State pensioners who've had Winter Fuel Payment cut being handed two freebies worth £474

State pensioners who've lost the Winter Fuel Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are being handed a crucial freebie from two major energy companies. Major energy suppliers are stepping in to help, with both Octopus Energy and OVO Energy offering free electric blankets and heated throws.

Running an electric blanket costs just 2.5p per hour during winter 2024, based on Ofgem's electricity rate of 24.5p per kWh. For eight hours of overnight use, this amounts to approximately 20p - the same cost applies to using a heated throw during the day. In contrast, with gas prices at 6.24p per kWh, an average 24kWh boiler costs around £1.50 per hour to run.

It means households could theoretically be saving £1.30 a day by switching - which over the course of the year, equates to £474. This makes electric blankets roughly 60 times cheaper than using central heating, too, according to research.

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Octopus explained: "Our electric blankets scheme is there to support customers most in need, particularly for people with really specific vulnerabilities and medical needs. To make sure the blankets are getting into the right hands, we’ll be prioritising those customers. Customers who apply for our Octo Assist will be assessed and offered the support that’ll be most appropriate for them.

"To start the process, create a Paylink budget to see what support is available, and to see if you qualify for financial assistance. If you are struggling with your bills, please do contact us, as there are other ways we can help.

"If you can, do think about buying an electric blanket yourself: they tend to cost around £60 and our research shows the typical home could save £300 by using an electric blanket to keep warm rather than always heating the whole house."

Modern electric blankets, used according to their instructions, are safe and energy efficient.