Octopus Energy and OVO Energy are offering the most vulnerable customers free electric blankets to help keep warm this winter.
Eligible customers may find they can reduce their energy costs with the products, by heating themselves rather than the entire home.
Octopus Energy has announced the relaunch of its electric blanket scheme, providing 20,000 free blankets to vulnerable customers.
This initiative, which began in January 2022, aims to reduce winter heating bills by up to 20 per cent.
Meanwhile, OVO Energy has unveiled a £50million Extra Support Package, which includes free energy-saving products such as electric throws and mattress toppers.
Both schemes come in response to the upcoming 10 per cent increase in energy bills, set to take effect on October 1, following Ofgem's price cap adjustment.
Electric blankets can help people keep warm without heating the whole house GETTYOctopus Energy's scheme is open to all customers through their £30million Octo Assist Fund.
Priority is given to those who are "medically vulnerable, elderly, or living alone". Customers concerned about paying their bills are encouraged to contact Octopus directly.
Mario Lupori, director at Octopus Energy Group, said: "We know many people are worried about the costs of heating their homes over winter. An electric blanket means you heat the human, not the home - staying warm for as little as 3p an hour."
The initiative has proven effective, with previous recipients seeing their gas bills fall by an average of 20 per cent, resulting in savings of around £150 across three winter months.
OVO Energy's Extra Support Package offers a range of assistance to eligible customers. The £50 million scheme includes payment holidays for prepayment customers and increased emergency credit of £15.
Customers can apply for free energy-saving products such as electric throws and home efficiency kits. Financial support is also available through Direct Debit reductions and extended repayment plans.
The scheme also offers support for pensioners and their eligibility goes above and beyond Warm Home Discount. This means customers missing out on Winter Fuel Payments may still be eligible for support from OVO.
The company will assess applications based on factors like household income, disposable income, and medical needs.
Customers of either supplier are encouraged to check their eligibility for these support programmes.
With winter approaching and energy costs rising, these free electric blankets and other energy-saving products could make a significant difference in managing household bills.
How to apply for free electric blanket from Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy is offering one electric blanket per household to support the most vulnerable homes. This approach allows them to assist as many people as possible.
People are urged to create a Paylink budget to see what support is available, and to see if they qualify for financial assistance.
A team member will review the health of the customer’s account and the information provided during the application process to make a decision. Octopus said it then aims to get back to the customer within around a week.
The electric blankets are supplied by Dreamland, a company known for its innovative warming technology for over 50 years.
Customers who are struggling with their bills are urged to contact their supplier as there may be other forms of support. They said: "Customers who apply for our OctoAssist will be assessed and offered the support that’ll be most appropriate for them."
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How to apply for free electric blanket from OVO Energy
The scheme opens on October 1. The Customer Support Package is available to OVO and Boost customers. They can apply for the Customer Support Package online.
It should take around five minutes. Households can only apply once.
OVO explained customers will need to have some information ready:
- Their monthly disposable income (this is any income after they’ve paid tax, rent or mortgage payments, and essentials like utility bills). They can use the Online tool to help the online tool work it out if they’re not sure.
- They might also need to give up-to-date meter readings. Please have these to hand, if possible.
These initiatives from Octopus Energy and OVO Energy come at a crucial time, as Ofgem's price cap increase will see the average annual energy bill rise by £149 from £1,568 to £1,717 starting on Tuesday.
Those concerned about their ability to pay should contact their energy provider promptly to explore available options.
