How to get a free electric blanket this winter

Winter can be tough, especially when it comes to heating your home. With rising energy bills, many of us are looking for ways to stay warm without burning a hole in our wallets.

A cheap and cheerful option to help you stay cosy is the electric blanket. And you could get one for free as both OVO Energy and Octopus Energy are offering free blankets to their customers this winter.

Let’s dive into how you can get your hands on one.

Why an electric blanket?

Electric blankets are a fantastic way to keep warm. They provide quick, targeted heat, meaning you can stay snug without needing to crank up the thermostat.

And they can cost as little as 3p per hour to run, making them a very cheap option for the cold days ahead of us.

If you’re worried about your energy costs this winter, an electric blanket could be a game changer.

OVO Energy's free electric blanket

If you’re an OVO or Boost customer, you can apply online for the supplier’s customer support package, which includes free energy-saving products, e.g electric throws and mattress toppers.

It should take you around five minutes to fill out the application.

You’ll need:

• Your monthly disposable income (this is what you have left after taxes, rent or mortgage, and essential bills like utilities). If you don’t know, you can use the online tool to help you work it out.
• You may also need to provide recent meter readings. It’s best to have these ready if you can.

OVO’s £50m scheme also includes additional support:

• payment holidays for prepayment customers
• increased emergency credit of £15
• direct debit reductions
• extended repayment plans
• energy-saving measures like loft insulation, new boilers or heat pumps
• extra help for pensioners (you may still be eligible for help if you’ve lost the winter fuel payment)

Octopus Energy's free electric blanket

Octopus Energy is giving away 20,000 free Dreamland electric blankets to those most in need this winter (one per household).

Those who are “medically vulnerable, elderly, or living alone” will be prioritised.

You also need to be an Octopus customer.

People are urged to create a Paylink budget to find out what support is available and whether you qualify for financial assistance.

A member of the team will review your account and the information you submitted during the application. Octopus said they aim to get back to you within about a week.

If you’re worried about paying your bills, you can contact Octopus directly to see what other help is available through their £30m Octo Assist Fund.

Tips for making the most of your electric blanket

• Use it to warm your bed before you sleep.
• Keep your blanket on a low setting to save power.
• Only use it when you are in bed or on the sofa – avoid leaving it on unattended.
• Layer it with your normal bedding for extra warmth.

Other ways to stay warm this winter

While an electric blanket is a great addition to your winter arsenal, there are other ways to stay warm and cut energy costs:

• Wear layers – heat escapes through your body. Wear thick socks, jumpers, and even a hat indoors.
• Seal drafts – check windows and doors for drafts and seal them to keep the warmth in.
• Use thick curtains – they can help to keep the heat in during the night.
• Consider a hot water bottle – they’re an old-fashioned but effective way to stay warm.
• Apply for a grant – most energy companies set money aside to help people who are really struggling. Read more about the additional support available with our guide.