- Octopus Energy is expanding its ‘Zero Bills’ initiative
- It will run on new homes in Suffolk through the County Council’s Warm Homes Loan
- 500,000 UK properties built since 2013 could be eligible
Octopus Energy is expanding its ‘Zero Bills’ initiative to the next level by teaming up with Suffolk County Council to run a trial for existing homes in a bid to help eliminate more energy bills for households.
The trial aims to transform existing homes by installing low-carbon technology, such as heat pumps, solar panels and solar batteries, to bring them up to Octopus’ ‘Zero Bills’ standard, where customers receive no energy bills for at least five years.
The scheme will run on new homes in Suffolk through the County Council’s £15,000 interest-free Warm Homes Loan, which covers the upfront cost of installing solar panels and a battery. This will allow Suffolk homeowners who already have a heat pump to embrace low-carbon living, while unlocking major savings on their energy bills.
Nigel Banks, zero bills director, Octopus Energy, said: “Upgrading existing homes is the next step in making energy-bill-free living accessible to more people.
“Thanks to the innovative approach from Suffolk County Council, local authorities can now play a vital role in bringing sustainable, cost-free energy to householders. By working together, we can help local people eliminate bills, reduce carbon emissions and create a model for communities across the UK to embrace a greener future.”
Octopus is currently reaching out to local Suffolk customers with homes built since 2015 to offer them the chance to join the trial and take advantage of the council’s funding.
The energy supplier estimates 500,000 UK properties built since 2013 could be eligible to be upgraded to a ‘Zero Bills’ home.
Up to 100,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes aim to be delivered by the energy supplier by 2030, and it has already rolled out the initiative in Germany, New Zealand as well as the UK.
Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, cabinet member for environment, communities and equality, Suffolk County Council, added: “Suffolk County Council prides itself on bringing pioneering net zero projects to our residents, and we’re excited to be the first local authority working with Octopus Energy on ‘Zero Bills’.
“We appreciate the role we have as a local authority to be able to lead, influence and support local residents in as many ways as possible to help reduce both their energy bills and their impact on the environment.”
Octopus Energy has already accredited more than 1,200 ‘Zero Bills’ homes through contracts with a number of prominent developers, which span across affordable housing, private renting, as well as private and shared ownership.
