Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, has partnered with Grampian Housing Association to bring its groundbreaking Tenant Power tariff to over 100 social homes in Aberdeenshire
For years, landlords had little incentive to invest in solar panels or batteries – the Tenant Power tariff is set to change everything.
It’s the UK’s first energy tariff where both social housing landlords and tenants share the financial rewards of smart energy tech.
“Solar panels and batteries should be a no-brainer for social housing – but until now, the economics haven’t worked well enough,” stated Nigel Banks, zero bills director at Octopus Energy.
“Tenant Power solves this by cutting tenants’ bills while giving social housing landlords a return for investing in green tech.”
Removing barriers to green tech investment in social housing
Buildings equipped with solar panels and a compatible battery system can generate their own renewable energy.
Any excess energy is stored in the battery and automatically sold back to the grid at peak times, helping to balance the grid and provide a return for landlords.
Tenants will see their electricity unit-rate bills fall by 30% – saving around £200 a year – compared to a standard variable tariff, while landlords earn revenue, making clean-tech upgrades a smart long-term investment.
Adding a heat pump to the mix could help tenants on the Tenant Power tariff save even more on their energy bills.
This win-win model removes one of the main barriers to green investment in social housing, paving the way for cleaner, fairer and cheaper energy for all.
Tenant Power tariff set to expand to nearly 10,000 Scottish homes
Grampian is leading the way as the first housing association in Scotland to roll out the pioneering tariff. The first phase covers 114 homes, with installations beginning this month and plans to expand to a further 200 homes in the coming months.
The news comes as interest in low-carbon tech surges, with households looking to escape energy market volatility driven by the Middle East conflict.
New data from Octopus Energy shows heat pump sales up 103%, solar panel sales up 78%, and EV charger enquiries up 42%, as more Brits try to boost their energy independence.
As a result, Octopus Energy aims to onboard 1,000 customers onto the Tenant Power tariff, with a further 10,000 homes committed by the end of 2026.
Zander Carle, director of asset management at Grampian Housing Association, explained: “Tenant Power allows us to invest in low-carbon technologies like solar panels and batteries in a way that directly benefits our tenants through lower energy bills, while also making long-term financial sense for the organisation.
“Being the first housing association in Scotland to roll out this tariff is an exciting step, and we see this as a positive move towards more affordable, sustainable homes for the future.”
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