For years, landlords had little incentive to invest in solar panels or batteries – tenants would see the savings while landlords footed the bill. Tenant Power changes that. It’s the UK’s first energy tariff where both social housing landlords and tenants share the financial rewards of smart energy tech.
Buildings equipped with solar panels and a compatible battery system can generate their own renewable energy. Any excess energy is stored in the battery and automatically sold back to the grid at peak times, helping to balance the grid and provide a return for landlords.
The result: tenants see their electricity unit rate bills fall by 30% – saving around £200 a year – compared to a standard variable tariff*, while landlords earn revenue, making clean tech upgrades a smart long-term investment.** Adding a heat pump into the mix could help Tenant Power tenants save even more on their energy bills.
This win-win model removes one of the main barriers to green investment in social housing, paving the way for cleaner, fairer and cheaper energy for all.
West Highland, part of Link Group, is leading the way as one of the first housing associations in Scotland to roll out the pioneering tariff. The first phase covers 132 homes, with installations already underway and plans to expand to more homes soon.
The news comes as interest in low carbon tech surges, with households looking to escape energy market volatility driven by the Middle East conflict. New data from Octopus Energy shows heat pump sales up 103%, solar panel sales up 78%, and EV charger enquiries up 42%, as more Brits try to boost their energy independence.***
Octopus Energy aims to onboard 1,000 customers onto Tenant Power, with a further 10,000 homes committed, by the end of 2026.
Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said: “Solar panels and batteries should be a no‑brainer for social housing – but until now the economics haven’t worked well enough.
“Tenant Power solves this by cutting tenants’ bills while giving social housing landlords a return for investing in green tech.
“By partnering with West Highland Housing Association, we’re delivering more affordable, greener living to social homes in Scotland, making a real impact on communities and people’s pockets.”
Brett Sadler, CEO at West Highland Housing Association, said: “We’re really pleased to have partnered with Octopus to roll out this innovative tariff, which will benefit both our tenants and the organisation.
“Affordability is a key consideration across our activities, and we are committed to exploring all avenues to keep our customers’ living costs as low as possible, whilst ensuring we offer the best value services and provide sustainable tenancies.
“Tenant Power enables us to deliver on these promises in a new way, and we are delighted to be one of the first housing associations in Scotland to adopt the tariff.”
Richard, Tenant Power customer from Halifax, said: “I love that my bills are lower thanks to Octopus’ initiatives – the process was quick and easy, and it really makes a huge difference.
“It’s a bonus knowing I’m making the most of the sunshine with solar panels, and doing something good for the planet too.”
The announcement follows Octopus’s recent partnership with Grampian Housing Association – the first in Scotland to launch Tenant Power – bringing cheaper, greener power to over 100 social homes in Aberdeenshire.
More information on Tenant Power and how to sign up can be found here.
