Energy provider OVO is offering free electric blankets as part of a new £56million winter support package to help households with bills.
From October 1, customers will be able to apply for the package, which includes free energy-saving products such as heated throws, smart sockets, and home efficiency kits. The scheme, OVO’s largest ever for customers, also offers financial support ranging from reduced direct debits to emergency credit top-ups, alongside energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation and heat pumps for eligible households. David Buttress, CEO of OVO, said, “We’re providing support to those who need it most by working with our charity partners and committing to our largest-ever customer support package.”
The initiative comes as OVO research shows 91% of people are worried about their energy bills this winter, with 71% reporting greater concern than last year.
Fuel poverty has also increased, now affecting nine million households in England. This marks a 62% increase since 2020 and is higher than at the peak of the energy crisis.
OVO said it has delivered £190million in support since 2022, including 42,000 heated blankets distributed last year.
The company is also continuing to press for the launch of a Government-backed social tariff that would permanently discount energy bills for low-income households.
Mr Buttress added: “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.”
The energy provider is working with partners, including the Warm Welcome Campaign and StepChange debt charity, to provide practical advice and financial support.
Additional measures include dedicated teams to help those in the most severe financial difficulty.
OVO’s full winter support package will be open for applications from October 1 and is available to customers across the UK while supplies and funding last.
David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign director, said: “We’re so pleased to be working closely with OVO again this winter. Through our partnership, we will be helping our Warm Welcome Spaces across the country become places where people can receive meaningful, practical support to help them through the hardest months of the year.”
Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity, said: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with OVO, which will provide much-needed support to customers struggling with energy bills throughout the colder months.
“OVO’s Extra Support will help thousands of people access advice and support with energy arrears and wider financial difficulties. We look forward to working closely with OVO on this important initiative.”
