Octopus Energy is relaunching its electric blankets scheme for this winter, offering an additional 20,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers.
Since its launch in January 2022, the scheme has already distributed over 60,000 blankets.
Customers using an electric blanket have reported an average 20 percent reduction in their gas bills during previous winters, with only a 0.2 percent increase in electricity usage, leading to average savings of £150 over three months.
The initiative is part of Octopus Energy’s £30million Octo Assist Fund, which supports customers in specific circumstances, including those who are medically vulnerable, elderly, or living alone and this winter could include pensioners struggling but who do not qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment under its strict new eligibility rules.
Mario Lupori, director at Octopus Energy Group, said: “We know many people are worried about the costs of heating their homes over winter. An electric blanket means you heat the human, not the home – staying warm for as little as 3p an hour. We’ve got 20,000 more blankets this year to give out to our most vulnerable customers and we’re delighted that they will help them stay warm.”
How does the free electric blanket scheme work?
Octopus Energy is offering one electric blanket per household to support the most vulnerable homes. This approach allows them to assist as many people as possible.
People are urged to create a Paylink budget to see what support is available, and to see if they qualify for financial assistance.
A team member will review the health of the customer’s account and the information provided during the application process to make a decision. Octopus said it then aims to get back to the customer within around a week.
The electric blankets are supplied by Dreamland, a company known for its innovative warming technology for over 50 years.
Customers worried about paying their winter bills are encouraged to contact the provider. Octopus will ask a simple series of questions to determine the best support options.
A range of help is available from the Octo Assist Fund, including a free thermal camera loan to identify draughts, as well as standing charge and payment holidays.
The provider has announced new support for vulnerable pensioners who do not qualify for the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Discretionary credits of £50, £100, and £200 will be available to low-income pension households that apply and do not receive Pension Credit.
