare plans in at least three years. Prices are falling (except SA flat rate), retailers are competing aggressively for customers in the post-reset window, and the Solar Sharer Offer adds a genuinely new option that did not exist before.
If you are on a standing offer, your prices adjusted automatically on 1 July, but you are still paying the maximum regulated price. Market offers are typically 15% to 20% below the DMO. Switching now could save an additional $250 to $500 on top of the DMO reduction.
If you are on a market offer, check whether your plan has expired. Many market offers run for 12 months and then revert to a higher rate. If your plan started before July 2025, it may have expired without you noticing.
The Solar Sharer Offer is worth investigating if you are home during the day. Running your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer between 11am and 2pm (or 12pm and 3pm in SA) on free electricity is a genuine saving, even if the rates outside the free window are slightly higher.
See what plans are available at your address now
July is the best month to compare. Retailers are actively competing.
Compare plans nowShould you switch?
Yes, if you are on a standing offer (you have never actively chosen a plan, or your old plan expired). You are paying the maximum regulated price and can save 15% to 20% by switching to a competitive market offer.
Yes, if your current market offer started more than 12 months ago. Your introductory rate may have expired, and your retailer may have moved you to a higher ongoing rate without you noticing. Check your latest bill.
Maybe, if you switched recently (within the last 6 months). Your current deal may still be competitive, but it is worth a quick comparison to confirm. The market has moved.
Definitely check the Solar Sharer Offer if you are home during the day (retirees, remote workers, parents with young children) and can shift appliance usage to the 11am to 2pm/3pm window. Three hours of free electricity is a material saving for households with daytime usage.