ENERGY companies are giving free electric blankets and money-saving gadgets this winter to help customers keep their bills low.
Winter is close to its peak and energy bills are still high meaning these freebies could make a big difference.
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Billpayers might not know that they could qualify for a number of energy-saving freebies but you will need to check if you are eligible.
Ovo Energy has launched a £40million Customer Support Package for its customers this winter.
Thousands of customers struggling to pay bills will have access to free energy-saving items like electric blankets and mattress toppers, LED bulbs, SMART sockets, and free boiler servicing.
One customer took to Facebook to share the package that she had been sent by her energy company.
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She said: “Applied for these for free through my energy company, Ovo, and all arrived this morning.”
“Depending on your circumstances you may also be eligible for these or something similar from your energy company.”
The post racked up over 100 impressions with others sharing the freebies they had been sent by their energy companies.
One user said: “I got a Heat blanket from Octopus.”
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Another said: “We got the bulbs without asking.”
“Got one from Octopus just give them a call,” said a third viewer.
A fourth user said: “I received the same yesterday. Very chuffed.”
Octopus Energy has been giving out free electric blankets to help customers keep warm while bills stay high.
The energy companies’ customer support scheme is discretionary meaning those most in need will get the blankets like the elderly and those with with specific medical conditions.
You should give Octopus a call to see if you can get one.
Ovo Energy is also encouraging customers to sign up for the company’s Power Move scheme.
Customers who do will receive two free smart plugs that let you remotely control whatever’s plugged into them.
The scheme pays eligible customers £10 a month if they reduce their energy consumption during peak times.
Those taking part in its Power Move scheme will need to cut their usage between the peak hours of 4pm-7pm to less than 12.5%.
Other energy bill help you can get if you’re not eligible for this scheme
If you are not eligible for this scheme you may still be able to get additional support.
Many energy companies including the ‘big six’ are offering a Warm Home discount this winter.
This is a one-off deduction on energy bills which is usually applied automatically and the amount will vary between companies.
Thousands of households will receive a Winter Fuel Payment in November and December.
Most people who are eligible get it automatically like if you receive state pension.
In most cases, you don’t have to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, but you will need to if you haven’t received it before.
The Cold Weather Payment is also paid to eligible people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You get £25 for each seven-day period where temperatures are zero degrees Celsius or below between November 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened the Individual and Families Fund for those struggling with energy debt.
Many councils are also providing cost-of-living payments to those struggling through the Household Support fund.
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Have a look on your local council’s website to see if you are eligible.
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
