As winter looms, two of the UK’s leading energy suppliers are stepping up efforts to support households hit hardest by soaring costs with free electric blankets that could save users up to £300.
Octopus Energy and OVO have pledged to hand out tens of thousands of electric blankets this winter to eligible households, as part of their ongoing support schemes aimed at easing financial hardship in 2025.
Energy Firms Step In as Winter Costs Climb
These energy-saving devices cost just 2–4p an hour to run, offering a smart and budget-friendly alternative to heating an entire home. Instead of cranking up the central heating, households can warm up more efficiently and cheaply.
Both suppliers prioritise applications from households facing higher health risks in cold weather. That includes:
- Elderly residents
- People with mobility issues
- Those with health conditions worsened by the cold
Octopus Energy has already allocated 10,000 electric blankets for this year, with each household eligible for just one, a measure aimed at reaching as many people as possible.
“Modern electric blankets, used according to their instructions, are safe and energy efficient. Last Winter, we used our purchasing power to buy 7,000 and offered them for free to customers we identified would benefit most when they filled in our financial assistance tool.
We’ve been really trying to target people who need a blanket most: so we haven’t offered one to every customer, and we’ve tried to keep it to one per home so that we can support as many people as possible,” Octopus said.
According to Octopus Energy, customers who received electric blankets last winter saw savings of 10–20% on their energy bills. That equates to potential savings of up to £300, a significant reduction during a season when energy usage tends to spike.
For families already struggling to stretch their budgets, that kind of saving could be a lifeline.
Need Help but Not Eligible? You’re Not Alone
If you don’t qualify for the free electric blanket offer, don’t panic; there are still ways to get support.
All energy suppliers in the UK are legally required to help customers who are falling behind on their bills. Recent figures reveal that energy debt hit £4.4 billion in September. So, if you’re struggling, you are far from alone.
Here’s what energy providers can offer:
- Affordable repayment plans
- Payment extensions
- Bill reductions
- Financial reviews
Several major providers, including EDF, E.ON, Scottish Power, and Octopus, also have in-house financial support schemes. Meanwhile, British Gas is offering grants of up to £2,000, open to customers from any energy supplier.
How to Apply for a Free Blanket
Customers must submit an application via their energy provider’s support portal to apply for a free electric blanket. Eligibility criteria vary, and supplies are limited, so early action is advised.
As the temperature drops, energy bills will start to creep up. Whether you’re eligible for a blanket or not, don’t hesitate to contact your energy supplier if you’re worried about keeping up with payments.
Small changes and a little help can make a big difference.
Switching to zone heating, using draft excluders, and layering up indoors can also significantly reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
Consider using smart thermostats to optimise when and where you use heat, especially if your energy provider offers usage tracking tools.
For more updates on how to manage energy costs this winter, follow our Energy Help section at UK News Blog.
