Nine energy freebies and help available to help cut winter bills

As the chill of winter sets in, many Britons are already feeling the cold and are tempted to switch on their heating. However, with escalating costs, this may not be a feasible option, particularly for those on a low income.

Instead of turning on costly heaters, people often resort to bundling up in extra blankets to keep expenses at bay. While it’s still likely to be pricey, there are several resources available to help reduce the cost.

From complimentary electric blankets and boilers to grants and benefits, all these measures aim to make staying warm in winter more affordable. Here is a comprehensive list of what’s available and how to apply.

Free electric blankets, throws and mattress toppers

Energy providers Ovo and Octopus are both offering assistance to keep people warm by distributing free electric blankets and other warming items to select customers. Octopus Energy is gearing up to distribute 20,000 blankets to its most vulnerable customers, reports Teesside Live.

In the meantime, Ovo has unveiled its £50m Extra Support Package which includes free electric throws, mattress toppers and home efficiency kits. Additional support available through the package includes financial aid such as payment holidays for prepayment customers, ensuring that every penny put on the meter will go towards heating, not repaying debt this winter. OVO is also maintaining emergency credit at the increased amount of £15.

Free boilers, loft insulation and heat pumps

Under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), individuals could benefit from a variety of energy-saving measures, including loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and even new boilers. High-end technology such as heat pumps may also be included.

Eligible customers could have an entire package installed at no cost. Over a dozen companies have joined the scheme, which provides assistance on an individual basis. The participating firms are:

• British Gas
• E (Gas and Electricity) Ltd
• E.ON
• Ecotricity
• EDF
• Octopus Energy
• Outfox the Market
• OVO
• Scottish Power
• Shell Energy
• So Energy (including ESB Energy)
• The Utility Warehouse
• Utilita Energy

The ECO scheme is designed to improve energy efficiency in homes considered to be in fuel poverty. Homeowners and tenants can learn more in the Ofgem homeowners and tenants section.

Free solar panels

Low-income individuals may be eligible for assistance with solar panel installation, depending on their location. Some local authorities offer financial support for energy-saving measures, including grants for solar panels that could save around £6,000.

To qualify in most areas, individuals must have a total income of less than £30,000, and their homes must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Contact your local council for more information.

Free showerheads and water-saving devices

Several water companies offer assistance with water-saving devices, which can reduce both water usage and heating costs. Many provide regulated shower heads worth approximately £20 free of charge, while others offer a range of water-saving devices.

The Save Water Save Money website is offering free showerheads, and it will inform you if they are available in your area. While not all water companies provide them, many do have other money and water-saving offers.

For instance, Northumbria Water may not offer showerheads, but it does have a variety of gadgets on offer, including assistance for the garden, bathroom, and toilet. For full details of what they offer, visit your water company’s website.

Household Support fund

The Household Support Fund is a £421m cash pot that has been distributed among local authorities across England. Each council makes its own decisions on how to allocate its share, often using it to assist those on low income or benefits.

Councils have until March 31, 2025, to distribute their share of the fund.  Contact your local council to find out how they are spending their portion of the money.

This could range from energy vouchers to cash deposited into your bank account. Some councils use the funds to provide shopping vouchers to low-income families or donate funds to charities assisting those in need.

Energy grants

Many energy companies have a fund set up to provide grants to individuals struggling with living costs. Ovo Energy, E.ON and Scottish Power are among the companies that run schemes offering bill reductions. British Gas customers might be eligible for grants of up to £2,000. To find out what they are offering, you need to contact your supplier.

Cold Weather Payment

The Cold Weather Payment, activated in November, is designed to assist those on low incomes with the expense of heating their homes during freezing conditions. You may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you’re receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.

Eligible individuals will receive these payments automatically and there’s no need to apply. However, you might need to inform Jobcentre Plus if you have a newborn or if a child under 5 moves into your home. These payments won’t impact your other benefits.

You’ll receive a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or predicted to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. You’ll receive £25 for each seven day period of extreme cold weather between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.

Winter Fuel Payment

Despite millions losing entitlement to this after the Labour government decided to means-test it, there are still many who will qualify. Under the Winter Fuel Payment, those born before 23 September 1958 could receive either £200 or £300 to help cover winter 2024 to 2025 heating bills.

You may be eligible if you or your partner receive certain benefits – primarily Pension Credit. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter in October or November detailing how much you’ll get.

If you don’t receive a letter but believe you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.The majority of those eligible receive payment in November or December.

Eligibility is determined by whether one was due to receive any of the following benefits during the qualifying week of September 16-22, 2024:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

Warm Home Discount

Millions across England, Scotland and Wales can benefit from a £150 reduction on their electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. If you qualify, your electricity supplier will apply the discount directly to your bill, typically between October and March. The money is not paid out to you.

Usually, if you’re eligible, the discount is applied automatically. Only those on a low income in Scotland need to apply – contact your energy supplier to do so.

If your supplier provides both gas and electricity and you’re eligible, you may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead. Contact your supplier for more information.