Energy customers in the UK may receive free items such as electric blankets and grants to assist with their bills this winter. Several major energy suppliers in Britain are introducing various support schemes to aid their customers.
While some of these initiatives are exclusive to specific supplier customers, others may be accessible to customers from different suppliers under certain conditions. However, not all winter schemes will be accessible to all customers.
Certain suppliers are implementing strict eligibility requirements to ensure that only the most vulnerable individuals receive assistance. Various schemes are being introduced by major energy suppliers like British Gas, OVO, Octopus, and EDF.
The British Gas Energy Trust, funded by British Gas, offers support through options like the Individual and Families Fund, which can provide grants of up to £1,700 to households in energy debt. This fund is not limited to British Gas customers and is also available to customers of other suppliers.
To apply for support through the British Gas Energy Trust, applicants need to create an account online and then access the available funds through the trust’s website. Additionally, British Gas customers can benefit from the Energy Support Fund for debt relief.
EDF is running its Winter Warmer Shop this season, aiming to assist vulnerable customers with electrical goods. The company is also providing a Winter Support Package of £30 million for financial aid and debt relief, along with investing in energy efficiency schemes.
Octopus is offering free electric blankets to vulnerable customers, with over 93,000 distributed and more available this winter. Customers can apply for these blankets through the Octo Assist scheme, and the company determines eligibility based on individual circumstances.
OVO has launched an Extra Support Package worth £56 million, offering products like smart sockets and efficiency kits to customers in need. Eligibility for these items can be checked on OVO’s website.
For more information on the support schemes and eligibility criteria provided by these energy suppliers, visit their respective websites.