Octopus Energy and OVO have confirmed which customers are eligible for free heated throws this winter, as temperatures begin to drop across the UK. The schemes are designed to help people who may struggle to pay their heating bills.
Who qualifies for a free heated throw
Octopus Energy will continue providing free electric blankets to customers who need them most. The company said: "Our heated throws scheme is there to support customers most in need, particularly people with really specific vulnerabilities and medical needs. To make sure the blankets are getting into the right hands, we'll be prioritising those customers."
Octopus added: "We are offering heated throws to the most vulnerable homes. It is one electric heated throw per household; this is so we can help as many people as possible."
OVO Energy is also offering alternatives to help people stay warm. The company will need to know your monthly available spend after paying your bills, and there is an online budgeting tool on its website to work this out.
How to apply for the schemes
For Octopus Energy, you will be asked to fill out a form online to check if you're eligible for the Octo Assist fund. You should expect to hear back in about a week. The website reads: "Applying is straightforward, and it all starts with filling out a quick budget form here. To figure out how best to help, we just need a clear picture of what's coming in and going out of your household."
"You'll do this through Paylink, which will securely pass the details over to us. We know it isn't always easy sharing financial details, but please rest assured that everything is kept strictly confidential. We only use this to unlock the right level of support for you. Once you've finished, we'll work out how we can give you the best support and someone will get in touch to let you know the next steps."
For OVO, the entire form takes about five minutes to complete, and your answers are kept secure in your browser until you submit. Advice on the website reads: "We won't be able to offer everything to everyone – but we're hoping to help as many people as possible. Our specialist teams will be available to speak to any of our customers who are worried about energy costs."
Cost savings and impact
Although a heated throw won't reduce your energy bills directly, it can provide a great alternative to switching the heating on. Heated throws cost around 2-4p/hr to run at their maximum setting, making them a cost-effective way to keep warm.
Octopus Energy has given out over 110,000 heated throws to customers in recent years. It's important to check if you're eligible, as the blankets can cost over £40 to buy yourself, and you could save over £300 or more.
