British Gas, OVO and Octopus Energy offers customers up to £2k help this winter and free electric blankets

The substantial aid package comes as energy bills are forecast to rise by one per cent this winter, after wholesale prices increased by 10 per cent in October.

Major suppliers including British Gas, Octopus Energy and OVO have already committed £120m in financial support schemes.

The initiative will include grants of up to £2,000, pensioner support payments, and free electric blankets, alongside funding for charities supporting hard-to-reach consumers.

The measures form part of a broader £1billion support programme when combined with the Government's warm homes plan.

British Gas

British Gas has reopened its Energy Support Fund, offering grants of up to £2,000 to help customers clear outstanding energy debt. The scheme is available to both credit and pre-payment meter account holders with British Gas.

Additionally, the company's Individuals and Families Fund extends support to non-British Gas customers, ensuring widespread access to debt relief assistance.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, said: "This winter is likely to be as challenging as the last, and the British Gas Energy Trust are committed to helping people get back on top of their energy bills before the really cold weather arrives."

The trust also provides emergency fuel vouchers through its community support programme. Britons can apply for both grants on the British Gas Energy Trust website.

Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy has expanded its £30m Octo Assist Fund, offering enhanced support for pensioners who are losing their Winter Fuel Payment.

The company is now providing discretionary credits of £50, £100 and £200 to eligible older households, even if they don't receive Pension Credit.

Customers can also benefit from free electric blankets, which have already been distributed to 60,000 households, saving an average of £150 per winter.

The supplier's comprehensive support includes thermal imaging camera loans to identify heat loss and the Energy Helpers scheme, which has provided in-person advice to over 300,000 homes.

Their Saving Sessions programme has helped over two million participants save £10m during peak periods.

OVO Energy

OVO Energy launced a £50m Extra Support Package on October 1, 2024, offering comprehensive assistance to struggling customers.

The scheme will provide energy bill reductions and credit top-ups for prepayment meter customers. Eligible customers can also receive payment holidays and free energy upgrades, including new boilers and insulation.

To qualify, customers must demonstrate genuine need, such as having low income, receiving means-tested benefits, or experiencing energy debt.

The support is available to both OVO and Boost customers, who can check their eligibility through the company's website.

Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers said: "The impact of the energy crisis is still being felt by people across the country, and the Government and energy suppliers are working in lockstep to help vulnerable households this winter."

The Government has established a working group with industry representatives to address long-term energy affordability. Several suppliers have proposed introducing a social tariff, similar to those used in the telecoms industry for benefit recipients.

Dhara Vyas of Energy UK highlighted the severity of the situation, noting record consumer debt levels of £3.7 billion in June.

She emphasised that many households are still recovering from sustained high energy bills and increased living costs.