OVO is providing free energy-saving products through a £56 million support package for this winter. This package includes free electric blankets, smart sockets, and home efficiency kits.
Further support available from OVO includes free energy upgrades, such as loft insulation, a new boiler or a heat pump. There is also increased financial support for those who are struggling, such as direct debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans. The support from OVO is technically available all year round, but applications for enhanced winter support will open in October. OVO has provided £190million in support since 2022 and assisted 42,000 customers last year.
David Buttress, CEO 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.”
David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director, added: “At the Warm Welcome Campaign we believe it’s vital that people can access the support they need in a place where they feel comfortable and safe, and that’s why we’re so pleased to be working closely with OVO again this winter. Through our partnership we will be helping our Warm Welcome Spaces across the country become places where people can receive meaningful practical support to help get them through the hardest months of the year.”
OVO’s support arrives as energy bills are expected to rise again this winter. The Ofgem price cap will increase from £1,720 to £1,755 annually as of October 1.
These figures represent what the typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit can expect to pay for energy. Recent polling by OVO shows that 91% of people are anxious about their bills this winter, with 71% indicating they are more worried than last year.
Amidst the OVO support, Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange debt charity, also said: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with OVO, which will provide much-needed support to customers struggling with energy bills throughout the colder months. We know the past few years have been challenging for households facing significant cost of living pressures.
“OVO’s Extra Support will help thousands of people access advice and support with energy arrears and wider financial difficulties. We look forward to working closely with OVO on this important initiative.”
To learn more and submit your support application, click the link here. Registration for the additional winter support will open on October 1.
