As winter approaches and energy costs continue to rise, staying warm without increasing heating bills is a growing concern for many households.
To assist, both Octopus Energy and OVO Energy are offering a combined 35,000 free electric blankets to their most vulnerable customers.
These initiatives aim to provide alternative energy-saving tips as opposed to turning the heating on to alleviate the financial burden of rising energy expenses.
Octopus Energy's 10,000 free electric blankets
Octopus Energy is distributing 10,000 free electric blankets this winter as part of its £30 million Octo Assist Fund.
The blankets are aimed at customers who are medically vulnerable, elderly, or living alone. The programme is intended to reach those who need it most, and supplies are limited, so early application is encouraged.
OVO Energy's 25,000 free electric blankets
OVO Energy has launched a £56 million Extra Support Package for 2025, which they have confirmed includes 25,000 free electric blankets, alongside energy-saving products such as mattress toppers and home efficiency kits.
The programme also provides the possibility of upgrades like new boilers or heat pumps, alongside financial support options including direct debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans.
This support targets customers who anticipate difficulty paying energy bills, ensuring that help reaches those most in need.
How to apply for a free electric blanket
To benefit from these schemes, both Octopus Energy and OVO Energy have simple application processes.
For Octopus Energy, you must be a customer and meet criteria such as being elderly, medically vulnerable, or living alone.
You complete an online form on the Octopus Energy website, providing information about your household and financial situation.
A team member reviews applications and notifies applicants within approximately one week.
For OVO Energy, you must also be a customer and show that you may struggle with your energy bills. The application is completed on the OVO website, including account number, postcode, and monthly disposable income.
OVO reviews applications to determine what support is available, including a free electric blanket if eligible.
What if I don’t qualify?
If you don’t qualify for a free electric blanket, there are still other ways to get help with rising energy prices this winter.
Government programs like the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments, and the Household Support Fund may provide financial assistance.
You can buy this Russell Hobbs double electric blanket for just £49.99 from Amazon, which comes highly recommended by Amazon reviewers. Octopus Energy is asking those who can afford to buy their own electric blankets to do so, rather than taking advantage of the free electric blanket scheme.
On a separate note, if you need a little extra help with keeping your home warm, there are various home improvements government grants you could apply for as well, such as:
- Insulation grants - several schemes offer financing towards installing insulation cavity wall insulation and loft insulation such as the ECO4 scheme
- Heat pump grants - schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can provide homeowners with funding towards heat pump installations
Electric blankets deals
This electric blanket from Silentnight comes with three heat settings and overheat protection so you can take it to bed without worry. Plus, it's really economical, costing just 1p a night to run.
Choose from three heat settings to help you keep warm as the cooler nights set in. It comes with a two metre power cord and a two year guarantee.
This heated throw has an impressive nine temperature settings so you can be comfortable whether you're watching TV downstairs or reading in bed. It comes in two different colour options and a detachable controller for washing.
Tips for using your free electric blanket safely and efficiently
When using a free electric blanket, it’s best to preheat it for a few minutes before going to bed, then switch to a lower setting to maintain warmth overnight.
Avoid folding the blanket during use, as this can cause uneven heating. Placing the blanket over your body rather than under your mattress helps distribute heat safely and efficiently.
Always plug the blanket directly into a wall socket and avoid overloading extension leads to prevent safety risks.
