Octopus Energy gives customers who miss out on Winter Fuel Payments extra £200 in support

Octopus Energy has expanded its support scheme to include those over the State Pension age who do not receive Pension Credit. This follows the UK Government's decision to scrap annual Winter Fuel Payments for over 10 million older people across Great Britain.

Despite appeals from the SNP, charities and campaigners nationwide for a U-turn on the policy change announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on July 29, the Labour Government is maintaining the policy alteration. The eligibility shift means millions of pensioners who received payments between £100 and £300 last year will not be due the money this winter.

However, Octopus has pledged to continue its £30 million assistance fund into this winter, making State Pensioners who do not meet the new criteria for Winter Fuel Payments eligible. Similarly, OVO has unveiled a £50m support package aimed at aiding customers struggling with energy bills as the new, higher price cap comes into effect.

Both funds are now accepting applications, with funding available throughout the year. Octopus Energy's 'Octo Assist' fund can provide discretionary credits of £50, £100 and £200, and the energy giant is reminding customers that it always charges below the price cap - which has now increased by 10 per cent - saving customers from £150m of energy costs annually.

The energy provider is rolling out various support measures for its customers, including complimentary electric blankets, loans of thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint and remedy draughts, tailored in-person energy-saving tips through energy helpers, and 'savings sessions' that reward lower energy usage during peak times. Over the past two winters, these initiatives have brought over 2 million participants a collective £10.5 million in savings, reports the Daily Record.

Octopus Energy Group's founder Greg Jackson has emphasised the company's commitment to their customers' affordability, recently asserting: "At times like this, we can't expect the government to do everything - companies need to work hard on affordability too. That's why we've expanded our Octo Assist fund to introduce extra support for the pensioners who need it most."

He also highlighted an issue with unclaimed benefits, adding, "There's a lot of government and other support for pensioners but many don't realise it - government data shows one in three pensioners eligible for pension credits are not claiming, so we're training our team to help with this too."

OVO's support package

OVO is stepping up with a substantial £50 million Extra Support Package designed to assist customers grappling with the cost of living crisis. This initiative mirrors the goals of the Octo Assist fund and provides year-round access to financial help, with a heightened focus on assistance during the winter months.

Throughout the previous year, OVO's customer support scheme has reached over 200,000 households. The extensive £50 million package delivers a spectrum of aid to those in need.

The £50m package includes:

• Payment holidays for all prepayment customers so that every penny put on the meter will go towards heating, not paying back debt this winter. OVO is also keeping emergency credit at the increased amount of £15.
• Free energy saving products including electric throws, mattress toppers, and home efficiency kits.
• Energy efficiency upgrades: Customers could receive a wide range of energy-saving measures installed through ECO4 - from loft insulation to a new boiler, or even high-end tech like heat pumps. Eligible customers could get a whole package installed, all for free.
• Financial support including Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans.
• New partnerships and increased financial relief for customers alongside help for organisations including Warm Welcome Campaign and StepChange.

OVO's eligibility criteria extends beyond the £150 Warm Home Discount, indicating that elderly individuals who are not receiving Winter Fuel Payments may still qualify for assistance. More information about OVO's support can be found here.

Advisors from both Octopus Energy and OVO can also assist customers in identifying unclaimed benefits such as Pension Credit.