As the cost of living crisis continues to impact households across the UK, some of the nations largest energy suppliers are offering a range of support to customers this winter
Energy customers across the UK could be in for a treat with free items, including electric blankets, as well as grants to help them with their bills. Some of Britain’s biggest energy suppliers are launching a variety of schemes this winter to provide extra support for their customers.
While many of these schemes are exclusive to customers of each specific supplier, others could be open to customers from different suppliers under certain circumstances. However, not all of these winter schemes will be available to every customer.
Strict eligibility criteria are being enforced by some suppliers to ensure that only the most vulnerable and those in need receive assistance. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of the schemes being offered by some of Britain’s largest energy suppliers, including British Gas, OVO, Octopus, and EDF.
British Gas
The British Gas Energy Trust, a charitable trust funded solely by British Gas, offers a range of support, with some options open to non-British Gas customers. This includes the Individual and Families Fund, which can provide a grant to households that are up to £1,700 in debt on their energy accounts, whether they’re on a prepayment meter or credit account.
The fund isn’t just for British Gas customers; it’s also available to customers of OVO, E.ON, E.ON Next, Scottish Power, Octopus, Shell Energy, EDF, Utility Warehouse, SSE, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse. However, keep in mind that these suppliers have their own energy support funds and it’s advised that you speak to them first before applying to the Individual and Families Fund.
To apply for the fund through British Gas Energy Trust, you’ll need to create an account, which can be done online. After setting up the account, visit the British Gas Energy Trust website where you’ll find a link to apply for all currently available funds.
British Gas customers can also benefit from the Energy Support Fund, open to customers with energy debt ranging from £50 to £2,000 for prepayment customers or between £250 and £2,000 for credit account customers.
Further details can be found here.
EDF
EDF has confirmed that it is running its Winter Warmer Shop this winter, which aims to support some of its most vulnerable customers by providing an array of electrical goods. This can include:
- Kettles
- Air fryers
- Slow cookers
- Energy vouchers
The firm also launched a £30 million Winter Support Package offering direct financial support and debt relief. EDF also confirmed that it is helping people heat their homes by spending £119 million on the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Great British Insulation Schemes (GBIS) to improve energy efficiency in households
Further details can be found here.
Octopus
If you’re an Octopus customer living with specific vulnerabilities and medical needs, you could be eligible for a free electric blanket. So far, Octopus has distributed 93,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers, with another 10,000 set to be available this winter.
On average, the company claims that customers have saved 20% on their gas bill. While Octopus doesn’t 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 get the free blanket, Octopus customers must first apply for the Octo Assist scheme. Once this is done, their personal details will be evaluated and the company will determine what support is needed, including the free blankets.
In order to start the application process, customers should first create a Paylink budget here.
OVO
OVO revealed this month that its fresh Extra Support Package, worth £56 million, is now accessible to customers requiring the most assistance. During the previous year, the firm handed out various products, including smart sockets, efficiency kits, and heated throws, to 42,000 customers.
Items being offered by OVO include:
- Home efficiency kits
- Smart sockets
- Energy-efficient upgrades such as loft insulation or a new boiler
- Direct debit reductions
- Emergency credit top-ups
- Extended repayment plans
- Dedicated support from a specialist team
The energy firm allows customers to check if they’re eligible through their website here.
