Six social housing residents in Exeter have become the first in the UK to move into homes with no energy bills for at least five years, thanks to a new initiative combining green technology and an Octopus Energy tariffs.
The homes at Nexa Fields, developed by Verto Homes for SNG (the second-largest housing association developer), feature advanced energy-saving systems, including heat pumps, solar panels, and a battery.
These features qualify them for Octopus Energy’s ‘Zero Bills’ tariff, which guarantees no energy costs for residents for five to 10 years.
The ‘Zero Bills’ tariff, launched in 2022, is designed for homes with high energy efficiency. The Nexa Fields properties boast an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a score of 129, which is the highest in the UK, according to Octopus.
It comes as SNG presses ahead with its ambition to deliver 25,000 new sustainable homes over the next 10 years.
Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany and New Zealand, as well as the UK.
Tom Titherington, chief investment and development officer, SNG, commented: “Seeing our customers move into their new homes is always fantastic and knowing that these are the first social housing customers to enjoy zero energy bills adds to our confidence we’re delivering the standard of homes needed for people to thrive over generations.
“As we continue to grow our delivery of good, affordable homes over the next 10 years, we look forward to working with partners like Octopus and Verto Homes to keep building places that are a foundation for better lives, while protecting the environment for us all.”
Nigel Banks, Zero Bills homes director at Octopus Energy, said: “Our groundbreaking partnership with SNG and Verto Homes is a huge aid for those moving into these homes who are struggling with their bills.
“We’re helping to reduce their impact on the planet while also reducing their regular outgoings as well – making their homes more affordable and eco-friendly places to be.”
Tom Carr, co-founder, Verto Homes, added: “We are immensely proud of Nexa Fields, the UK’s first fully ‘Zero Bills’ community. Seeing the first residents move in is an incredibly rewarding moment for us, and we wish them every success in their new homes.”
Octopus Energy has already accredited over 1,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes through contracts with a number of prominent developers.
Accredited homes span affordable and private rent, as well as private and shared ownership.
