OVO allocates £56 million to support customers: who will receive help.

According to The Sun: Families can receive part of the £56 million aid package to cover energy bills from one of the largest providers.

Today, OVO Energy begins distributing free electric blankets to support its customers in the fight against rising energy tariffs.

The supplier offers various support services throughout the year, but is now ramping up assistance ahead of the winter season.

Since 2022, OVO has already provided £190 million in aid, including heated blankets, smart plugs, and energy efficiency kits, helping 42 thousand customers last year.

The latest £56 million includes free energy-saving products and financial support.

In addition to electric blankets, OVO is also offering free mattresses and energy efficiency improvement kits for those in need of assistance.

Customers can take advantage of various energy-saving measures implemented through the ECO4 program – from loft insulation to new boilers or even modern technologies like heat pumps.

Eligible customers can receive free installation of a comprehensive support program.

Financial support includes discounts on direct debit payments, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans.

To check your eligibility, visit ovoenergy.com/extra-support.

OVO is also advocating for the introduction of a social tariff to protect vulnerable customers from high energy prices and combat energy poverty in the UK.

“We provide support to those who need it most, working with our charity partners and rolling out our largest customer support program,” said OVO CEO David Battress.

“But this is not a long-term solution. We need to make the energy system better for everyone. It starts with targeted support in the form of a social tariff – no one should be left without help.”

What is the energy company obligation scheme?

Low-income families and vulnerable customers can receive assistance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) program.

Under this scheme, suppliers are required to implement energy-saving measures in your home if you are suffering from energy poverty.

Assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis but may include the installation of a new boiler or loft and wall insulation, often for free.

The cost of a new boiler and its installation is approximately £2,500, while loft insulation averages £725, and wall insulation in an average home costs about £1,800, according to Checkatrade.

Implemented measures may include the installation of heat pumps, smart thermostats, and even solar panels.

These government programs target low-income households, vulnerable individuals, and those experiencing energy poverty, and can significantly reduce heating bills by up to £485 a year.

The ECO scheme was launched in January 2013 and has been extended multiple times.

ECO4 applies to all measures provided from April 1, 2022, and covers a four-year period until March 31, 2026.

To check your eligibility and apply, contact your energy supplier.

What other grants are available?

There are several ways households can increase the energy efficiency of their homes and save money through various grants.

From insulation to boiler upgrades, financial assistance can cover a significant portion of the costs associated with home improvements.

Some grants may cover even up to £50,000 in repair costs.

Great Britain Insulation Scheme – thousands of pounds

You may receive assistance in insulating your home through the Government's Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) if you do not qualify for the ECO scheme.

GBIS is open to an additional 400,000 households in tax bands A to E in England, Wales, and Scotland who may not be receiving benefits.

To qualify, you must have an energy efficiency rating certificate of D or below.

Major upgrades to your home, including the insulation of roofs, lofts, or walls, can reduce your annual energy expenses by hundreds of pounds.

Check if you meet the eligibility criteria by visiting gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme – £7,500

Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can receive a grant to partially cover the costs of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler.

You can receive one grant per property for the following assistance:

• £7,500 for an air source heat pump
• £7,500 for a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those using common coils)
• £5,000 for a biomass boiler

To qualify for this scheme, you must own the property you plan to upgrade.

You need to find a certified MCS installer to apply for the grant on your behalf.

MCS is a certification program for installers of energy-efficient products.

You can find local installers at www.mcscertified.com/find-an-installer, but it’s worth comparing several offers.

Home Upgrade Grant – thousands of pounds

The Home Upgrade Grant provides funding for various energy efficiency measures for homes that are not connected to the gas network, often in rural or semi-rural areas.

To qualify, you must own and occupy the property for which you are applying and not use a gas boiler as the primary heating system.

Providing a certificate (EPC) with ratings of D, E, F or G is also a requirement – if you don’t know your home’s rating, you can find out when applying.

In general, you must have a yearly income of no more than £36,000.

If you meet the criteria, your local council will arrange a home survey to determine how to make your home more energy efficient.

They may suggest improvements such as installing wall, loft, and floor insulation, air source heat pumps, and electric radiators.

Learn more by visiting gov.uk/apply-home-upgrade-grant.

What help is available for energy bills?

There are several different ways to get help covering your energy bills if you’re struggling.

If you’re in debt, contact your supplier to see if they can offer a repayment plan before switching to a prepayment tariff.

This may include paying off the debt in installments over a set period.

If your supplier offers a repayment plan that’s too expensive for you, try contacting them again to discuss a more favorable deal.

Several energy companies have assistance programs for customers who cannot cover their bills.

However, eligibility criteria vary by supplier, and the amount you may receive depends on your financial situation.

For example, customers of British Gas or Scottish Gas who are struggling to pay their bills may receive grants of up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers assistance through its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.

You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

Additionally, EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, and Scottish Power also provide grants to their customers who are facing issues.

Thousands of vulnerable households do not use additional help and protective measures without connecting to the Priority Services Register (PSR).

This service helps support vulnerable households, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.

Some benefits include receiving alerts about power cuts, free gas safety checks, and additional support during hardships.

Contact your energy supplier to see if you can apply.