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Octopus and OVO Open Applications for Free Electric Blankets to Cut Winter Heating Costs

The giveaways form part of targeted support packages that prioritise vulnerable customers with limited supplies.

Overview

  • Octopus is allocating about 10,000 blankets for 2025 distribution, limited to one per household.
  • OVO is providing electric blankets through a £56 million Extra Support Package that also includes smart sockets and potential home upgrades.
  • Eligibility is assessed via Octopus’s Octo Assist and Paylink budgeting tool and OVO’s online checks, with priority for elderly, mobility‑impaired and medically vulnerable customers.
  • Suppliers say blankets cost roughly 2–4p per hour to run and report past recipients cut winter usage by 10–20%, saving up to about £300 a year.
  • Stock is limited, applications are required, and customers who can afford to purchase a blanket are encouraged to leave free units for those in hardship.