Octopus Energy has teamed up with The Hill Group, and Clarion Housing Group in a landmark strategic partnership to revolutionise sustainable living in the UK.

Hill and Octopus Energy are developing the nation's most extensive 'Zero Bills' housing development, comprising 89 meticulously designed homes at Hollymead Square in Newport, Essex. Residents will pay no energy bills for a minimum of five years, guaranteed.

Of the 89 total, 64 will be sold on the open market. The remaining 25 will be made available for affordable rent and shared ownership by Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest social housing provider. These will be the first completed 'Zero Bills' homes under affordable rent.

'Zero Bills' is a world-first smart proposition that allows customers to move into homes which are fully kitted out with green energy technology and with no energy bills.

Following the success of a 'Zero Bills' pilot in Essex, Octopus Energy has now accredited close to 1,000 homes through contracts with other prominent developers. Accredited plots span affordable, social, and private rent, as well as private and shared ownership.


Situated in an idyllic village location, this groundbreaking project at Hollymead Square encompasses an attractive collection of two to five-bedroom houses and two-bedroom bungalows.

Each property at Hollymead Square will be equipped with cutting-edge low-carbon technology, including solar panels, high-quality insulation, heat pumps, and home storage batteries. Designed to exceed the energy requirements for each property, this high level of home energy technology is seamlessly integrated and optimised by Octopus' advanced tech platform, Kraken, to result in zero bills for homeowners.

Octopus Energy's ambitious goal of delivering 50,000 'Zero Bills' homes across the UK and beyond by 2025 aligns with Hill’s strategic goal to deliver net-zero carbon homes by 2030.

Hollymead Square is the first opportunity for the partners to work together to develop and provide net-zero housing and pioneer the way forward for a greener, more sustainable future. Construction of the new homes is underway, and the sales launch is due to take place on 20th January, with the first homes expected to complete in Spring 2024.

Michael Cottrell, Zero Bills Homes Director at Octopus Energy, commented: "This partnership with The Hill Group is the first giant leap in transforming the way we live in our homes and consume energy. This will also mark both the biggest ‘Zero Bills’ development in the UK and the first with affordable rent options with Clarion. This partnership pioneers a future where sustainable living is the standard for everybody, no matter their situation."