Major UK energy firm offering free electric blankets

A leading energy company with more than seven million customers in the UK is offering free electric blankets to those most in need. As we transition into the colder months of autumn and winter, many are worried about the cost of heating their homes.

However, Octopus Energy customers could receive a much more affordable solution to stay warm without spending a penny. The company's electric blanket scheme provides free blankets to customers living with specific vulnerabilities and medical needs.

According to Octopus Energy, while heating an entire home can cost £4 a day, an energy-efficient electric blanket can heat a person for up to 4p an hour. Against the backdrop of rising energy bills, this presents a significantly more cost-effective way to stay warm, particularly for those living alone.

To date, Octopus has distributed 93,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers, with an additional 10,000 available this winter. On average, it says customers have saved 20% on their gas bill.

While Octopus does not provide exact criteria for who will receive the blanket, its online guidance emphasises that it will be made available to the most vulnerable customers. To receive the free blanket, Octopus customers must first apply for the Octo Assist scheme.

Once this has been done, their personal details will be assessed and the firm will decide what support is required, including the provision of free blankets.

To initiate the application process, customers should first establish a Paylink budget here. Throughout the application process, you will need to provide details of your income and expenditure. You will also need to explain why you may be struggling with your energy bills.

This follows Octopus's confirmation that it will boost its Octo Assist support fund for customers finding it hard to pay their bills. The scheme, which provides grants, standing charge holidays, and debt write-offs, now amounts to £40 million and has reportedly aided over 100,000 customers so far.

The company also offers a 'you pay, we pay' scheme for every additional payment a customer in debt makes. Under this scheme, Octopus matches the amount towards a debt to help reduce a customer's debt over time.

The Octo Assist scheme has also been broadened to offer targeted support to pensioners with a one-off credit of up to £200. The company said it has also trained its support team to assist people in applying for other benefits they could be eligible for.

Octopus confirmed that it also provides the following extra support for customers:

• Heat loss cameras: Loaning thermal imaging cameras to help customers identify and fix draughts, reducing energy usage
• Energy Helpers: Providing tailored in-person energy-saving advice through the ‘Energy Helpers’ scheme, with over 300,000 homes visited so far
• Social Workers: In-house social worker team to provide one-to-one support
• Saving Sessions: Sessions to help customers save money by using less energy during peak periods which current has over two million participants
• Free Electricity Sessions: Customers signed up to the ‘Octoplus’ rewards scheme can get free additional electricity above their normal usage levels whenever the wholesale electricity price drops significantly or goes negative