This webpage was generated automatically; to view the article in its initial setting, you may follow the link below:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/32078218/energy-firms-giving-free-heated-blankets-money-saving-gadgets/
and if you wish to remove this article from our platform, please reach out to us
COUNTLESS financially challenged households have the opportunity to acquire free energy-efficient devices just before Christmas.
Devices such as air fryers and heated blankets are being provided by various energy providers to aid those finding it difficult to manage their energy expenses.
1
For example, Octopus Energy is supplying free electric blankets to customers through its £30 million Octopus Assist initiative.
Additionally, Ovo Energy is providing cost-saving gadgets to households as part of its £50 million customer support scheme.
From air fryers to electric blankets and mattress toppers, here is a comprehensive list of what you may qualify for from each provider…
EDF Energy
EDF is investing £29 million into various forms of support for struggling households this winter.
Clients can have any debts erased, along with receiving free energy-saving devices such as air fryers, kettles, and slow cookers.
EDF stated it would replace damaged or inefficient appliances with energy-saving alternatives.
However, not everyone is eligible for assistance. EDF mentioned that its team will identify and refer qualifying customers for additional support.
Further information and application details can be found at edfenergy.com/energywise/how-edf-are-supporting-their-customers-through-uks-cost-living-crisis.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy is providing 20,000 electric blankets to customers in need this winter.
Octopus reported that customers using an electric blanket saved an average of £150 on their combined gas and electricity bills in previous winters.
These electric blankets are available to all customers, although Octopus indicated that it is prioritising those in “specific situations”.
This includes individuals who are medically vulnerable, seniors, and those living alone.
Dreamland manufactures the blankets provided to customers, typically retailing for £69.99 new.
To apply for an electric blanket, visit octopusenergy/blog/octo-assist.
OVO Energy
OVO Energy has introduced a £50 million aid package for customers facing difficulties.
Applications for the fund commenced on October 1, offering payment holidays and reductions in direct debits for eligible households.
However, some may also qualify for complimentary energy-saving devices, such as electric throws and mattress toppers.
Your eligibility depends on your circumstances, and you must be an OVO Energy customer.
Check if you’re qualified for assistance at ovoenergy.com/extra-support.
What additional assistance is available?
If you do not qualify for free energy-saving devices through Octopus, EDF, or OVO Energy’s programs, alternative support is available.
You might be able to obtain free gadgets through your local authority’s Household Support Fund.
Various charities, including Citizens Advice and Groundwork, are also providing aid via The Cadent Foundation’s £2 million Emergency Support Fund.
Each charity is utilizing a portion of the funding to distribute gadgets, food vouchers, and energy vouchers to assist households battling fuel poverty.
Households can claim heating and cooking appliances that consume less energy and are cheaper to operate—saving them essential money on their monthly bills.
This boost will be accessible until March, and each household can receive up to two vouchers in addition to the needed appliances.
For further details, visit cadentgas.com/cadent-foundation#projects.
Thousands of households on benefits can also receive help applying for low-cost and free energy-saving gadgets through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
Support is offered individually, but it can mean having a new boiler installed or insulation for lofts or cavity walls, often at no cost.
Numerous energy companies also provide hardship grants to customers struggling with their payments.
Yet, eligibility criteria differ based on the provider, and the amount you can receive depends on your financial situation.
For instance, British Gas customers facing challenges with their energy bills could obtain grants of up to £2,000.
E.ON, Octopus, and Scottish Power also have distinct schemes where financial assistance for bill payments is available.
It’s advisable to consult your supplier to determine which options are available to you.
FOUR METHODS TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY EXPENSES
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic, shares her recommendations.
1. Reduce your heating by one degree
You likely will not even notice this slight temperature variation, but what you will see is a reduction in your energy expenditures as a result. Simply lowering your thermostat by a notch is a quick approach to start saving immediately. This small adjustment takes seconds to implement and could potentially reduce your heating costs by £171.70.
2. Turn off appliances and lights
This may seem straightforward, but completely turning off lights and devices not in use can lead to a decrease in your energy bills, especially during winter. Switching off lights and electronics while they are not needed can save you up to £20 annually on your energy expenses.
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are an excellent way to manage your energy consumption, primarily because they enable you to monitor when and where your gas and electricity are utilized.
4. Think about changing your energy provider
No matter how satisfied you are with your current energy provider, they may not be offering you the best deals, particularly if you’ve allowed a fixed-rate agreement to lapse without securing a new one. If you haven’t compared alternative tariffs lately, you might not realize that better options exist.
This webpage was generated automatically; to view the article in its initial setting, you may follow the link below:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/32078218/energy-firms-giving-free-heated-blankets-money-saving-gadgets/
and if you wish to remove this article from our platform, please reach out to us
