Octopus Energy is offering vulnerable customers a free electric blanket as autumn sets in and winter approaches. Some of Octopus Energy’s seven million customers could receive the support through its Octo Assit support fund.
The fund aims to help those living with specific vulnerabilities and medical needs. According to Octopus, the average home could save £300 a year on their energy bills by opting for an electric blanket over central heating. Heating an entire home can cost £4 a day, while an energy-efficient electric blanket can heat a person for up to 4p an hour, the energy giant said. Octopus has distributed 93,000 free electric blankets to its most vulnerable customers so far, with an additional 10,000 available this winter. On average, it says customers have saved 20% on their gas bill. To receive the free blanket, Octopus customers must first apply for the Octo Assist scheme.
Following this, personal details will be assessed and the firm will decide what support is required. Customers will need to provide details of their income and expenditure along with needing to explain why they may be struggling with their energy bills.
Octopus said to consider buying one yourself if you can afford it. It said: “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.
It comes as EDF Energy is offering customers and non-customers alike the chance to win free energy for one year. The provider is running four prize draws each month until December, with three more draws still to play for.
Each winner will be chosen at random, with each winning a £0 gas and electricity residential tariff for 12 months from the date of the tariff commencement.
To enter, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be entering as a residential customer. They must be responsible for the supply contract for energy at your home and reside in Great Britain (not available in Northern Ireland).
Finally, they cannot be an employee of EDF, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents (this includes EDF Power Solutions, EDF Trading, EDF Heat Pumps, Contact Solar and Pod)
