Octopus Energy and OVO Energy are offering free electric blankets - how to apply

Octopus Energy said it is "proactively" offering electric blankets to customers with "really specific vulnerabilities and medical needs"

The supplier said some customers were paying to heat their entire homes, even if they lived alone.

According to their calculations, heating the whole home costs around £4 per day, while an energy-efficient electric blanket can heat a person for just two to four pence per hour. This equates to up to 96 pence per day.

Octopus Energy said: "This means an electric blanket is a vastly more cost-effective way to stay warm: particularly for people with mobility issues, for example, and those who spend a lot of time in one spot.

"Or those with medical issues that mean they feel the cold more, or are more prone to illness."

The energy supplier is not offering blankets to every customer, to try to ensure people who need a blanket the most can get one.

Customers who got an electric blanket saved up to 10 to 20 per cent on their bills on average in winter after getting a blanket - a saving of £300 over a year, Octopus said.

OVO opened its Customer Support Package, totalling almost £40million, to support the most vulnerable earlier this year.

The supplier also announced it was offering free energy-saving products, valued at £1million.

The products available include electric blankets and mattress toppers, LED bulbs and SMART sockets, as well as free boiler servicing.

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How to apply for free electric blanket from Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy said a member of staff will look at the health of an applicant's account and information provided during the application process to inform the decision. Applicants should hear back in around one week.

The energy supplier said they would "proactively" offer electric blankets to customers with "really specific vulnerabilities and medical needs".

They added: "Customers who apply for our OctoAssist will be assessed and offered the support that’ll be most appropriate for them."

To begin the process, customers should create a Paylink budget to see what support is available and find out if they are eligible for financial assistance.

Customers who are struggling with their bills are urged to contact their supplier as there may be other forms of support.

How to apply for free electric blanket from OVO Energy

OVO Energy customers can apply for the Customer Support Package online.

It should take around five minutes. Households can only apply once.

Customers will need to know their household's total income, monthly disposable income, and potentially provide up-to-date meter readings in order to submit the application.