Energy supplier Octopus Energy is taking its ‘Zero Bills’ initiative further by trialling a retrofit offer for existing homes with Suffolk County Council.
Octopus’s upgrade trials aims to transform existing homes by installing a heat pump, a battery and solar panels to bringing them up to its own ‘Zero Bills’ standard, where customers are guaranteed to receive no energy bills for at least 5 years.
The trial by the energy supplier is commencing in new homes in Suffolk through the local authority’s 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 have low-carbon living while unlocking major savings on their energy bills.
It is also 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.
Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany and New Zealand, alongside the UK.
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’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, 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.”
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