Cold nights ahead: could your family claim a free heated blanket today as OVO rolls out £56m help?

With temperatures falling and budgets tight, households are searching for simple ways to stay warm without emptying wallets this winter.

From today, OVO Energy is widening its winter support so some customers can get free heated blankets and other practical kit, plus targeted bill help. The move comes as families brace for higher seasonal use and lingering pressure on household finances.

What is being offered

OVO has launched a £56 million package aimed at customers who are struggling. The support mixes low-cost heating gear with measures that reduce bills and ease cashflow over the colder months.

Free heated blankets are being handed to eligible OVO customers from today, as part of a £56m winter support push.

The company says it has already delivered £190 million in assistance since 2022, including energy-efficiency products and direct financial help. In the last year alone, 42,000 customers received heated blankets, efficiency kits and smart sockets to help cut consumption at home.

Since 2022, OVO reports £190m in customer support, with 42,000 households given energy-saving devices last year.

What you could receive

• Heated blankets and throws to reduce reliance on whole-home heating.
• Energy-efficiency kits and smart sockets to lower standby and peak use.
• Home upgrades in selected cases, such as loft insulation, heat pumps or a replacement boiler after assessment.
• Direct help with bills, including emergency prepayment credit, longer repayment plans for debt, and Direct Debit reductions.

OVO’s chief executive has urged long-term reform too, backing a social tariff that gives those on low incomes a fairer energy price. The firm says charity partners will help to target support at households most in need.

Who can get a blanket

Eligibility focuses on vulnerability and financial pressure. OVO prioritises customers who face difficulties paying bills or who have extra heating needs because of health conditions or household circumstances.

Applications are triaged by need, considering income, disposable cash and medical requirements to reach those at risk first.

While not every applicant will receive a blanket, many will be offered other forms of help. That might include bill credits, tailored repayment plans or practical devices that reduce energy use day to day.

How to apply in minutes

OVO directs customers to a simple online check. You will need a few details ready before you begin.

• Your OVO account number and postcode.
• An estimate of your monthly disposable income after essential bills.
• Any relevant medical or vulnerability information that affects heating needs.

The assessment looks at household income and available spend to determine what support is most suitable. Many applicants receive an instant decision. If you qualify for physical items, OVO arranges delivery or installation where appropriate. If you qualify for account support, changes to payment plans or credits can be applied quickly.

Why a heated blanket can cut costs

Heated blankets warm the person, not the entire home. That matters when unit rates and standing charges make whole-house heating expensive. A small, low-wattage device used for a few hours in the evening can often beat the cost of running central heating or plug-in heaters.

Figures are illustrative. Your costs depend on your tariff and settings. Even so, the order of magnitude shows why targeted, personal heating helps people stay comfortable at a fraction of the cost.

Safety and usage tips

• Check the product’s safety mark and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not use a damaged blanket. Replace older models if the wiring or fabric shows wear.
• Avoid folding or crumpling when in use to prevent overheating.
• Keep liquids away and switch off when unattended or when you go to sleep unless the product is rated for overnight use.

More help beyond blankets

OVO’s package goes beyond a single device. It includes energy advice and measures to trim bills over time. Some customers could qualify for insulation or upgraded heating under separate schemes. Those upgrades can lift efficiency ratings and reduce future spending.

For many on prepayment meters, emergency credit can bridge a gap and stop self-disconnection. Where debts have built up, extended repayment plans aim to spread costs more evenly across the year, easing pressure during cold snaps.

Heated blankets, smarter controls, and direct bill support work together to lower use, stabilise payments and protect health.

What you should gather before you apply

• Evidence of income and regular expenses to calculate disposable income.
• Details of any health conditions that make steady warmth medically necessary.
• Recent meter readings or smart meter data to help tailor advice.

Other routes to winter support

Households may also look at wider schemes where eligible. Pensioners can receive Winter Fuel Payment automatically. Some low-income households qualify for Warm Home Discount credits. People on certain benefits may receive Cold Weather Payments during prolonged cold spells in their area. Local councils also run hardship funds and welfare assistance, which can cover fuel costs in emergencies.

Check if you are on the Priority Services Register with your supplier. That brings access to extra help during outages, tailored communications, and, in some cases, meter reading support.

Practical example: choosing the cheapest warm-up

Imagine a family that now runs central heating for six hours each evening. By shifting their routine, they keep the thermostat lower and use two heated throws while watching TV. At 100W each, four hours of use costs pennies, while the boiler works less. A smart socket lets them schedule the throws and track actual consumption, turning data into savings.

What this means for the bigger picture

Short-term help protects people this winter. OVO argues a social tariff would provide a fairer, longer-term footing for vulnerable customers. While debate on structural reform continues, practical steps like heated blankets, smarter controls and targeted credits offer immediate relief without sacrificing comfort.

If you are an OVO customer, gather your details and complete the eligibility check. If you do not qualify for a blanket, ask about other assistance. The package is broad, and matching the right help to the right household can make a measurable difference by the next bill.