Labor’s new plan to offer households three hours of free electricity each day risks driving up power prices for all other hours of the day, according to experts.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced on Tuesday that the government would force energy providers to deliver three hours of free solar-generated power to households.

However, energy experts have warned that the plan could lead to higher power prices for the rest of the day, as retailers will be forced to recover costs elsewhere.

Centre for Independent Studies Senior Energy Policy Analyst Zoe Hilton told SkyNews.com.au that zero-cost offers do not come without hidden consequences.

She said retailers already offered zero-charge deals during sunny periods, but “this is combined with usage charges during other periods that are a

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