Vicky Parry
11th Sep 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Keeping warm as temperatures drop and energy prices rise is tricky for many of us. There are lots of ways to get free electric blankets, energy grants, and even free energy. We’ve rounded up where to get help with your energy bills.
Free Electric Blankets
Free Energy Grants
Free Energy
Free Electric Blankets
Energy supplier Octopus is in its third year of running its £30m Octo Assist Fund. They give away free electric blankets worth £69.99 to customers most in need. Rather than a first-come-first-served offer, they prioritise the most vulnerable and those with a medical need. You’ll need to create a budget through their website and a human (not AI!) will review your application to see if you can get a free electric blanket or other help with your bills.
According to research by Octopus, electric blankets cost between 2-4p an hour to run, compared to running the central heating at around £4 every day. They’re a cost-effective way to stay warm even on the chilliest days. They worked out that customers who have received blankets so far have saved up to 20% on their winter bills – around £300 saved a year.
Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply on the Octo Assist Fund page here.
Ovo Energy has also offered free electric blankets and energy-saving devices in the past; it looks set to reopen the scheme again on 1st October 2025 for its customers. Find out more and apply to their fund here.
Free Energy Grants
Winter Fuel Payment
You may be eligible for a grant of £150 towards your winter energy costs under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Contact your energy supplier to find out how to apply. If you receive Pension Credit and certain other means-tested benefits, you may be eligible.
This is different to the Winter Fuel Payment, which is paid by the Government to some pensioners and can be between £100 – £300 depending on when you were born.
Energy Grants
Energy suppliers have a fund to help those most in need. If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier to find out how they can help. They may be able to contribute a grant towards your bills, or write off energy debts to help you.
Some energy companies have a variety of funds to apply for, depending on your circumstances. For example, Octopus Energy has a standing charge waiver scheme as part of its Octo Assist fund. This can save a big chunk of money on energy bills, especially for low users who often find the standing charge costs more each month than their energy use!
Free Energy
Some energy suppliers are making the most of free energy hours.
EDF has a new Sunday Saver scheme. Customers who reduce their energy usage between 4pm – 7pm Monday to Friday can earn up to 16 hours of free energy on Sundays. Reduce your usage by 5% for four free hours, 20% for eight free hours, and 35% for 12 hours. To get the full 16 free hours, you need to reduce usage by 50%.
Octopus Energy lets customers use extra energy certain hours of the week, too. They email around 24 hours in advance of the time, allowing customers to plan ahead. You only pay for your standard usage in those hours, and anything above that is free. So, you can plan to put your washing on, hoover, charge your battery appliances, and charge your car for free if you plan ahead!
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