Eclipse Power Optimise’s first microgrid project has been energised!

Microgrid is pivotal to a revolutionary housing development and enables the UK’s largest Octopus Zero Bills community

Milton Keynes, UK, 27 October 2025: Eclipse Power Optimise, our leading experts in microgrids and private networks, have delivered the UKs first microgrid community with no energy bills, enabled by Octopus Energy.

Powering a new era of sustainable, self-sufficient homes

Located in Epping Forest in Essex, Carpenters Yard is a breakthrough behind-the-meter network which will enable the community to make the most of self-generated electricity, with no home energy bills guaranteed for residents for at least their first five years of ownership.

Our first microgrid project is one of the largest yet built in the UK. It links a development of 113 energy-efficient homes constructed by planet positive developer gs8.

Designed and delivered in partnership by Eclipse Power, Total Utility Connections and Octopus Energy, the Carpenters Yard microgrid comprises a behind-the-meter electricity network, a distribution substation, and a community-owned one-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) with two megawatt-hour capacity. Energised this month, the system uses an active, real-time optimisation system to balance the housing development’s energy consumption against its self-generation and storage capabilities, continually optimising for the most cost-efficient and sustainable energy mix.

Supporting the UK’s net zero transition

“For the UK to achieve net zero, it’s essential we innovate the power grid to support the decarbonisation of domestic heat, power, and transport,” said Development Director at Eclipse Power Optimise, Alex Howison.

“Solutions like the Carpenters Yard microgrid are key, as they combine renewable generation with electric heat and EV charging. The community benefits directly in the form of free, renewable power, but it also contributes much-needed demand flexibility, essential to keep the wider power network in balance as more renewable energy sources come online.”

Octopus Energy’s ‘Zero Bills’ tariff enables customers to move into homes that are fully kitted out with state-of-the-art green tech, including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels, with no home energy bills guaranteed for 5-10 years*.

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said: “Zero Bills goes beyond just wiping out home energy bills – it’s about shaping a sustainable future. Partnering with innovative partners like gs8 and Eclipse, we’re pioneering a microgrid community that makes affordable, eco-friendly living a reality for local residents.”

Josh Gordon, Co-Founder of gs8 said: “Creating special sustainable homes to live in is at the heart of what we do at gs8. Every single aspect of Carpenters Yard has been carefully designed to support lifestyles connected to nature. We set out to build homes that meet the needs of all demographics, provide modern living and are future proofed. It has been great to work closely alongside Eclipse, Octopus Zero Bills, the local community, enterprising businesses, Epping Forest District Council and Essex County Council to bring this incredible development to fruition.”

Kyle Morgan, Technical Director at Total Utility Connections said: “Carpenters Yard is the perfect project for us, as it allows us to demonstrate not only our expertise in utility infrastructure, but our commitment to helping the UK meet its net zero goals. Our partnership with Eclipse has provided an opportunity for shared learnings – we look forward to applying them to joint projects in the future.”

Eclipse Power Optimise: leading partners for advanced power projects

The Carpenters Yard project showcases the wealth of experience within the Eclipse Power Group, which offers deep grid, distribution and management expertise.

Pulling in insights and learnings from other innovation projects, the microgrid establishes a benchmark for the societal benefits of community power, and will serve as a template for future residential and commercial projects.

Alex Howison added: “By designing, adopting and managing projects like Carpenters Yard, Eclipse continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading partner for advanced power projects, and a key innovator in the industry. We’re keen to build on our learnings from this project, and plan to engage with the regulator and government on the current size limits to microgrid projects enshrined in the 2001 Class Exemptions. The ability to take this model, and apply it to larger developments, is something we’re actively working on.”

*Please note that Octopus’ Zero Bills tariff guarantee does not include EV charging costs. EV charging is billed separately.

About Eclipse Power Optimise

Eclipse Power Optimise is a specialist microgrid and private energy network provider. Part of the Eclipse Power Group, Eclipse Power Optimise designs, builds and maintains localised electrical power networks and distribution systems that generate energy, usually from renewable energy sources, in the area where the demand is. More information about Eclipse Power Optimise, microgrids, and private networks services can be found here.

About Octopus Energy Group

Octopus Energy is a global clean energy and technology business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to almost 10 million households globally. The company is driving the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative clean tech, with operations spanning 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. It operates a £7 billion renewables portfolio as well as thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.

More information on Octopus’ Zero Bills can be found here. 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 the UK.

Zero Bills™️ offer subject to eligibility and availability. A fair use energy policy applies — customers may incur charges for usage above agreed limits. 5-year guarantee covers zero home energy bills for the first five years from legal completion, subject to system performance and terms of use. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Visit optimisemicrogrid.co.uk for full details.

About gS8

gs8 is an award-winning UK residential developer and contractor specialising in planet positive homes and neighbourhoods. Since 2014, the company has delivered over 1,000 homes across London and the South East, with a live pipeline of close to 2,000 units. gs8 works in close partnership with local communities to shape every scheme – ensuring new homes contribute positively to the wider neighbourhood. www.gs8.co.uk

About Total Utility Connections

Total Utility Connections is an independent connections provider who are LRQA approved under the Multi Utility Registration Scheme (MURS) for the design and installation of electricity, gas and water networks. It provides utility infrastructure to all types of new-build developments in the residential and industrial and commercial sectors, with a focus on project delivery and peace of mind for their customers. Further information on Total Utility Connections can be found at tucltd.co.uk