Several major UK energy suppliers are running winter support schemes for 2026/2027 cold season, handing out free energy saving gadgets like heated electric blankets, heated throws, air fryers and slow cookers.
These freebies are designed to help you heat the person not the home. Devices such as electric blankets costs from 2p-4p an hour to run compared to gas central heating. However, stock is limited and prioritised to vulnerable, elderly or low income households.
The primary providers offering specific items include:
EDF has launched a £30 million winter support package which includes their ‘Winter Warmer Shop’.
What you can apply for: free emergency cooking appliances such as air fryers and slow cookers, alongside heated throws, rechargeable hot water bottles, body warmers and thermal flasks.
Who qualifies: vulnerable customers, state pensioners and those experiencing severe financial difficulties, hardship, or energy debt.
How to apply: contact EDF direct or use their online portal so they can assess your specific household circumstances.
Through its 40 Million Octo Assist Fund, Octopus energy are continuing to assist those in need.
What you can apply for: free electric blankets (limited to one per household) .
Who qualifies: priority is given to elderly customers, those with mobility issues and individuals with specific medical conditions worsened by the cold.
How to apply: log into your Octopus energy account and fill in the form using the Octoupus energy financial assistance tool.
OVO has committed a £56 million extra support package for the winter.
What you can apply for: free heated throws, electric mattress toppers, smart sockets, home efficiency kits.
Who qualifies: OVO customers struggling to pay their bills, evaluated based on household disposable income and medical needs.
How to apply: applications are open via the OVO Energy Extra Support Package portal, where you will need your account number and income details.
The British Gas Energy Trust runs an assistance portal and a white goods fund.
What you can apply for: free energy efficient cookers, slow cookers, microwaves and draught excluder kits.
Who qualifies: unlike other firms you do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply. Support is targeted at households in deep fuel poverty.
How to apply: apply online through the British Gas Energy Trust. However if you are with another supplier, you must try your on own supplier fund first. You can only apply to British Gas if your own supplier has declined you and you provide evidence of that application. You must also show that you have received official money or budget advice within the last six months and have an annual income under a threshold of £25,000 or a disability status.
Government Support
Warm Home Discount: a one off £150 discount applied directly to eligible electricity bills for low income households or those on certain welfare benefits.
Winter Fuel Payment: a tax free payment of £100 to £300 for people who have reached state pension age, depending on household circumstances.
Cold weather payments: an automatic £25 payment is triggered if the average local temperature is recorded or forecast as 0 degrees celcius or below for 7 consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March.
Local Council Support
If you are struggling to pay to heat your home, you can contact your local authority to make an application to their Crisis and Resilience Fund known as the Household Support Fund.
Buckinghamshire Helping Hand
Support may be available from Buckinghamshire Council’s Helping Hand service if you are struggling financially or are worried about being able to afford your next oil or LPG delivery.
Helping Hand provides support to Buckinghamshire residents experiencing financial hardship. If you're on a low income and finding it difficult to afford the cost of heating your home, the team can talk through your circumstances and look at what help may be available to you.
Please don’t wait until you have completely run out of fuel before asking for help. If you are concerned that you will not be able to afford your next delivery or refill, please get in touch with the Helping Hand service as soon as possible.
How to ask for help
You can contact Helping Hand confidentially to discuss your circumstances and find out what support may be available.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide some supporting documents so that the team can assess your circumstances and eligibility for financial support. The team will let you know what information is required.
If you need help with your application, you can call 01296 531151.
If Helping Hand is not the right service for your circumstances, the team can also help connect you with other sources of support.
