Hopkins Homes has partnered with Octopus Energy to offer Zero Bills homes in Suffolk.
‘Zero Bills’ is a smart tariff that allows customers to move into homes that are fully kitted out with green technology and with no energy bills, a statement said. The homes at Church View, Bramford use photovoltaic panels and a home battery to harness the sun’s resources to generate clean energy. This tech is connected to Octopus Energy’s technology platform, Kraken, which the company said optimises its energy usage to deliver a zero bill.
The statement added that all the homes at Church View, Bramford are being built to Part L regulations, already saving homeowners close to £2,600 on their annual energy bills.
The idea of a sustainable home is important in the context of global challenges like climate change and rising energy costs, it noted. By significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, it cited, these homes contribute directly to lessening the impact of climate change through renewable sources such as solar or wind.
The Watt A Save report claimed that whilst energy costs are slowly decreasing, the uncertainty of costs seen in the last few years has ‘only solidified the importance of an energy efficient and low-cost home.’
Based on the Ofgem price cap in January 2024, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) found that new build homes in general emit 61% less carbon each year, with the average new build home powered by 55% less energy. That’s an annual saving of more than £2,200.
Ideal for easing the financial planning for retirees and those looking to decrease their commitment to monthly expenses, the Zero Bills homes underline a commitment to sustainability, whilst providing cost certainty, a vital consideration given recent fluctuations in energy prices.
Simon Gabbitas, group ESG director for Hopkins Homes, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, we are delighted to join forces with Octopus Energy to offer drastically reduced home running costs for our customers. Not only will this partnership deliver cost certainty to homeowners in a volatile energy market, but we believe it will also help to positively impact how people live sustainably in their homes across the UK.
“At Hopkins Homes, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and exploring new ways to incorporate cutting-edge technology, materials, and designs into our developments to boost energy efficiency. We are looking forward to future partnerships and initiatives that continue to put both people and the planet at the heart of our developments.”
Each home comes with green technology installed throughout the house, such as: an air source heat pump, thermally efficient insulation, integrated photovoltaic panels, battery storage, underfloor heating, wastewater heat recovery system, increased cavity to 150mm with blown cavity wall insulation and argon-filled double glazing.