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 Octopus Energy's 'Zero Bills' initiative.

The homes, located in the Nexa Fields development, are powered by cutting-edge green technology, including heat pumps, solar panels, and batteries. Developed by award-winning housebuilder Verto Homes for SNG, one of the largest housing association developers, the properties boast an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with an unprecedented score of 129 – the highest in the UK.

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Launched in 2022, Octopus Energy's 'Zero Bills' tariff is a world-first program designed to make homes completely energy-bill-free for 5 to 10 years. This initiative supports the transition to sustainable living while alleviating the financial pressures of energy costs for residents.

SNG, which is aiming to deliver 25,000 highly sustainable homes over the next decade, developed these pioneering properties in alignment with its Homes & Place Standard. This framework, co-created with residents, emphasises sustainability, liveability, and affordability across new and existing affordable housing projects.

Globally, Octopus Energy plans to roll out 100,000 'Zero Bills' homes by 2030, with similar projects already underway in Germany and New Zealand. The Nexa Fields development represents a significant step forward in proving the viability of net-zero living in social housing.