A new £56million energy fund has been launched to help people pay their bills and keep their homes warm this winter. Applications for the Extra Support Package open on October 1.
OVO has provided £190m in support since 2022, offering measures such as heated blankets, smart sockets, and efficiency kits, and assisted 42,000 customers last year. New research from OVO found that 91% of people are worried about their bills this winter, with 7 in 10 saying they are even more concerned than last year.
Fuel poverty in England has risen to 9million households – more than at the peak of the energy crisis and a 62% increase since 2020.
David Buttress, CEO of OVO, said: “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. But this isn’t a long term solution. We need to make the energy system work better for everyone. That starts with targeted support in the form of a social tariff – no one can be, or no one needs to be left behind.”
David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director, said: “At the Warm Welcome Campaign we believe it’s vital that people can access the support they need in a place where they feel comfortable and safe, and that’s why we’re so pleased to be working closely with OVO again this winter. Through our partnership we will be helping our Warm Welcome Spaces across the country become places where people can receive meaningful practical support to help get them through the hardest months of the year.”
Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity, said: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with OVO, which will provide much needed support to customers struggling with energy bills throughout the colder months. We know the past few years have been challenging for households facing significant cost of living pressures. OVO’s Extra Support will help thousands of people access advice and support with energy arrears and wider financial difficulties. We look forward to working closely with OVO on this important initiative.”
Details of the Extra Support Package are available on the OVO website
The Extra Support Package includes:
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Free energy saving products: This includes electric throws, smart sockets, and home efficiency kits.
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Energy efficiency upgrades: Customers could receive a wide range of energy-saving measures installed through GBIS – from loft insulation to a new boiler, or even high-end tech like heat pumps. Eligible customers could get a whole package installed, all for free.
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Financial support: This includes Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans.
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New partnerships and increased financial relief for customers: alongside help for organisations including Warm Welcome Campaign and StepChange.
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Dedicated support: in the most financial difficulty will receive help from a specialist team.