Major energy suppliers are offering free electric blankets and heated throws to vulnerable customers this winter, providing a lifeline against soaring heating costs.
The schemes focus on supporting the most vulnerable, including elderly residents, those with medical needs, and people living alone.
Octopus Energy is leading the initiative by pledging 20,000 electric blankets, while OVO Energy has launched a £50million support package that includes free electric throws.
The move comes as analysis shows electric blankets are approximately 60 times cheaper to run than central heating, offering significant savings for households during the cold months.
EDF Energy has also joined the effort, providing energy-saving gadgets and appliances to eligible customers struggling with costs.
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The free energy saving products could help customers to cut costs and keep warmPAOctopus Energy’s electric blanket scheme, running since 2022, has helped customers save around £300 annually on heating bills.
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 blankets, manufactured by Dreamland and normally retailing at £69.99, are being prioritised for medically vulnerable customers, the elderly, and those living alone.
To apply, customers must create a Paylink budget for eligibility assessment. Applications are typically reviewed within one week, with households limited to one blanket each.
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OVO Energy’s £50million Extra Support Package, launched on October 1, offers free electric throws and mattress toppers to eligible customers.
The scheme is available to both OVO and Boost customers, with applications taking approximately five minutes to complete. Households must provide their monthly disposable income after tax and essential bills during the application process.
The package includes additional support measures such as payment holidays for those in debt on prepayment meters and emergency credit top-ups of £15.
Pensioners may also receive extra assistance, with eligibility criteria extending beyond Warm Home Discount requirements.
Applications can be submitted through OVO’s online portal at ovoenergy.com/extra-support.
EDF Energy is offering comprehensive support through its Customer Support Fund, which includes free energy-saving gadgets such as air fryers, kettles and slow cookers.
The company will also replace broken or inefficient appliances with energy-efficient alternatives for eligible customers including cookers, fridges and washing machines
Customers can receive help with electricity or gas bill debts, and if heating the home sufficiently during the colder months is challenging, they offer bundles of smaller products such as hot water bottles and heated throws. However, independent debt advice is required before applying for funding support.
EDF’s team identifies and refers eligible customers for extra assistance, with applications managed through their website at edfenergy.com/energywise.
The scheme particularly focuses on vulnerable customers who are struggling with energy debt.
Running an electric blanket costs just 2.5p per hour during winter 2024, based on Ofgem’s electricity rate of 24.5p per kWh.
Eight hours of overnight use amounts to approximately 20p, with the same cost applying to heated throws during daytime use. In comparison, with gas prices at 6.24p per kWh, an average 24kWh boiler costs around £1.50 per hour to operate.
These energy-saving devices particularly valuable for households looking to manage their winter heating expenses efficiently.
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