No Energy Bills?! First Zero Bills homes for sale in Wales

Launched in 2022, Octopus’ Zero Bills tariff lets customers move into homes packed with cutting-edge green tech – including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels – with no home energy bills for up to 10 years*.

The four homes at Willowbrook North, Cardiff, are part of the Cardiff Living programme, a long-standing partnership between Wates Residential and Cardiff Council that delivers sustainable, energy-efficient housing to fight local fuel poverty. 

It comes as the Welsh Government launches a new consultation to boost home energy efficiency by making solar panels and low-carbon heating systems, like heat pumps, standard in all new homes – driving Wales toward greener, more sustainable housing.

Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 Zero Bills homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany and New Zealand, as well as many sites across England.

So far, it has approved Zero Bills eligibility for over 5,000 homes through partnerships with leading developers, covering affordable and private rent, plus private and shared ownership properties.

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said: “With Zero Bills we’re proving that it’s possible to live comfortably and sustainably without ever worrying about energy bills. 

“We want Zero Bills homes to be the norm everywhere, and delivering these homes with Wates is an exciting next step on that journey. Together, we’re setting the standard for sustainable homes across Wales, while helping families slash their bills.” 

Edward Rees, Regional Managing Director at Wates Residential, said: “This partnership with Octopus Energy is a game-changer for homeowners. As rising energy costs remain a concern for many, our Zero Bills homes offer certainty about bills for residents and deliver a new standard in sustainable living.

“These homes are smart, efficient and future-ready – combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to provide comfort, value and peace of mind. It’s a proud moment for Cardiff and a blueprint for what’s possible across the UK.”

Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Cardiff Council, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our housing development programme, and we are proud to see the Cardiff Living scheme delivering innovative solutions not just in our new council homes, but in private homes being delivered via our partnership too.

“Renewable technologies like solar panels and heat pumps in our new council properties help tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions, supporting our One Planet Cardiff vision for a net zero city and making sustainable living accessible to even more residents. 

“This new Zero Bills energy development demonstrates how Cardiff Living is setting a new standard for energy-efficient homes in the city, ensuring that private homeowners can benefit from the very latest in sustainable design and technology too. It’s a great example of how collaboration and innovation can help us build a greener, fairer future for Cardiff.”

More information on Octopus' Zero Bills can be found here. 

For more information on the site at Willowbrook North, please click here. The homes are due to be completed by the end of the year.