WRAP UP
Major energy firm giving away 20,000 FREE electric blankets this winter – can you get the help?
There are also other support initiatives you should know about
ENERGY company giving away free electric blankets to their most vulnerable customers as the nights draw longer and colder.
Octopus Energy, a renewable energy group specialising in sustainable energy, is giving away 20,000 free electric blankets.
1
Since its launch back in January 2022, Octopus Energy has already distributed 60,000 free electric blankets to those who need them most.
The blankets themselves are supplied by Dreamland - and usually cost £69.99 to buy.
Earlier this week, retailer John Lewis reported a 173% increase in sales of electric blankets year-on-year.
Electric blankets are an efficient and effective means for a person to heat themselves up.
Read more on Money
You can pick up an electric blanket from Amazon for as little as £25.
But if your planning on splashing out, there are options that break the hundred pound mark.
It's not the first time that the energy firm has given away money saving gadgets to help customers.
How to get your own free blanket?
Anyone can apply for their own electric blanket through Octopus Energy's £30 million Octo Assist Fund, as long as they're a customer of the firm.
Most read in Money
The freebie isn't on a first come first serve basis either, but priority will be given to customers in certain circumstances, such as those that are medically vulnerable, elderly or living alone.
To see whether you're eligible, Octopus Energy says customers can apply
The energy group insists that anyone who is concerned about paying their winter bills should not hesitate to get in touch.
GP gives their verdict on cheap cold and flu home remedies
Mario Lupori, director at Octopus Energy Group, says: "We know many people are worried about the costs of heating their homes over winter.
“An electric blanket means you heat the human, not the home – staying warm for as little as 3p an hour.
“We’ve got 20,000 more blankets this year to give out to our most vulnerable customers and we’re delighted that they will help them stay warm.”
What other support can you get this winter?
Winter Fuel Payment
When looking for more strings to add to your bow, the Winter Fuel Payment could be an option if you were born before September 23, 1958.
For those aged between 66 and 79 you can expect to receive £200 to help with your heating bills, while those aged 80 or over will receive £300.
Cold Weather Payments
While many despair at the thought of the average temperature being zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days, there is a silver lining.
In some cases, you may be eligible to receive a Cold Weather Payment. This is available to people who receive certain benefits or support for mortgage interest.
Grants from energy suppliers
In some cases, energy suppliers are offering grants to people in debt, and you don't always need to be a customer to apply.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
British Gas injected £20 million into the British Gas Energy Trust over the summer to help struggling customers.
Fuel Bank Foundation
The Fuel Bank Foundation is a charity that offers emergency financial support and advice to people who pre-pay for fuel and have run out of credit.