Octopus Energy, the UK's largest energy provider, has joined forces with Muirhouse Housing Association to launch its "Tenant Power" tariff across more than 30 social homes in Scotland. The partnership represents one of the first rollouts of this green technology tariff in the country, aimed at making renewable energy investments more viable for social landlords while providing direct savings to residents.

The Tenant Power model addresses a long-standing barrier to green investment in the social housing sector, where landlords traditionally bore the cost of solar and battery installations while tenants received the financial benefits. Under this new system, both parties share the rewards. Properties fitted with solar panels and compatible battery systems generate renewable energy, with any surplus stored and automatically sold back to the grid during peak times to generate a return for the landlord.

For tenants, the impact is significant, with electricity unit rates falling by 30% compared to a standard variable tariff. This equates to an annual saving of approximately £200, which could increase further if the property also utilises a heat pump. Muirhouse intends to reinvest the revenue earned through the scheme into further green technology across its housing stock.

-- Advertisement --

The initial phase of the project covers 36 homes, with installations scheduled to begin in May. This rollout comes amid a surge in domestic low-carbon technology, with Octopus Energy reporting a 103% increase in heat pump sales and a 78% rise in solar panel sales as households seek energy independence.

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said: "Solar panels and batteries should be a no‑brainer for social housing – but until now the economics haven't worked well enough. Tenant Power solves this by cutting tenants' bills while giving social housing landlords a return for investing in green tech. By partnering with Muirhouse Housing Association, we're delivering more affordable, greener living to social homes in Scotland, making a real impact on communities and people's pockets."

Glenn Rivers, Asset Manager at Muirhouse Housing Association, commented: "At Muirhouse we are always looking at practical solutions to improve our homes and support our tenants through the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, particularly when it comes to fuel poverty. The Octopus Tenant Power scheme allows us to invest in low carbon technologies such as solar panels and battery storage in a way that delivers a real, direct benefit to our tenants through a guaranteed reduction in their energy bills."

Richard, a Tenant Power customer, added: "I love that my bills are lower thanks to Octopus' initiatives – the process was quick and easy and it really makes a huge difference. It's a bonus knowing I'm making the most of the sunshine with solar panels, and doing something good for the planet too."

Octopus Energy has set a target to onboard 1,000 customers onto the tariff by the end of 2026, with commitments already in place for a further 10,000 homes.