Two major UK energy suppliers, Octopus Energy and OVO Energy, are helping vulnerable customers this winter by offering free electric blankets. As rising energy costs continue to affect households, these initiatives aim to alleviate financial pressures, particularly for those with medical conditions or mobility challenges.
With winter temperatures setting in and many facing the prospect of unaffordable heating bills, these schemes come as a timely intervention for thousands of vulnerable households. Electric blankets, which are significantly cheaper to operate than traditional heating, could offer relief by reducing energy consumption while keeping individuals warm.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Customers
Both Octopus Energy and OVO Energy are targeting households struggling with heating costs, focusing on the elderly, those with mobility impairments, and individuals who are particularly susceptible to cold due to medical conditions. According to Octopus, electric blankets are an energy-efficient alternative to heating entire homes, with the cost to run one at just 2-4p per hour, compared to the £4 per day it typically costs to heat a whole house.
The initiative is especially important in the context of ongoing energy price rises, which have left many people with difficult decisions between heating and other essential needs. By offering free electric blankets, these companies hope to mitigate the financial strain and improve the well-being of their most vulnerable customers.
To apply, customers must go through a formal application process. Octopus, for example, requires applicants to create a Paylink budget, which assesses their household income and expenditure. The company has set aside 10,000 blankets, and applications are reviewed based on account health data and the applicant’s vulnerability. Priority is given to those in the most dire financial need.
OVO Energy’s £56 Million Support Package
OVO Energy, meanwhile, has launched a £56 million winter support programme, which includes not just electric blankets, but also heated throws, home efficiency packages, and other energy-saving tools. The scheme, which opened for applications in October, is focused on customers with medical vulnerabilities that make them more sensitive to the cold. OVO has already allocated £190 million in support since 2022, and this new round of funding is set to help even more households.
According to OVO, customers who receive a free electric blanket could save up to 20% on their energy bills during the colder months. With costs rising and uncertainty surrounding winter energy prices, initiatives like these are seen as a crucial support mechanism for those who might otherwise struggle to keep warm.
Both energy firms stress that while free blankets are available, those who can afford the £60 purchase price are encouraged to buy their own to leave free units for those in financial hardship. As research indicates, those who use electric blankets effectively can experience considerable savings, especially when combined with other energy-saving measures.
These winter initiatives provide a much-needed lifeline, showing how targeted support can make a tangible difference for those most in need.
