As the UK braces for colder weather and the arrival of winter, many are concerned about how they will keep warm with soaring energy bills. However, there may be a solution in the form of energy-saving freebies, including heated throws and mattress toppers.
Ovo Energy is offering these items to households as part of a £50million support package, according to The Sun. The package, which launched at the start of October, also includes payment holidays for prepayment meters and direct financial aid.
To apply, visit the OVO website.
OVO have reported that applications take around two minutes but you should have some information ready to hand, including:
- Your monthly disposable income (this is any income after you’ve paid tax, rent or mortgage payments, and essentials like utility bills)
- Your account number and postcode
- You may also have to include how many people live in your home, what your main type of heating is and how you pay for your energy.
- You may also have to state whether you have qualified for the Warm Home Discount before or are on means-tested benefits.
- You can make applications on behalf of yourself and others, for example a family member that doesn’t have access to the internet.
If you’re not an OVO customer, other energy suppliers like Octopus Energy are also offering support, such as free electric blankets through its £30million Octopus Assist fund.
The energy firm is providing these money-saving devices to the most vulnerable, which means those most likely to receive help are the elderly and those with mobility issues or other medical conditions. To find out if you’re eligible for support, contact Octopus.
Households on benefits can get assistance applying for free and cheap boilers through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). It’s offered on a case-by-case basis, but it can mean having a new boiler fitted, or loft or cavity wall insulation installed, often for free, reports the Mirror.
A number of energy companies, including British Gas and EDF, are signed up to the scheme. In addition, several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
The eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances – for example, British Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
