Winter nerves rising: are you among the 91% worried, and can a 2p-an-hour blanket save you £300?

Small switches at home could bring warmer nights and calmer bills.

Two of Britain’s biggest energy suppliers are moving early for winter with targeted help for cold‑vulnerable customers. Their focus is simple: keep people warm at a fraction of the cost of heating an entire home, and cut bills where every pound matters.

Who qualifies and how to apply

Both Octopus Energy and OVO Energy have opened schemes that supply heated blankets or throws at no upfront cost to eligible households. Priority goes to people at higher risk from the cold.

Older people, customers with mobility issues, and anyone whose medical condition makes them vulnerable are put first.

You will need to apply. Each supplier uses checks to confirm need and ensure the help reaches households struggling most with energy costs.

Octopus Energy: 10,000 blankets and fast decisions

Octopus has ring‑fenced 10,000 electric blankets for this winter. The company caps supply at one per household to spread support fairly.

How the process works

• You start by completing a Paylink budget. This assesses income and essential spending.
• Octopus reviews the budget alongside your account data to judge what help fits.
• Human reviewers make a call, with decisions typically within seven days.

Octopus says the scheme is meant for households in genuine hardship, especially where cold poses a health risk. If you can afford the roughly £60 retail price of a blanket, they ask that you buy your own so free stock goes to people in acute need.

Applications that set out clear financial difficulties and health‑related risks are most likely to succeed.

OVO Energy: £56 million winter support and wider kit

OVO has launched a £56 million package for struggling households, with applications opening on 1 October. The help extends beyond blankets.

What’s on offer

• Heated throws and electric blankets for targeted warmth
• Smart plugs to manage appliance use and curb standby waste
• Home efficiency measures to tackle heat loss
• Short‑term direct debit adjustments for customers under acute pressure

Since 2022, OVO says it has delivered £190 million of assistance, supporting 42,000 customers last year alone. Eligibility checks are straightforward. Customers usually confirm their account reference and postcode to see what help is available.

Supplier polling shows 91% of people are worried about winter energy costs, and 71% feel more anxious than last year.

At‑a‑glance: how the two schemes compare

Why electric blankets move the dial

Electric blankets focus heat where you need it, not into unoccupied rooms. Running costs are tiny compared with whole‑home heating.

Analysis indicates 2–4p per hour to run a blanket on high. Heating a home can cost roughly £4 per day.

Independent research cited by suppliers suggests many customers who switched to heated throws cut winter bills by 10–20%. Results vary with property type, insulation, and usage patterns.

Could you actually save £300?

Consider a household that typically heats the whole home for four hours each evening. If that costs about £4 per day, switching to a heated throw for eight hours at roughly 3p per hour would cost around 24p per day. That trims about £3.76 daily. Over 80 colder days, savings approach £300. Households heating for longer could see more, while well‑insulated homes may save less.

Targeted heat plus shorter boiler run‑times can shave hundreds of pounds off a winter bill.

How to use a heated blanket safely and cheaply

• Use as a throw over your body rather than under the sheet for faster, focused warmth.
• Pre‑warm on high for a few minutes, then switch to medium or low for comfort and lower costs.
• Position the connector near your feet and keep it clear for airflow. Do not cover the connector.
• Never fold a powered blanket. Folding can damage internal wires and create hot spots.
• Check the cord and controller for damage before each use. Stop using if anything looks worn.
• Supervise children, and do not let them adjust settings without an adult present.
• Avoid using with very young children or anyone unable to remove the blanket themselves.
• Look for overheat protection and UK safety markings when buying your own.

Making sense of the running cost

Blanket wattage often sits between 100W and 120W. The rule of thumb is: cost = power (kW) × hours × unit rate. At a 100W setting (0.1kW) used for one hour, you pay 0.1 × 1 × your tariff. On a 30p/kWh tariff, that is about 3p per hour, which aligns with the 2–4p range quoted by suppliers. Lower settings draw less.

Most of the saving comes from turning down the central heating while you warm the person, not the whole property.

Practical tips to maximise the benefit

• Layer thoughtfully. A thin blanket or duvet over the heated throw traps warmth and lets you use a lower setting.
• Zone your heat. Keep radiators off in unused rooms and close doors to retain heat where you sit.
• Use timers. Program shorter bursts of central heating for condensation control, then rely on the heated throw.
• Stop draughts. A cheap draught excluder can lift comfort enough to reduce boiler run‑time.

If you need more than a blanket

Both suppliers can adjust support based on need. OVO’s package includes efficiency upgrades and smart plugs to cut standby waste. Many households also qualify for wider help beyond supplier schemes:

• Warm Home Discount: a one‑off credit on electricity bills for eligible low‑income or pensioner households.
• Cold Weather Payments: automatic payments for certain benefit claimants during sustained freezing spells.
• Priority Services Register: free extra support if you are older, disabled, or rely on medical equipment.
• Payment reviews: suppliers may offer temporary direct debit reductions or tailored repayment plans.

Keep records when you apply. Note medical needs, mobility issues, and any recent income shocks. Clear information helps reviewers match you with the right support quickly.

What to expect after applying

For Octopus, applicants usually hear back within a week. If approved, delivery follows and usage guidance arrives with the kit. OVO timelines vary by item and demand. Stock is finite, so apply early. If you are not eligible, ask about alternative support, including energy‑saving advice and help with arrears.

Demand will surge as temperatures fall. Early applications stand a better chance while stock is available.

Beyond this winter: small changes that stick

Heated throws solve a short‑term problem. Pair them with simple measures that last. Draught‑proofing, radiator reflectors, thicker curtains, and routine boiler servicing all nudge consumption down. Track usage with your in‑home display or app to see what actually saves you money. A weekly note of kilowatt‑hours used can reveal patterns and quick wins.

For many readers, the best outcome is a mix: a warmer lap, a cooler thermostat, and a bill that stops creeping up. If you qualify, the free kit is worth pursuing. If you do not, a £60 blanket used wisely can pay for itself within weeks of cold weather.