Energy customers across the UK could access to a variety of freebies
A number of energy firms are giving freebies(Image: Getty Images)
Energy customers across the UK could get access to free items, including electric blankets, as well as grants to help them with their bills. Some of Britain’s largest energy suppliers are running a variety of schemes this winter to provide extra support for their customers.
While many of the schemes are exclusive to customers at each specific supplier, other schemes could be open to customers at different suppliers in certain circumstances. However, many of the schemes this winter will not be open to all customers.
Strict eligibility requirements are being carried out by some suppliers to help ensure that only the most vulnerable and those who need help receive it. Read below for a full breakdown on the schemes being delivered by some of Britain’s biggest energy suppliers, including British Gas, OVO, Octopus, and EDF.
British Gas
The British Gas Energy Trust, a charitable trust funded solely by British Gas, provides a variety of support, with some open to non-British Gas customers. This includes the Individual and Families Fund, which can provide a grant to households that are up to £1,700 in debt on their energy accounts, whether they’re on a prepayment meter or credit account.
The fund isn’t exclusive to British Gas customers and can be claimed by customers at OVO, E.ON, E.ON Next, Scottish Power, Octopus, Shell Energy, EDF, Utility Warehouse, SSE, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse. However, bear in mind that these suppliers have their own energy support funds and it’s recommended that you speak to them first before applying to the Individual and Families Fund.
In order to apply for the fund through British Gas Energy Trust, you must first create an account, which you can do online here. After creating the account, head to the British Gas Energy Trust website, where you can find a link to apply for all funds currently on offer.
British Gas customers can also take advantage of the Energy Support Fund, which is open to customers with between £50 and £2,000 in energy debt for prepayment customers or between £250 and £2,000 for credit account customers.
Further details can be found here.
EDF
EDF has confirmed that it is running its Winter Warmer Shop this winter, which aims to support some of its most vulnerable customers by providing an array of electrical goods. This can include:
KettlesAir fryersSlow cookersEnergy vouchers
The firm also launched a £30 million Winter Support Package offering direct financial support and debt relief. EDF also confirmed that it is helping people heat their homes by spending £119 million on the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Great British Insulation Schemes (GBIS) to improve energy efficiency in households
Further details can be found here.
Octopus
Octopus customers could get free electric blankets if they’re living with specific vulnerabilities and medical needs. To date, Octopus has given out 93,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers, with another 10,000 available this winter.
On average, it claims customers have saved 20% on their gas bill. While Octopus does not provide precise criteria for who will receive the blanket, its online guidance emphasises that it will be made available to the most vulnerable customers.
To get the free blanket, Octopus customers must first apply for the Octo Assist scheme. Once this is done, their personal details will be evaluated and the company will determine what support is needed, including the free blankets.
In order to start the application process, customers should first create a Paylink budget here.
OVO
OVO revealed this month that its fresh Extra Support Package, worth £56 million, is now accessible to customers requiring the most assistance. During the previous year, the firm handed out various products, including smart sockets, efficiency kits, and heated throws, to 42,000 customers.
Items being offered by OVO include:
Home efficiency kitsSmart socketsEnergy-efficient upgrades such as loft insulation or a new boilerDirect debit reductionsEmergency credit top-upsExtended repayment plansDedicated support from a specialist team
The energy firm allows customers to check if they’re eligible through their website here.
