The upgrade trials will transform existing homes by installing cutting-edge green tech – a heat pump, a battery and solar panels – bringing them up to Octopus’ Zero Bills standard and unlocking zero energy bills for a minimum of five years.
A series of trials will kick off in Suffolk in partnership with Suffolk County Council, to help people benefit from low-carbon tech through the authority’s £15,000 interest-free Warm Homes Loan.
The loan covers the upfront costs of installing solar panels and a battery, allowing Suffolk homeowners who already have a heat pump to embrace low-carbon living while unlocking major savings on their energy bills.
Octopus is reaching out to local Suffolk customers with homes built since 2015, offering them a 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.
It aims to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany and New Zealand, as well as the UK.
Upgrading existing homes is ‘the next step’
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.”
Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council, said: “Suffolk County Council prides itself in 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 local authority to be able to lead, influence and support local residents in as many ways possible to help reduce both their energy bills and their impact on the environment.”
Octopus has already accredited well over 1,200 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.
You can read more about how the Zero Bills model works in our previous interview with Octopus Energy’s Nigel Banks.
Image credit: Octopus Energy
