THE ENERGY INTERVIEW
Customers in Zero Bills homes can adjust their heating without anxiety, use appliances freely and eliminate the dread of opening their energy statements.
“ The stress and mental health wellbeing benefits that come with that are significant,” Nigel says.“ Something that I think can be quite transformational for people.”
Scaling up the Zero Bills model From its origins in England two and a half years ago, Zero Bills has started to expand to Scotland, Wales, France, Germany and even New Zealand, with plans for further international rollouts on the cards. Hundreds of customers now live in Zero Bills homes across approximately 40 sites, Nigel says.
The build-to-rent sector has proven particularly receptive to the idea. Landlords can offer rentals with energy bills included( the second most searched-for feature on Rightmove after pet-friendly properties), charging slightly higher rents that remain lower than rent plus a separate energy bill would be.
This creates what Nigel calls a“ classic win-win-win” for builders, landlords and tenants together.
It all sounds rather utopian, so, how quickly does Octopus expect to be able to expand its Zero Bills project?
Nigel and the team are currently aiming to have 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030. Achieving this will require the UK’ s forthcoming Future
28 March 2026