Octopus Energy and OVO Energy are offering free electric blankets - how to apply

The schemes aim to help households reduce energy expenditure significantly, with potential annual savings reaching £300.

Electric blankets offer a cost-effective alternative to heating entire properties, operating at approximately 2-4p hourly compared to roughly £4 daily for whole-home heating.

Both companies require customers to complete application processes to determine eligibility.

Priority goes to elderly residents, individuals with mobility restrictions, and those whose health conditions make them particularly susceptible to cold temperatures.

Octopus Energy requires customers to establish a Paylink budget as the initial step in their application process.

This financial assessment tool evaluates household income and expenditure to determine appropriate support options, which may include an electric blanket.

The company has allocated 10,000 blankets for distribution, limiting provision to one per household to maximise reach. Human reviewers examine each application alongside account health data, with decisions typically communicated within seven days.

Octopus explicitly targets households facing genuine financial hardship, particularly those with specific medical vulnerabilities.

The company encourages customers who can afford the approximate £60 purchase price to buy blankets independently, preserving free units for those experiencing severe financial constraints.

Applications must include comprehensive financial details and explanations of energy bill difficulties through the online form.

OVO Energy has unveiled a £56 million support programme for struggling households, with applications for enhanced winter assistance having opened on October 1. The company offers various support items including heated throws, intelligent plugs, and home efficiency packages.

Since 2022, OVO has distributed £190 million in assistance, supporting 42,000 customers during the previous year alone.

Recent polling commissioned by the supplier indicates that 91 per cent of consumers express concern about winter energy costs, whilst 71 per cent report heightened anxiety compared to last year.

Customers can verify their eligibility through OVO's website by providing their account reference, located on monthly statements, alongside their postcode.

The company's chief executive, David Buttress, stated: "We're providing support to those who need it most by working together with our charity partners and committing our largest ever customer support package."

Research indicates that customers utilising electric blankets achieved bill reductions between 10% and 20% during winter months following blanket acquisition.

Operating costs remain minimal at 2-4p hourly on maximum settings, making them substantially more economical than conventional heating methods.

Optimal usage involves employing the blanket as a body covering rather than mattress padding. Users should initially warm the blanket on high settings for several minutes before reducing to medium levels for extended periods.

Proper positioning requires placing the connector near feet whilst maintaining unobstructed access to prevent overheating. Folding should be avoided as this compromises heating functionality. The blankets create a surrounding warmth halo despite potentially uneven heat distribution when touched directly.

Parents must supervise children using these devices. Both suppliers emphasise following manufacturer guidelines to ensure safe, efficient operation.