Starting this month, OVO Energy has said 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 temperatures begin to plummet, households across the nation are bracing for the inevitable switch-on of heating systems, a prospect that brings dread as Ofgem announces another hike in energy bills this month.
OVO which has approximately 4.5 million customers in the UK has revealed that there are currently nine million fuel-poor households in the UK, marking a 62% increase since 2020. The OVO Extra Support Package jhas been 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 need to provide your account number and postcode, as well as your monthly disposable income (which is anything you have left after paying your tax, rent or mortgage and essentials like utility bills) on the website.
If you’re not an OVO customer, you should check to see if your energy provider has any support systems in place.
For example, Octopus Energy offers a free blanket scheme, while British Gas offers The British Gas Energy Support Fund, which they say is the UK’s biggest energy support package.
According to Octopus Energy, 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. Against the backdrop of rising energy bills, this presents a significantly more cost-effective way to stay warm, particularly for those living alone.
To date, Octopus has distributed 93,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers, with an additional 10,000 available this winter. On average, it says customers have saved 20% on their gas bill.
Alternatively, you can use independent resources such as Ask Bill or Citizens Advice for free, independent 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,’ said 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. ‘”.
Currently, OVO is campaigning for a social tariff which would offer discounted bills to low-income households, which they say would lift more people out of poverty than the government’s Warm Home Discount did in 2024.
Ahead of turning on your heating, you should also bleed your radiators and get your boiler serviced to ensure everything is working as efficiently as it can be.
It’s also worth investing in one of the best electric blankets, which can help keep you warm.
The heater operates without consuming much electricity (it uses about 4p an hour). It’s always beneficial to check if you’re eligible for financial support, particularly as living costs persistently escalate.
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.