In a major move to tackle the cost of living and climate change, Octopus Energy has announced a massive expansion of its pioneering 'Zero Bills' scheme, aiming to slash energy costs to nothing for 100,000 UK households by the end of the decade.
Partnership Powers Zero-Bill Living
The energy giant has forged a significant partnership with the UK's largest home builder, Barratt Redrow, to integrate the initiative into new housing developments. The collaboration will initially see 54 Zero Bills homes built across two sites in Wixams, Bedfordshire, and Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, with the first properties due for completion in 2026.
Under the guaranteed scheme, residents will pay not a single penny for their home energy for a period of 10 years. This is made possible by equipping the properties with a suite of cutting-edge green technology from the outset.
How the Zero Bills Technology Works
The homes are designed to be highly energy-efficient and are packed with renewable technology. Each property will feature solar panels, a heat pump, and a battery storage system. This combination allows the home to generate, store, and use its own clean energy, effectively decoupling residents from the volatility of the traditional energy market.
Launched in 2022, the Zero Bills tariff is the world's first of its kind. Octopus has already approved over 5,000 Zero Bills homes through various partnerships with developers. These homes cover a range of tenures, including affordable and private rent, as well as private and shared ownership properties.
Scaling Up for a Sustainable Future
Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, stated: "We are now able to showcase what can be achieved with Zero Bills at scale in new housing developments. With new homes already being built with solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers, eliminating home energy bills with our game-changing tariff is now a simple, viable and cost-effective upgrade."
Oliver Novakovic, Technical & Innovation Director at Barratt Redrow, added: "By combining Barratt Redrow’s highly energy-efficient homes with Octopus’ Zero Bills technology, we’re helping buyers to cut their energy costs to zero whilst also lowering their carbon footprint. This initiative shows how innovation in housebuilding and energy can work hand-in-hand."
The ambition extends beyond the UK, with the Zero Bills model already being rolled out by Octopus in Germany, France, and New Zealand. Both Octopus and Barratt Redrow are actively exploring further potential sites across the UK to expand the programme, signalling a transformative shift in how new homes are powered and priced.
