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Two major energy suppliers are offering help to families in need extra help from cold By distributing free electric blankets this winter.
Octopus Energy and OVO to distribute thousands of electric blankets to eligible families facing financial crisis In 2025.
Electric blankets are an economical way to avoid heat the entire propertyInstead only one person was allowed to stay warm. These cost around 2-4p per hour to operate, helping families reduce expenses during cold weather.
Octopus Energy says using the blankets can save up to £300, revealing that customers who have received blankets in previous months have seen savings of 10-20 per cent on their energy bills.
Both companies require customers to apply for the free blanket, the scheme is subject to certain eligibility criteria.
Priority will be given to elderly residents, people with mobility restrictions and people with health problems Cold The temperature puts them at greater risk. The company has allocated 10,000 blankets this year, limited to one per household.
Octopus guidance says: “Modern electric blankets, used according to their instructions, are safe and energy skilled. Last winterWe used our purchasing power to buy 7,000, and offered them for free to customers we identified who would benefit most when they filled out our financial assistance tool.
“We’re really trying to target the people who need the blankets the most: so we haven’t offered a blanket to every customer, and we’ve tried to keep it to one per household so we can support as many people as possible.”
For those who are not able to take advantage of the offers, other support is available from all energy companies as the colder months begin.
those struggling with energy Bill Be aware that all energy providers are legally obliged to help. Latest figures show energy debt rose to £4.4bn in September, so no one struggling is alone.
Anyone who finds themselves falling behind on payments or struggling to afford essentials after an energy bill should contact their provider. They may be able to provide you with assistance such as full payment plan reviews, affordable loan repayment plans, extensions and even reductions.
Many energy suppliers also offer financial assistance or rebates for people struggling with their energy bills. These include Scottish Power, EDF, EON and Octopus. Eligibility varies between energy providers. British Gas also offers a grant of up to £2,000 to customers of any energy provider.