Octopus Energy is scrapping energy bills for households in one part of the UK as part of a new initiative.
The UK’s largest energy supplier is expanding its world-first ‘Zero Bills’ initiative into Scotland, meaning Scots can get access to homes with no energy bills guaranteed for 10 years.
The ‘Zero Bills’ tariff, which Octopus first launched in 2022, enables customers to move into homes that are fully kitted out with state-of-the-art green technology, including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels.
The “game-changing” initiative aims to create a new era for sustainable living and energy-efficient housing in Scotland, while eliminating energy bills for householders.
According to Octopus, Scotland generates more than 110% of its electricity consumption from renewable sources, making it a green energy powerhouse and the ideal location for ‘Zero Bills’ homes.
The launch follows the introduction of the New Build Heat Standard legislation in April 2024, which requires low-carbon heating systems in all new homes, but the energy supplier is taking this one step further by eliminating energy bills entirely.
Octopus is working with MAST Architects on a flagship ‘Zero Bills’ home design in Scotland, setting the standard for future developments, and it has also partnered with Homes for Scotland to help members integrate the initiative and deliver greater benefits to customers.
The energy firm aims to deliver 100,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes by 2030 and has already rolled out the initiative in England, Germany and New Zealand.
Jim Bennett, Zero Bills Scotland director at Octopus Energy, said: “With the New Build Heat Standard legislation in place, now is the perfect time to bring ‘Zero Bills’ to Scotland.
“This initiative not only eliminates energy bills but also offers homes equipped with cutting-edge green technology, ensuring sustainable, future-proof living for residents.”
Octopus has already accredited more than 1,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes through contracts with several prominent developers. The firm says accredited homes span affordable and private rent, as well as private and shared ownership.
MAST Architects director Michael Jarvis added: “At MAST Architects, addressing fuel poverty and improving people’s livelihoods through the creation of energy-efficient homes is at the heart of our work.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Octopus on developing Scotland’s first Zero Bills homes. These innovative projects will not only reduce energy costs but completely eliminate them, helping to eradicate fuel poverty.”
