Octopus Energy is handing out free electric blankets to help families struggling with soaring energy bills this autumn and winter. The energy giant has already distributed more than 110,000 blankets to vulnerable customers, prioritising those whose health puts them at greater risk from the cold.
Cheap to run and extra support
The blankets cost just 2-4p an hour to run, making them a cheap way to stay warm. The company has also boosted its Octo Assist hardship fund by 50%, now providing £60m worth of support through debt write-offs and payment matching schemes.
Octopus is the first energy supplier to have an in-house social worker team. "Our specialists carry out 400 interactions each month, providing invaluable one-to-one support that goes far beyond energy bills," the company said.
Saving Sessions rewards
Customers can also save money through "Saving Sessions" where smart meter users are rewarded for using less electricity at peak times or more when renewable energy is abundant. Customers will be rewarded for all the extra electricity used during these, compared to normal.
