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UK’s largest power supplier and biggest housebuilder unite for ‘Zero Bills’ revolution

Octopus Energy has teamed up with the UK’s largest housebuilder to develop more homes with ‘Zero Bills’, representing a ‘significant step forward’ in the power supplier’s bid to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030.

A picture of a mock house showing renewable energy technology.

Hundreds of houses have already been identified which will now be targeted for Zero Bills accreditation, as part of the new partnership with housebuilder, Vistry Group.

This includes developments in Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, and Wiltshire, with Vistry actively developing its housing designs to integrate Zero Bills technology across its sites nationwide.

Launched in 2022, Zero Bills is a world-first energy tariff from Octopus Energy that allows customers to move into homes which are fully kitted out with state-of-the-art green tech – including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels – with no energy bills guaranteed for 10 years.

Vistry’s partnership model will see affordable, mixed-tenure Zero Bills homes made available to its various partners, including Lloyds Living, SNG and Clarion Housing Group – all of which have already delivered Zero Bills sites with Octopus. 

With Vistry on track to build around 17,500 homes this year, the partnership represents a key step forward in Octopus’ ambition to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030. 

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said: “This partnership with Vistry marks the best of British innovation coming together to create the future of housing.

“Zero Bills homes are a win for consumers, a win for housing developers and a win for the environment.”

Future-proofing homes and communities

Stephen Teagle, CEO, Partnerships and Regeneration, Vistry Group, said: “Our focus on quality homes, placemaking and innovation is complemented by this partnership with Octopus. 

“Reducing energy costs and the energy efficiency of our homes will positively impact thousands of future residents. Today’s announcement is another step in the right direction to ensure the communities we create have a lasting legacy that is affordable and future proof.”

Octopus Energy has now accredited well over 1,000 Zero Bills homes through contracts with a number of prominent developers. Accredited homes span affordable and private rent, as well as private and shared ownership. 

For more detailed insight about how a Zero Bills development is delivered, check out this in-depth case study of a scheme installed by Envirolec, including the experience of an individual installer, an interview with Nigel Banks, and the view of a homeowner with Zero Bills.

Image credit: Octopus Energy – a Zero Bills home at the 2024 Labour Party conference in Liverpool.