Energy supplier OVO has begun issuing support to households that could save them an average of £300 per year on their bills. The initiative forms part of the company's direct response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
London Event Offers Hands-On Support and Free Products
The latest 'OVO in the Community' event took place on Friday 28 November at the Maxilla Hall Social Club in Notting Hill, London. The gathering was designed to provide practical, tangible support during the coldest months of the year.
Attendees, regardless of whether they are OVO customers, were able to speak with the company's specialist energy advisors. These experts offered tailored advice on simple ways to reduce energy consumption and lower household costs.
In a significant boost, the event also featured the distribution of free energy-saving products. These included items such as:
- Heated electric blankets
- Smart plug sockets
- Solar-powered battery banks
- General efficiency kits
A Wider Package of Aid for Vulnerable Customers
This community event series is a key component of OVO's broader £56 million Extra Support Package. The programme recognises the severe pressure many families face due to high energy prices.
Representatives from charities Scope and StepChange were also present. These organisations, which specialise in supporting people living in fuel poverty, provided crucial debt advice for anyone struggling or anxious about paying their utility bills.
Steve Donovan, Vulnerable Customer Lead at OVO, emphasised the event's purpose in a statement. "We know that people are worried about their energy bills this winter, and OVO in the Community Events are designed to provide support to those who need it most," he said. "We encourage people to come along, ask questions and speak to our experts."
Long-Term Advocacy and Past Success
Beyond immediate, on-the-ground help, OVO is using its platform to call for longer-term systemic change. The supplier is advocating for the introduction of a social tariff. This proposed measure would offer ongoing protection to those who cannot afford to heat their homes amidst sustained high prices.
The impact of such direct support is already evidenced by past efforts. In the previous year, OVO assisted more than 42,000 customers through similar advice and product schemes, demonstrating a continued commitment to alleviating fuel poverty.
The company plans to hold further community events, aiming to bring vital support and energy-saving resources directly to neighbourhoods across the country throughout the winter period.
