Ukrainians are offered free boilers and solar panels: who can receive them.

According to The Sun: If you are facing significant energy costs in cold weather, this winter you have the opportunity to receive assistance.

Some households are already experiencing a 2% increase in energy bills to £1,755 this autumn.

A new energy price cap came into effect on October 1, leading to an increase of £35.14 per year for households with average energy consumption.

As the cold weather sets in, most people begin to use more energy for heating their homes. But you may not know that there are many free offers that can help reduce your costs.

Free electric blankets and energy-saving gadgets

The energy company Octopus has identified consumers with medical vulnerabilities to provide them with free electric blankets. You can also borrow a thermal camera for free to detect drafts in your home and receive recommendations for their elimination.

In addition, those who receive assistance can have free gadgets installed in their homes to reduce energy costs. Octopus Energy offers free installation of solar panels and heat pumps for 1,000 households.

OVO Energy is also distributing free blankets and smart plugs to help consumers this winter.

Free boilers

Thousands of households may be eligible for a free boiler through the government’s ECO Free Boiler Scheme, aimed at helping low-income individuals.

This benefit will automatically be received by individuals receiving the following payments:

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• State Pension (receiving pension credits or both)
• Housing Benefit
• Disability Benefit
• Pension support for individuals with disabilities
• Care Assistance
• Severe Disability Benefit

If you have not received one of these automatic benefits, you should inquire about tax credits, universal credit, or child benefit that corresponds to 'household composition.'

Free solar panels

Some councils provide households with low incomes financial assistance for green technologies. You may receive support if your income is below £31,000 and you receive one of the following payments:

• Child Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Guaranteed Pension Credit
• Pension Savings
• Jobseeker's Allowance

You can apply through your energy company for funding of up to £10,000.

Free energy-saving shower heads

Several water companies offer households free water and energy-saving gadgets such as adjustable shower heads worth £20.

Southern Water provides water-saving devices, while Severn Trent Water offers free shower heads to its consumers.

Household Support Fund

This year the fund totals £742 million and has been distributed among councils across the country. Eligibility criteria for assistance vary by location but typically relate to individuals receiving assistance or having low incomes.

For example, households in Doncaster may receive support of £300, while families in Nottingham may be eligible for energy vouchers of £98 and supermarket vouchers of £75.

Cold Weather Payment

Households that receive universal credit and other payments may receive free assistance during cold weather this winter. The Cold Weather Payment is a type of support from the Department for Work and Pensions that helps with energy costs when temperatures drop.

• Guaranteed Pension Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Universal Credit

Seasonal energy bill discount

Households may receive £150 to assist with energy bill payments. To qualify for this discount, you must be receiving one of the seven verified benefits on a specific day – August 24. This amount will appear as a discount on your energy bill.

Other assistance with energy bills

If you need additional financial support, there are other options available. Octopus Energy has a £30 million assistance fund for consumers facing difficulties, including financial aid and free electric blankets.

OVO Energy also provides financial support, including reducing direct debits, emergency top-ups, and extended repayment plans.

E.ON also offers assistance to consumers facing financial difficulties.

This assistance program in the current circumstances can significantly alleviate financial pressure on households facing increased costs during the cold season. The relevance of this information is further underscored by rising energy prices and other expenses. It is important to learn how to take advantage of these opportunities and receive support that can be extremely valuable in a challenging winter period.