Two of the UK's leading energy suppliers, Octopus Energy and OVO Energy, are launching initiatives to provide free electric blankets to their most vulnerable customers, a move that could slash annual energy bills by up to £300.
Targeted Support for Those in Need
Octopus Energy's scheme is specifically designed to support customers with particular vulnerabilities and medical needs. The company states that to ensure the blankets reach the right people, it will be prioritising applicants through its Octo Assist programme. Customers who apply will be assessed and offered the most appropriate support.
The initiative was sparked by an internal discovery. One of our boffins realised that some customers were paying to heat their entire homes, even if they lived alone, a spokesperson explained. After running the numbers, they found that while heating a whole house costs around £4 a day, an energy-efficient electric blanket can heat a person for a mere 2-4p an hour.
Substantial Savings and Strategic Rollout
This makes an electric blanket a vastly more cost-effective way to stay warm, especially for individuals with mobility issues, those who spend long periods in one spot, or people with medical conditions that make them feel the cold more intensely.
The company emphasises that modern electric blankets are safe and energy efficient when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. In a significant procurement effort last winter, Octopus used its purchasing power to buy 7,000 blankets. These were offered for free to customers identified as most in need via the company's financial assistance tool.
We’ve been really trying to target people who need a blanket most, the spokesperson added, confirming the programme is typically limited to one blanket per household to help as many people as possible.
Proven Financial Impact and Broader Support
The financial benefit for recipients is clear and substantial. Analysis by Octopus revealed that customers who received a blanket saved an average of 10-20% on their bills during the winter months. When projected over an entire year, this translates to a massive saving of approximately £300.
Meanwhile, rival supplier OVO Energy has also stepped up its winter support. The firm has launched a £56 million winter support package to assist households in difficulty. Applications for this package opened on 1 October, offering items such as heated throws, smart plugs, and home energy efficiency kits.
OVO's Chief Executive, David Buttress, said: 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.
