Octopus Energy and Prosperity Group have announced plans for a major housing development in Cambridgeshire, where residents will not pay home energy bills for a decade.
The 300-home scheme will use solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage to generate and manage energy on site, with the first eco homes expected to be completed in 2028.
Octopus Energy says the project forms part of its wider ambition to scale up “Zero Bills” housing across the UK and internationally.
Article continues belowOctopus Energy expands Zero Bills programme
Octopus Energy’s “Zero Bills” tariff guarantees no household energy bills for between five and 10 years, provided homes are built with specified low-carbon technologies.
The company said it has already approved more than 6,000 homes through the programme across the UK and internationally, working with private and affordable housing developers. It also aims to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030.
Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said: “We’re finding ourselves in yet another energy crisis, and households are looking for ways to protect themselves from unpredictable energy prices. Living without a home energy bill is no longer a distant ambition – it’s a reality thanks to our Zero Bills tariff.”
Aims to meet demand for efficient homes
Prosperity Group said the scheme reflects growing demand for energy-efficient housing and the need to future-proof developments against changing regulations.
Joe Billingham, Chairman of Prosperity Group, said: “Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality, forward-thinking developments for both our investors and customers. Working with Octopus Energy allows us to integrate cutting-edge technology that not only enhances the living experience but also supports long-term investment performance.”
He added that tighter EPC standards and future regulatory requirements are pushing developers to integrate low-carbon systems from the outset.
What are Octopus's overall plans?
Homes in the Wisbech development will include solar generation, heat pumps and battery storage designed to reduce reliance on the grid and manage energy use locally.
Excess electricity generated on-site will be stored for later use, helping smooth demand and reduce exposure to energy price fluctuations.
Octopus Energy has set a target of delivering 100,000 Zero Bills homes globally by 2030, as it expands the model across the UK and other markets including Germany, France and New Zealand.
The company says the approach is intended to support both emissions reduction goals and household energy affordability over the long term.
