Major energy company is giving away free electric blankets and applying for them only takes a few minutes
People are only now realizing that they can apply to a major energy supplier for free – and it only takes minutes to apply.
As temperatures start to drop again, many households will be concerned about the impact that increasing heating will have on their energy bills.
But bill payers may not know they can qualify for some energy-saving freebies.
Ovo Energy, which has 4.5 million customers, launched a £40 million customer support package for its customers this winter.
As part of the package, the company is offering customers free energy-saving products, including electric blankets.
Households can also claim mattress toppers, LED lights and SMART sockets, as well as free boiler maintenance.
SMART sockets connect to your WiFi and can be controlled remotely.
OVO also offers eligible customers emergency credits or temporary payment discounts.
The scheme is available all year round and there is no deadline for registration.
One customer shared on social media how he received an electric blanket and smart sockets.
In the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK they said: “OVO customer just let you know if you haven't already, don't forget to apply for the Winter Support Package.
“I just received my free goodies today.”
In the Cost of Living UK Facebook group, another OVO customer encouraged others to sign up, saying “it only takes a few minutes to complete the form”.
Members of the group responded quickly, with one customer writing: “Ours came last week. So necessary in this cold weather.”
Another added: “My boyfriend has one and he swears by it.”
How to apply
OVO's customer support package is open to both OVO and Boost Energy customers – you can sign up on the website.
The company said the application should take about five minutes, but you will need to have some information ready, including:
- Your monthly disposable income (this is any income after you pay taxes, rent or mortgage payments, and essentials like utility bills)
- Current meter readings
You should also mention how many people live in your home, what your main type of heating is and how you pay for your energy.
You must also indicate whether you have previously been eligible for the Warm Home Discount or whether you have an income-related benefit.
You can submit an application on behalf of yourself and others, for example for a family member who does not have access to the internet.
What if I don't have OVO or Boost?
Energy customers who are struggling can get a lot of support, depending on who their supplier is.
A number of companies are offering households in need up to £1,500 in free grants, which do not have to be repaid.
There is the British Gas Energy Support Fund which opened on October 2 and is open to customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
Any British Gas or Scottish Gas energy customer who is struggling to pay their energy bills and has been seeking cash and energy advice is eligible to apply.
Meanwhile, EDF customers can get help through the supplier's customer support fund and households with Scottish Power can apply for grants worth up to £750.
Octopus Energy and E.ON both also have schemes.
Your eligibility for the subsidies varies depending on which supplier you work for. So it is worth checking with your supplier whether you can submit an application.
However, in most cases you will have to prove that you are struggling to pay your bills.
Energy customers with traditional or smart prepayment meters can usually also receive an 'emergency credit' if they no longer have money on their meter. Normally this is worth about €10.
But the credit must eventually be repaid as it is not a subsidy.
A number of providers offer the credit, including Scottish Power, Octopus Energy, British Gas and EDF.
Customers with a prepayment meter can also receive one-off vouchers to top up.
The help comes through the Fuel Bank Foundation and is offered through local organizations such as food banks and Citizens Advice.
Contact your municipality and ask if you can possibly get a voucher.
You can also contact your energy supplier, who may be able to help you.
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