Eclipse Power Optimise has delivered one of the UK’s first microgrid communities with no energy bills, enabled by Octopus Energy.
Located in Epping Forest in Essex, Carpenters Yard is a behind-the-meter network which will enable the community to make the most of self-generated electricity, with no home energy bills guaranteed for residents for at least their first five years of ownership.
Eclipse Power’s first microgrid project is one of the largest yet built in the UK. It links a development of 113 energy-efficient homes constructed by planet positive developer gs8.
Designed and delivered in partnership by Eclipse Power, Total Utility Connections and Octopus Energy, the Carpenters Yard microgrid comprises a behind-the-meter electricity network, a distribution substation, and a community-owned one-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) with two megawatt-hour capacity.
Energised this month (October 2025), the system uses an active, real-time optimisation system to balance the housing development’s energy consumption against its self-generation and storage capabilities, continually optimising for the most cost-efficient and sustainable energy mix.
Director of development at Eclipse Power Optimise, Alex Howison, said:
“For the UK to achieve net zero, it’s essential we innovate the power grid to support the decarbonisation of domestic heat, power, and transport,” said
“Solutions like the Carpenters Yard microgrid are key, as they combine renewable generation with electric heat and EV charging. The community benefits directly in the form of free, renewable power, but it also contributes much-needed demand flexibility, essential to keep the wider power network in balance as more renewable energy sources come online.”
“By designing, adopting and managing projects like Carpenters Yard, Eclipse continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading partner for advanced power projects, and a key innovator in the industry. We’re keen to build on our learnings from this project, and plan to engage with the regulator and government on the current size limits to microgrid projects enshrined in the 2001 Class Exemptions. The ability to take this model, and apply it to larger developments, is something we’re actively working on.”
Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said:
“Zero Bills goes beyond just wiping out home energy bills – it’s about shaping a sustainable future.
“Partnering with innovative partners like gs8 and Eclipse, we’re pioneering a microgrid community that makes affordable, eco-friendly living a reality for local residents.”
Josh Gordon, Co-Founder of gs8 said:
“Creating special sustainable homes to live in is at the heart of what we do at gs8. Every single aspect of Carpenters Yard has been carefully designed to support lifestyles connected to nature. We set out to build homes that meet the needs of all demographics, provide modern living and are future proofed.
“It has been great to work closely alongside Eclipse, Octopus Zero Bills, the local community, enterprising businesses, Epping Forest District Council and Essex County Council to bring this incredible development to fruition.”
Kyle Morgan, Technical Director at Total Utility Connections said:
“Carpenters Yard is the perfect project for us, as it allows us to demonstrate not only our expertise in utility infrastructure, but our commitment to helping the UK meet its net zero goals.
“Our partnership with Eclipse has provided an opportunity for shared learnings – we look forward to applying them to joint projects in the future.”
Image from Shutterstock
