Starting this month, OVO Energy has pledged to distribute free heated throws to those in need as part of the OVO Extra Support Package, a scheme designed to provide immediate assistance to customers.
As the mercury drops, households nationwide are preparing for the inevitable switch-on of heating systems, a prospect that brings dread as Ofgem announces another surge in energy bills this month.
OVO, which serves approximately 4.5 million customers in the UK, has said there are currently nine million fuel-poor households in the country, marking a staggering 62% increase since 2020. The OVO Extra Support Package was launched in October to offer additional help for struggling households.
Since 2022, OVO has provided a whopping £190m worth of customer support, aiding 42,000 needy customers last year alone.
This year, the company will allocate £56m to the Extra Support Package to assist 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 committed to offering financial support, including Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups and extended repayment plans.
Those facing themost severe financial hardship should receive assistance from a specialist team. To qualify, you must be an OVO customer and believe 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 instance, Octopus Energy runs a complimentary blanket programme, whilst British Gas provides The British Gas Energy Support Fund, which they claim is the UK's largest energy support package.
According to Octopus Energy, whilst warming an entire property can cost £4 daily, an energy-efficient electric blanket can heat an individual for as little as 4p per hour.
With energy bills soaring, this offers a far more economical method to keep warm, especially for those residing alone.
To date, Octopus has handed out 93,000 complimentary electric blankets to its most at-risk customers, with a further 10,000 on offer this winter.
On average, it claims customers have cut their gas bill by 20%.
Alternatively, you can utilise independent resources such as Ask Bill or Citizens Advice for complimentary, impartial guidance.
"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. '".
At present, OVO is pushing for a social tariff that would provide reduced bills to households on low incomes, which they claim would help more people escape poverty than the government's Warm Home Discount managed in 2024.
Before switching on your heating, you should also bleed your radiators and have your boiler serviced to ensure everything is running as efficiently as possible.
It's also worthwhile purchasing one of the top electric blankets, which can help maintain your warmth.
The heating device runs without using much electricity (costing roughly 4p per hour). It's always wise to verify whether you qualify for financial assistance, especially as the cost of living continues to climb.
Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm. These include:For more information from the government click here.
