British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, Octopus customers handed nine freebies and payments worth £3,075

Nine freebies worth THOUSANDS are being offered as the Cost of Living crisis - with energy bills rising by £149 today to a staggering £1717 for British customers.

British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus customers can get free handouts worth £3,075. Nine freebies worth THOUSANDS are being offered as the Cost of Living crisis - with energy bills rising by £149 today to a staggering £1717 for British customers.

If you are among one of those many homes it is worth looking into other schemes out there to provide financial support. BirminghamLive has a comprehensive list of what's available and how to apply below.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is warning today that poorer families are already struggling to cope. JRF research has found that, back in May, 2.9 million low-income households had been unable to keep their home warm in the previous six months, while 4.3 million had fallen behind with their household bills.

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Free electric blankets, throws and mattress toppers

OVO’s new Extra Support Package for winter, totalling £50 million, is now open. Since 2022, OVO has provided £140m worth of customer support, this year £50 million will be added to help customers in immediate need.

Octopus Energy is gearing up to distribute 20,000 blankets to its most vulnerable customers. At OVO, Additional support available through the package includes financial aid such as payment holidays for prepayment customers, ensuring that every penny put on the meter will go towards heating, not repaying debt this winter.

Free boilers, loft insulation and heat pumps

If you’re eligible, you could get 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. You could get a whole package installed, all for free.

The ECO funding makes all kinds of different improvements around your home as a whole. For example, you’re unlikely to just get loft insulation or a new heating system. You’d get a few things based on a survey of your home. If you join the scheme, you’ll need to agree to all the energy efficiency measures our installation partner recommends when they assess your home. You won’t be able to pick and choose the measures you prefer.

Free solar panels

The government has created several grants and schemes to assist low-income homeowners and tenants of private and social housing to improve the energy efficiency of their homes through upgrades that may include solar panels. Depending on your household income and the type of benefits you may receive, you could be eligible for funding. If you are eligible, solar panels may be part of a package of upgrades available to you, subject to a home survey.

Free showerheads and water-saving devices

Energy efficient shower heads reduce the amount of water used by either regulating the flow or aerating the water. They can be purchased at any home improvement shop and fixed independently. Some water companies even provide them for free.

Energy efficient shower heads reduce the amount of water used by either regulating the flow or aerating the water. They can be purchased at any home improvement shop and fixed independently. Some water companies even provide them for free. They’re not suitable for electric showers, which should be switched to ‘eco mode’.

Household Support fund - £600

The Household Support Fund is a £421m cash pot that has been distributed among local authorities across England. Each council makes its own decisions on how to allocate its share, often using it to assist those on low income or benefits. Councils have until March 31, 2025, to distribute their share of the fund.

Some councils are giving out £600.

Energy grants - £2000

Some of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers have grants in place to help support customers struggling with bills. Eligibility criteria will vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.

These grants include up to £2,000 from British Gas and discounts of £1,250 from EDF. You will need to check directly with your supplier to see what help is available.

Cold Weather Payment - £25

You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. If you’re eligible, you’ll get these payments automatically. You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under 5 comes to live with you. The payments do not affect your other benefits.

Winter Fuel Payment - £300

This comes as many pensioners in the UK are worried they will struggle to cover the cost of heating this winter following recent changes made to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme by the new Government. Previously this one-off payment was based on your age, but now only those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will qualify for the £300.

The move has faced backlash from politicians, charities and members of the public with around 10 million households thought to be left without the cash boost. If you are among one of those many homes it is worth looking into other schemes out there to provide financial support.

Warm Home Discount - £150

To qualify you'll usually need to be actively claiming one of a number of means-tested benefits during the qualifying week, which is usually in August, but you can claim for backdated benefits.

Applications for the scheme open in October. The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill. Electricity suppliers will apply the discount to your bill if you are eligible - the money is not paid to you.