A leading energy provider is handing out electric blankets to help households across the UK this winter. It comes as families continue to struggle with rising energy bills as we head into the colder months.
OVO Energy is offering free electric blankets from today (Thursday, October 2) as part of their latest £56 million support package. The provider is also giving away mattress toppers and home efficiency kits as part of the scheme. In addition, OVO customers could receive a wide range of energy-saving measures, including loft insulation, a new boiler, or even technology like heat pumps. Those eligible could get a whole package installed for completely free.
According to OVO, data shows that 91% of Brits are worried about their bills this winter. The statistics also revealed that seven in 10 are even more concerned than last year.
The energy provider is calling on the government to introduce a social tariff offering discounted energy bills to those in need. Two thirds of people are reportedly in support of the tariff, with almost three quarters believing it would have a positive impact on the most vulnerable households.
David Buttress, chief executive of OVO, said: “We’re providing support to those who need it most by working together with our charity partners and committing our largest ever customer support package. But this isn’t a long term solution.
“We need to make the energy system work better for everyone. That starts with targeted support in the form of a social tariff – no one can be, or no one needs to be left behind.”
It comes as households in the UK face an estimated £100 hike to energy bills next April. According to experts at Cornwall Insight, rising charges to operate and maintain Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks, alongside a slight increase in a levy to support the next generation of nuclear power stations, are forecast to push the price cap to approximately £100 higher in April compared with January.
The experts have predicted that the price cap will fall in January back to £1,725 per year for a typical dual-fuel household, but has now suggested that any relief will be short-lived.
Calls for targeted social tariffs and other support measures are expected to increase as households continue to face pressure on their energy bills.
To find out if you’re eligible for a free electric blanket, click here.
