OVO has announced a generous initiative to provide complimentary energy-saving products worth £56 million for the upcoming winter season. These products include items like electric blankets, smart sockets, and home efficiency kits. Additionally, OVO is offering free energy upgrades such as loft insulation, new boilers, or heat pumps to eligible customers.
The support package also includes financial assistance for those facing difficulties, like reductions in direct debit payments, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans. While OVO’s support is available year-round, applications for enhanced winter support will open in October. In total, OVO has allocated £190 million in support since 2022, benefiting 42,000 customers last year.
David Buttress, OVO’s CEO, emphasized the importance of the support initiative, highlighting the collaborative efforts with charity partners. He stressed the need for a more inclusive energy system, advocating for targeted support like social tariffs to ensure no one is left behind.
Partners like Warm Welcome Campaign Director David Barclay and StepChange debt charity CEO Vikki Brownridge expressed their satisfaction in working with OVO to provide essential support to individuals facing energy bill challenges during the colder months. The collaboration aims to create safe and supportive environments where people can receive practical assistance to navigate financial hardships.
As energy prices are expected to increase this winter, with the Ofgem price cap rising from £1,720 to £1,755 annually on October 1, concerns about rising bills are prevalent. OVO’s recent polling revealed that 91% of respondents are worried about their winter energy bills, with 71% expressing even higher levels of concern compared to the previous year.