UK energy supplier helping households stay warm with free electric blankets
With temperatures dropping and bills still biting, Octopus Energy is once again providing free electric blankets to customers in greatest need this winter. The support comes through the company’s Octo Assist help fund and is aimed at keeping people warm for pennies while reducing whole-home heating costs. Octopus Energy
Octopus’ data shows an electric blanket typically costs 2–4p per hour to run and can help the average home save up to ~£300 a year by “heating the human, not the home.” Their analysis also found recipients cut winter bills by 10–20% after receiving a blanket. Octopus Energy+1
Octopus Energy has already helped keep more than 93,000 households warm by providing free electric blankets to vulnerable customers — and another 10,000 blankets will be given out this winter. On average, those receiving support have seen their gas bills drop by around 20%.
What’s being offered
Free heated throws/blankets for customers in greatest need (particularly elderly people or those with medical or mobility issues).
One blanket per household, so more households can be supported.
The offer is part of Octo Assist, Octopus Energy’s ongoing customer-support fund. Octopus Energy+1
Context: Octopus has run this programme for several winters (including an extra 20,000 blankets added in 2024) and continues it for Winter 2025 via Octo Assist. Energy Live News+1
Who can get one?
You must be an Octopus Energy customer.
Priority goes to customers with specific vulnerabilities (e.g., medical needs, mobility issues) or who are otherwise struggling to heat their homes. Octopus Energy+1
How to apply (step-by-step)
Start with Octo Assist: go to Octopus Energy’s Octo Assist page.
Create a Paylink budget through the portal—this helps Octopus understand your circumstances.
A human reviewer assesses your situation and decides the most appropriate support (which may include a free blanket).
One per household; Octopus indicates you’ll usually hear back in about a week. Octopus Energy
Quick safety & usage tips
Pre-warm, then drop to a lower setting; don’t fold the blanket while it’s on.
Keep connectors clear and switch off when not in use.
Follow Fire Brigade guidance and aim to keep indoor temps above ~15 °C to avoid damp/mould. Octopus Energy
Other support available from Octopus
Octopus has increased its Octo Assist support fund to £40 million, providing grants, standing charge holidays, and debt write-offs for customers struggling with their energy bills — helping more than 100,000 households so far.
The company also runs a ‘you pay, we pay’ initiative, where Octopus matches customer debt repayments pound-for-pound, helping to reduce debts faster. Pensioners can now access one-off credits of up to £200, and the firm’s trained support teams assist customers in applying for other benefits they may be eligible for.
Additional help includes:
Heat loss cameras – loaned to identify and fix draughts, reducing wasted energy.
Energy Helpers – in-person energy-saving visits, with over 300,000 homes reached.
Social Workers – offering one-to-one wellbeing and financial support.
Saving Sessions – rewarding customers for using less energy during peak times (over 2 million participants).
Free Electricity Sessions – through the Octoplus rewards scheme, customers can earn free power when wholesale electricity prices drop or go negative.
Bottom line
If you’re with Octopus Energy and worried about heating costs, apply via Octo Assist now. Electric blankets are a low-cost way to stay warm, and Octopus is actively prioritising households where a blanket can make the biggest difference.