The Octopus Energy free electric blanket scheme has returned, and it could help reduce your energy bills this winter.
This year the company is offering 20,000 free electric blankets to customers who need it most – and they've already given away 60,000 since the scheme launched in January 2022.
The best electric blankets are cheap to run, helping keep bedrooms warm without relying as heavily on central heating. Customers who used an electric blanket have seen gas bulls fall by an average of 20% over these last couple of winters, while only adding 0.2% to their electricity usage, which works out as an average saving of £150 over three months.
Here's how to apply to see if you qualify for your Octopus Energy free electric blanket.
'We know many people are worried about the costs of heating their homes over winter,' says Mario Lupori, director at Octopus Energy.
'An electric blanket means you heat the human, not the home – staying warm for as little as 3p an hour. We’ve got 20,000 more blankets this year to give out to our most vulnerable customers and we’re delighted that they will help them stay warm.'
How to claim a free electric blanket from Octopus Energy
The Octopus Energy free electric blanket scheme is open to all customers who use the company, and priorities those with more needs such as people who are medically vulnerable, elderly or living alone. Apply via the Octopus Energy website.
Customers will need to provide details about how much they earn and how they spend their money to give an idea of their financial situation.
However, anyone concerned about heating their home this winer should also get in touch. A simple series of questions will help find you the best support.
Even if you don't qualify, the low cost of running an electric blanket makes them a savvy money-saving swap well worth the investment.
Our top electric blankets
The Octopus scheme provides Dreamland blankets, as they are some of the best out there. This one heats up in only 5 minutes and has both a cool polyester and a cosy quilted sherpa side.
We've named this our 'Best Budget Electric Blanket' as it works well to keep the chills away using its three heat settings. It's available all the way to a Super King size, too.
If a heated throw's more your thing than a blanket, then this super soft Dreamland option is perfect. It has six temperature settings and a handy auto shut off feature.
There are various other ways to keep your house warm in winter, from rearranging furniture to getting your boiler serviced. So you don't manage to bag a free electric blanket, there are plenty of budget-friendly tips for keeping cosy.