(Commonwealth_Europe) As the cold months creep in and the evenings grow darker; the familiar dread of rising energy bills is settling in across the UK. Turning on the heating, something that should bring comfort, now fills many families with anxiety. Ofgem‘s recent announcement of yet another increase in energy prices has left millions of people concerned about finding affordable ways to stay warm this winter.
To help ease some of that pressure, OVO Energy is stepping forward with a small but meaningful gesture. The company has announced it will be giving away free heated throws to customers who are struggling the most. It’s part of the OVO Extra Support Package, a program designed to offer real, practical help to households facing difficult choices between warmth and other essentials.
There are now an estimated nine million fuel-poor households across the UK, a shocking 62% rise since 2020. Behind that number are people, parents tucking their kids into cold beds, pensioners choosing between heating and food, and single adults trying to make their pay cheques stretch just a little further. OVO, which serves around 4.5 million customers, says it wants to reach those who need help most.
Since 2022, OVO has provided £190 million in customer support, helping tens of thousands of people keep their homes warm. This year, it’s dedicating another £56 million to its Extra Support Package, offering not just heated throws but also practical items like home efficiency kits, smart sockets, and even energy-efficient home upgrades such as new boilers or heat pumps.
The help isn’t limited to physical items either. OVO is also offering financial relief, things like temporary reductions on Direct Debits, emergency credit top-ups for prepayment customers, and extended repayment plans for those falling behind. For those in serious hardship, a specialist support team is on hand to provide tailored assistance.
Applying for help is simple: OVO customers can visit the company’s website and provide their account number, postcode, and information about their disposable income, the amount left after paying for essentials like rent, food, and taxes.
And if you’re not an OVO customer, don’t lose hope. Other energy providers are stepping up, too. Octopus Energy, for instance, runs a free electric blanket scheme, while British Gas offers the UK’s largest energy support fund. Octopus estimates that heating an entire home can cost around £4 a day, whereas an energy-efficient electric blanket can keep one person warm for about 4p an hour, a huge difference for anyone counting every penny.
Since launching its initiative, Octopus has already given out 93,000 blankets and plans to distribute another 10,000 this winter. The company says the scheme has helped some customers cut their gas bills by as much as 20%.
For those still struggling, independent organisations like Citizens Advice or Ask Bill can provide free, confidential advice and point people towards available grants or discounts.
David Buttress, OVO’s CEO, says the company’s support efforts are about more than just immediate aid. “We’re providing support to those who need it most by working together with our charity partners and committing our largest ever customer support package,” he said. “But this isn’t a long-term solution. We need to make the energy system work better for everyone, starting with a social tariff so that no one gets left behind.”
That “social tariff” is what OVO is now advocating for: a fairer energy pricing system that would ensure low-income households automatically pay less. The company believes it could do far more to reduce fuel poverty than existing schemes like the government’s Warm Home Discount.
In the meantime, while waiting for systemic change, there are small steps people can take to make their homes a little warmer and more efficient. Bleeding radiators, servicing boilers, sealing draughts, and using electric throws can all make a real difference.
And while a heated throw might seem like a simple thing, for many it will mean so much more: a way to stay comfortable, a break from constant worry, and a reminder that in tough times, even small acts of care can bring real warmth.
