Two of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers, Octopus Energy and OVO, are offering free electric blankets to help vulnerable households stay warm and reduce energy bills this winter.
The companies will distribute tens of thousands of blankets to eligible customers facing financial hardship, prioritising elderly residents, people with mobility issues and those with health conditions made worse by cold temperatures.
Each household can receive one blanket.
Electric blankets are seen as a cost-effective alternative to heating entire homes. They cost around 2-4p per hour to run, allowing people to stay warm for less. Octopus Energy estimates that using an electric blanket can save households up to £300 a year.
Previous schemes showed recipients reduced energy bills by 10-20%.
Octopus Energy said: “Modern electric blankets, used according to their instructions, are safe and energy efficient. Last winter, we used our purchasing power to buy 7,000 and offered them for free to customers we identified would benefit most when they filled in our financial assistance tool.”
Households unable to take advantage of the free blanket schemes are reminded that all energy suppliers must provide support for those struggling with bills.
Energy debt has risen to £4.4 billion as of September and suppliers including Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON and Octopus offer tailored financial help.
British Gas also provides grants of up to £2,000 to customers of any energy provider.
Suppliers offer free electric blankets to help cut bills this winter appeared first on Energy Live News.