OCTOPUS Energy has announced plans to deliver 100,000 ‘zero bills’ homes by 2030, following a successful trial with housebuilders.
Launched in 2022 by Octopus, zero bills is described as a ‘world first’ energy tariff that sees homes fully kitted out with ‘state-of-the-art’ green technology – including heat pumps and battery and solar panels – with no energy bills guaranteed for five to ten years.
The commitment aims to transform the housing market by eliminating energy bills, boosting green jobs, and accelerating the UK’s journey toward becoming a clean energy superpower.
Octopus already partners with over 50 housebuilders, including major developers such as Bellway and Persimmon. Vistry Group is piloting the delivery of zero bills homes across several developments – with an ambition to scale this initiative at pace in future projects.
Following the success of trial plots in Stafford, Bellway has committed to deliver an entire 130-plot site in Bedfordshire as zero bills next. This will be the UK’s biggest zero bills development to date, and the homes will be among the first to benefit from the 10-year guarantee.
Regional housebuilders Verto and GS8 are pledging to go even further. Both companies have committed 100% of their future homes as zero bills, setting a new standard in sustainable housing. Other regional developers including Thakeham, Edenstone, and Hill Group also continue to keep the momentum in delivering these homes.
In addition, Octopus Energy is retrofitting existing homes, and estimates 500,000 UK properties built since 2013 could be eligible to be upgraded to zero bills standards.
The announcement comes as Octopus showcases a zero bills homes at this year’s Labour party conference in Liverpool. Built in just three days, the energy provider said that the home showcases the potential for rapid, sustainable construction of zero bills homes.
Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy, commented, “This new target for our zero bills project is something that has never been done before. In just six years, 100,000 homeowners, families and couples could be living without ever having to think of an energy bill. Together with leading developers we’re building a brighter future where greener living is the cheaper option, not the premium.”
Stephen Teagle, CEO, partnerships and regeneration, Vistry Group, added, “As Britain’s biggest housebuilder and the UK’s leading partnerships business, we have a responsibility to continually evolve and improve how we build our homes. Working with innovators like Octopus will benefit our customers, our partners and the environment. Zero bills delivers on all fronts – it is a game changing concept for our industry.”
John, zero bills customer in Cornwall, commented, “Knowing I’ll never have to worry about energy bills is incredible. Plus, it’s reassuring to know we’re importing energy at the greenest times, making a positive impact on the planet without having to think about it. It’s great to see Octopus rolling this out at scale.”
