Octopus Energy has introduced the Zero Bills Standard, a pioneering initiative that guarantees UK households zero energy bills for between five and ten years. This move aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of homes by ensuring new properties are equipped with advanced green technologies.
This development marks a significant step in sustainable housing, promising both environmental benefits and financial relief for residents. The Zero Bills Standard establishes a new benchmark, with homes built to this specification qualifying for Octopus Energy’s unique ‘Zero Bills’ tariff.
Zero Bills Standard Aims to Transform UK Housing and Reduce Energy Costs
Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills Standard is designed to fast-track the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in residential properties, reducing carbon emissions while eliminating energy costs for occupants.
According to Nigel Banks, Director of Zero Bills at Octopus Energy, the standard “is a game-changer for sustainable living,” encouraging housebuilders and developers to exceed current energy efficiency requirements.
Homes meeting the standard are fitted with state-of-the-art green technologies, such as solar panels and energy storage systems, enabling them to produce and store their own electricity.
This self-sufficiency underpins the guarantee of zero energy bills for residents for a period of five to ten years. The scheme does not cover electric vehicle (EV) charging, which remains billed separately.
Octopus Energy has set ambitious targets to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030, expanding the initiative beyond the UK to markets in Germany and New Zealand.
The Zero Bills Awards, launched alongside the standard, celebrate leading contributors in sustainable housing, highlighting the work of housebuilders, housing associations, and retrofit projects advancing the zero-energy vision.
Recognising Industry Leaders Driving Sustainable Housing Innovation
The Zero Bills Awards spotlight companies and organisations making significant progress in sustainable and zero-energy-bill housing.
Winners include Thakeham, named Zero Bills Housebuilder of the Year, and Clarion Housing Group, awarded Housing Association of the Year. Other recipients honoured for their innovation and commitment include Hill Group, Verto, Lloyds Living, Packaged Living, gs8, and UPOWA.
These accolades serve to showcase best practices and inspire wider adoption of the Zero Bills Standard, reinforcing Octopus Energy’s ambition to revolutionise how homes consume and generate energy. The initiative represents a critical step toward tackling climate change by reducing household carbon footprints and energy expenses simultaneously.
