Octopus Energy, The Hill Group and Clarion Housing Group are developing a ‘zero bills’ housing development at Hollymead Square in Newport, Essex, where residents will pay no energy bills for a minimum of five years, guaranteed.
Of the 89 homes delivered on the site, 64 will be sold on the open market and the remaining 25 will be made available for affordable rent and shared ownership by Clarion Housing Group.
Each property will be equipped with low-carbon technology, including solar panels, high-quality insulation, heat pumps and home storage batteries, resulting in zero bills for homeowners.
Michael Cottrell, zero bills homes director at Octopus Energy, said: “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.”
Greg Hill, deputy chief executive at The Hill Group, added: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Octopus Energy to provide our customers with the largest residential ‘zero bills’ development in the UK. The new homes at Hollymead Square in Newport will provide a blueprint for future sustainable housing and mark the start of our fruitful strategic partnership to deliver new homes complete with cutting-edge low-carbon technology that enable zero energy bills.”
Richard Cook, group director of development at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Octopus Energy and Hill Group on such an innovative project. It’s crucial that we cut emissions and cut bills for homes of all tenures. I am proud that Clarion residents will be among the first to benefit from a zero bills home.
Construction of the new homes is already underway, with the first homes expected to complete in spring 2024.
