Octopus Energy has confirmed it is once again providing free electric blankets to customers in need, updating its guidance on the scheme on October 20. The company said the initiative is there "to support customers most in need, particularly people with really specific vulnerabilities and medical needs."
Octopus said it would be "prioritising those customers" and urged those who could afford to buy their own blanket to do so. Its research found that blankets cost around £50 and could save a typical home around £300 compared to having the heating on constantly.
Why the scheme was launched
Explaining how the scheme came to be, Octopus said: "One of our boffins realised that some customers were paying to heat their entire homes, even if they lived alone. He did some calculations and found out that where heating a whole home cost about £4 a day, an energy-efficient electric blanket could heat a person for just 2-4p an hour."
"This means an electric blanket is a vastly more cost-effective way to stay warm: particularly for people with mobility issues, for example, and those who spend a lot of time in one spot. Or those with medical issues that mean they feel the cold more, or are more prone to illness."
It added that modern electric blankets, used according to their instructions, were "safe and energy efficient".
How the scheme works
Octopus said it used its purchasing power to buy tens of thousands of blankets and offer them for free to customers it found would "benefit most when they fill in our financial assistance tool." As of August 2026, it had given away more than 110,000.
It added: "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. We've run some analysis on customers who got an electric blanket and found that they saved up to 10-20% on their bills on average in the winter months after getting their blanket. Over a year, that's a massive £300 saving."
Who can get a free blanket
Octopus said: "We need to prioritise customers who'll benefit most: the elderly and those with mobility issues or other medical conditions that mean they're more impacted by the cold. These blankets start at around £40 and can save you £300 or more, so they're really worth the investment. If you can consider buying one yourself, please do – there might be someone else out there who truly can't afford to buy one. We are offering electric blankets to the most vulnerable homes. It is one electric blanket per household; this is so we can help as many people as possible."
To apply, customers must first apply to the Octo Assist fund. The applicant's account and information given will be assessed and a decision will be made in around a week.
Tips for using the blanket
The company advised using the blanket as a throw over your body to keep you warm, rather than as a mattress topper. It said to heat the blanket up at the highest setting for a few minutes and then reduce the setting down to a medium setting for longer use.
Do not fold the blanket, as this may impair the heating functionality, it said. The blanket works differently to a heated mattress topper and the heat may appear 'patchy' to the touch, but the blanket works by creating a halo of heat around you and is working effectively.
Users should position the connector of the blanket at their feet and keep it unobstructed to avoid overheating. Make sure children are not left unattended with the blanket. Octopus also pointed people to the London Fire Brigade guidance around the safe use of blankets, and that to prevent mould, it's recommended to keep homes above 15 degrees Celsius. They should not be used by children under five years old.
