Copyright walesonline
Two of the UK's top energy suppliers, Octopus Energy and Ovo Energy, are handing out free electric blankets to help vulnerable customers struggling with heating costs this winter. The initiatives aim to help those who find it difficult to afford heating, particularly those with medical conditions or mobility issues. The schemes could significantly cut household energy bills, potentially saving up to £300 a year. Electric blankets provide a more cost-effective alternative to heating the entire house, costing around 2-4p per hour compared to roughly £4 a day for full home heating. Both companies require customers to go through an application process to confirm their eligibility. Priority is given to elderly residents, those with mobility issues, and people whose health conditions make them especially vulnerable to the cold. For money-saving tips sign up to our Money newsletter here . As part of the application process Octopus Energy asks customers to set up a Paylink budget. This tool assesses household income and expenditure to determine suitable support options, which could include an electric blanket. The company has set aside 10,000 blankets for distribution, limiting it to one per household in order to help as many people as possible. Applications are evaluated by humans together with account health data with decisions typically provided within a week, reports the Express . Octopus Energy hasn't given specific criteria for who will receive the blanket but its online guidance suggests it will be available to the most vulnerable customers. To get the free blanket Octopus customers must first apply for the Octo Assist scheme. After applying their personal details will be assessed and the company will decide what support is needed including the provision of free blankets. To begin the application process customers should first create a Paylink budget here. During the application process you'll need to provide details of your income and expenditure. You'll also need to explain why you might be struggling to pay your energy bills. Ovo Energy has simultaneously launched a £56m support programme for households struggling with energy costs, offering items such as heated throws and home efficiency packages. The initiative, which started accepting applications on October 1, is aimed at customers with specific medical vulnerabilities. Those who can afford the approximate £60 purchase price are encouraged to buy blankets independently, leaving free units available for those facing severe financial hardship. Since 2022 Ovo has delivered £190m in aid, helping 42,000 customers in the past year alone. Recent data collected by the energy provider shows that 91% of consumers are concerned about winter energy bills with 71% experiencing heightened worry compared to the previous year. Customers can check their eligibility on Ovo's website by entering their account reference, which appears on monthly statements, alongside their postcode. David Buttress, the company's chief executive, said: "We're providing support to those who need it most by working together with our charity partners and committing our largest ever customer support package." To access the new energy assistance from Ovo some customers will need to demonstrate their eligibility. The energy company enables customers to determine if they qualify through their website here. To begin simply input your Ovo account number along with your postcode. Guidelines from the firm also state that it will need to understand your monthly disposable income after settling your bills and this can be assessed using an online budgeting tool. Instructions from the Ovo website state: "If you think you'll struggle to pay your bills and you're an Ovo customer then you might be eligible. It doesn't take long to apply for support and you'll get your answer right away. "When you apply for support things like household income, any disposable income, and medical needs will be taken into account to help prioritise those who need help most." Studies show that customers who use electric blankets have seen bill reductions of between 10% and 20% during the winter months after buying the blanket. The operating costs are low, at 2-4p per hour on maximum settings, making them considerably more cost-effective than conventional heating methods. The blanket is meant to be used as a body covering rather than mattress padding. At first it should be warmed on high settings for several minutes before being lowered to medium levels for extended use. The connector should be placed near the feet whilst ensuring easy access to prevent overheating and folding the blanket should be avoided as it can damage its heating function. Despite the possibility of uneven heat distribution when touched directly the blankets create a surrounding warmth halo.
