OVO Energy is offering free electric blankets to customers in need as part of a new support package
OVO Energy has announced that it will be distributing free heated throws to those in need as part of the OVO Extra Support Package, a scheme designed to assist customers in immediate need.
As the mercury drops, households across the UK are preparing for the inevitable switch-on of heating systems, a prospect that brings dread as Ofgem announces another hike in energy bills this month.
With approximately 4.5 million customers in the UK, OVO has revealed that there are currently nine million fuel-poor households in the country, marking a 62% increase since 2020. The OVO Extra Support Package was launched in October to provide additional assistance for struggling households.
Since 2022, OVO has provided £190m worth of customer support, aiding 42,000 needy customers last year. This year, the company will allocate £56m to the Extra Support Package to help vulnerable customers. Eligible customers should receive products that will aid in conserving energy at home, such as electric throws, home efficiency kits and smart sockets.
Some households may even qualify for energy-efficient upgrades, like a new boiler or heat pump. OVO has also pledged to offer financial support, including Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups and extended repayment plans.
Those facing the most severe financial hardship should receive assistance from a specialist team. To qualify, you must be an OVO customer and ‘think you’ll struggle to pay your bills.
You can check your eligibility via OVO’s website here.
You’ll be required to input your account number and postcode, as well as your monthly disposable income (which is the amount left after paying for tax, rent or mortgage, and essential bills like utilities) on the site.
If you’re not an OVO customer, it’s worth checking if your energy provider has any support schemes available.
For instance, Octopus Energy provides a free blanket scheme, while British Gas offers The British Gas Energy Support Fund, which they claim is the UK’s largest energy support package.
Octopus Energy suggests that while heating an entire home can cost £4 a day, an energy-efficient electric blanket can heat a person for up to 4p an hour. Given the current rise in energy bills, this could be a significantly more affordable way to stay warm, especially for those living alone.
So far, Octopus has given out 93,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers, with an additional 10,000 available this winter. On average, it claims customers have saved 20% on their gas bill.
Alternatively, you can utilise independent resources such as Ask Bill or Citizens Advice for free, impartial advice.
“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,’ stated David Buttress, CEO of OVO.
“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. ‘”.
At present, OVO is advocating for a social tariff that would provide discounted bills to low-income households, claiming it would lift more people out of poverty than the government’s Warm Home Discount did in 2024.
Before you crank up your heating, it’s recommended to bleed your radiators and have your boiler serviced to ensure maximum efficiency.
Investing in a top-notch electric blanket could also help keep you cosy. The heater operates without guzzling too much electricity (it uses about 4p an hour). It’s always worth checking if you’re eligible for financial aid, especially as living costs continue to soar.
Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm. These include:
- try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C
- try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply
- keep your bedroom windows closed at night
- wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer
For more information from the government click here.