Octopus Energy has launched a new donation trial that allows solar customers to share the value of their excess energy with those facing fuel poverty.
Through the Octopus Solar Sharing scheme, households with surplus solar energy can donate the value to the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) or to Octopus’ Octo Assist fund – a £30million pot dedicated to helping its customers in need.
Many homes with solar panels produce more electricity than they consume. While energy suppliers usually allow customers to sell this surplus back to the grid, Octopus Solar Sharing customers can donate their extra power to meaningful causes.
For each kilowatt-hour donated, Octopus will contribute 15p directly to either NEA or Octo Assist, based on the customer’s choice, with additional charities expected to join in the future.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief product officer at Octopus Energy Group, commented: “Solar power is a force for good in itself – and now it can be shared with the ones most in need too.
“We’re just at the beginning of this solar revolution, and the more suppliers and customers we can get involved, the bigger the impact will be.”
Solar power is increasingly important for reducing energy costs and providing sustainable solutions. In the UK, over 1.4 million homes are already equipped with solar panels, with this number growing each year.
Ms Dibb-Simkin continued: “Clean energy tech isn’t just for those with cash to invest in it, but it can unlock savings for all. It’s not just about building a greener system, but a fairer one too.”
To further boost the rollout of home solar and help those facing fuel poverty, Octopus is also offering eligible customers free solar and battery installations.
The initiative is part of an extension to the Goverment’s Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme, available to customers who meet specific criteria.
This includes Octopus’ most vulnerable customers, such as those who are in or at risk of fuel poverty or have high energy usage based on their vulnerabilities (medical equipment, chronic illness, physical impairment or pensioners with additional needs).
Octopus has reached out to 10,000 WHD recipients who qualify for this offer so far, in a move the provider said could “potentially” save them over 90 percent on their energy bills with the right tariff.
People can find out how to donate excess solar to customers in need, here.
