Octopus Energy continues free electric blanket scheme for vulnerable households
Households facing financial hardship can apply for support through the Octo Assist fund to help manage rising energy costs this winter.
Key points
- Octopus Energy is distributing free electric blankets to vulnerable customers as part of its wider Octo Assist financial support scheme.
- Priority for assistance is given to those with medical needs, mobility issues, or others who are significantly affected by the cold.
- Applicants must provide details about their household finances to the fund, with decisions usually communicated within one week.
Octopus Energy has confirmed it will continue to provide free electric blankets to vulnerable households throughout the autumn and winter months. This initiative is part of the provider's Octo Assist fund, which offers various forms of practical and financial aid to those struggling with energy costs.
To date, the company has distributed more than 110,000 blankets. The scheme focuses on customers in the greatest need, particularly those whose health makes them more susceptible to the risks of living in cold temperatures.
Applying for the Octo Assist fund
Customers seeking support must first apply to the Octo Assist fund. During this process, you will be asked to provide information regarding your household finances. A member of the Octopus team will review your account history and the details provided in your application to make a decision, which you can typically expect to receive within about one week.
Available support measures
The Octo Assist fund provides support tailored to individual circumstances. This includes standing charge holidays during winter, debt write-offs, and payment matching. Octopus also employs an in-house social worker team to provide one-to-one assistance. Additionally, the company has increased its hardship fund, which now provides £60 million worth of support to vulnerable customers.
Managing energy use with smart meters
Households with smart meters can participate in 'Saving Sessions' to manage costs. 'Power Down' events offer rewards for reducing electricity usage during peak times. Alternatively, 'Power Up' sessions reward customers for using electricity when renewable energy supplies are higher. These schemes are intended to help users lower their consumption or align usage with more sustainable energy periods.
What it means for you
- Eligible customers can receive a £150 Warm Home Discount credit on their energy bills by 31 March 2027.
- If you are having trouble paying your energy bills, contact your supplier to discuss options before falling into debt.
- Use your electric blanket as a throw rather than a mattress topper, and avoid folding it to keep the internal wiring safe.
Sources
We compared these reports before writing and checked every figure, date and name in this story against them. Read them for the full detail.
- Octopus Energy: Octo Assist: our customer help fund (9 Oct)
- Octopus Energy: Electric blankets (10 Oct)
- Liverpool Echo: Octopus free electric blankets to customers - eligibility rules (8 Oct)
- Manchester Evening News: Octopus Energy offering free electric blankets - how to get one (8 Oct)
Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected]. This story is based on the reports above and its facts were checked against them; it is not financial advice.
