With cloudy skies and jumpers out in full force, summer seems like a long lost memory now. Temperatures are continuing to drop and rain is set to come thick and fast in November, with winter fully on the way.
This chilling realisation is leading many to wonder how they're going to keep warm in the cold seasons with high energy bills that never seem to want to come down. But it's not only whacking the radiators on that could keep your toes toasty in the coming months.
That's why people may be surprised to know that they could qualify for a number of energy saving freebies, including heated throws and mattress toppers. Ovo Energy is offering money-saving equipment to households through a £50million support package, reports the Sun.
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The package, which opened at the beginning of October, also includes payment holidays for prepayment meters and direct financial support.
How to apply:
You can apply for OVO's Customer Support Package on its website. OVO have reported that applications take around two minutes but you should have some information ready to hand, including:
- Your monthly disposable income (this is any income after you’ve paid tax, rent or mortgage payments, and essentials like utility bills)
- Your account number and postcode
- You may also have to include how many people live in your home, what your main type of heating is and how you pay for your energy.
- You may also have to state whether you have qualified for the Warm Home Discount before or are on means-tested benefits.
- You can make applications on behalf of yourself and others, for example a family member that doesn't have access to the internet.
What to do if you're not an OVO customer
Energy customers can get support depending on who their supplier is if their struggling with their bills. For example, Octopus Energy is offering customers free electric blankets through its £30million Octopus Assist fund.
The energy firm is dishing out the money-saving gadgets to the most vulnerable, meaning those most likely to receive help are the elderly and those with mobility issues or other medical conditions. Contact Octopus to find out if you're eligible for support.
Households on benefits can get help applying for free and cheap boilers through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). It is offered on a case-by-case basis, but it can mean having a new boiler fitted, or loft or cavity wall insulation put in, often for free.
A number of energy companies are signed up to the scheme, including British Gas and EDF. As well as this, several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
Eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances - for example, British Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.