Octopus Energy has partnered with Together Housing Group to roll out its Tenant Power tariff across 1,500 social homes in the north of England, in a move aimed at cutting energy bills while accelerating investment in low-carbon technology.
The Tenant Power tariff, designed specifically for social housing, is expected to reduce annual energy bills for participating tenants by up to £200 ($250) compared with a standard variable tariff. The product is the UK’s first to enable both social housing tenants and landlords to benefit directly from smart, green energy technology.
Under the scheme, homes equipped with solar panels and compatible battery systems can use their own renewable electricity. Surplus power generated during the day is stored and automatically sold back to the grid when demand is highest, helping to support grid stability. Tenants benefit from lower bills, while landlords receive income from excess energy exported to the grid, creating an additional incentive to invest in clean energy upgrades.
The initial phase of the partnership will focus on existing properties managed by Together Housing Group, with plans to expand to additional homes, including new builds, in future phases. The initiative is intended to widen access to affordable, low-carbon energy for social housing residents.
Investment in the homes is part-funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, as part of efforts to scale up renewable energy deployment and tackle fuel poverty. The programme includes more than £3 million ($3.8 million) in new investment to support the installation of solar panels and other upgrades.
Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said the Tenant Power tariff was designed to ensure that both tenants and landlords “share in the benefits of low-carbon technology”, adding that the partnership would deliver “affordable, greener energy” to social homes.
Patrick Berry, Executive Director of Property at Together Housing Group, said the organisation had been seeking ways to reduce energy costs for residents while lowering carbon emissions and supporting the cost of solar investment. He said the Tenant Power model enabled these objectives to be delivered “at scale” across communities.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said the initiative would help cut energy bills for households in the region while supporting emissions reductions and improving the affordability and efficiency of homes.
A tenant participating in the scheme said the lower bills had made “a huge difference”, while also allowing households to make better use of solar power and contribute to climate goals.
