Back in January, SSE Energy caused outrage by suggesting people hug dogs to stay warm
As Brits grapple with soaring energy prices that came into force last week, a major energy supplier is giving away free electric blankets.
On April 1, the price cap on energy bills increased to £1,971, meaning customers will now pay up to £700 more every year. The spike comes amid a cost of living squeeze as national insurance, fuel and inflation are also on the rise.
In response, Octopus Energy, which provides energy for 2m Brits, is providing 5,000 electric blankets that usually cost £40 on sites like Amazon.
But, “stocks are very low”, Octopus has said.
I am terrified moms had stroke and just diagnosed with dementia and I have advanced osteoarthritis waiting for new hip in a freezing rented house struggling now to bring it down and scared for mom. Those heated throws any good? Any cheaper ones than 99! Shocking prices
— chrissie naylor (@ChrissieFLP) March 11, 2022
To claim a free blanket, customers need to go to the company’s online assistance tool, and blankets are prioritized for those in dire need, reports the Mirror.
The move has been well-recieved online, where one person wrote: “A Big thank you for the electric blanket. Being in a Power wheelchair 24/7 – I feel the cold more with little room for exercise to warm up, and this useful gift will warm me up. Thank you. Not all energy companies are the same it seems. I am a normal customer.”
@OctopusEnergy A Big thank you for the electric blanket. Being in a Power wheelchair 24/7 – I feel the cold more with little room for exercise to warm up, and this useful gift will warm me up. Thank you. Not all energy companies are the same it seems. I am a normal customer.
— Robert Fage (@sloberdobabob) March 27, 2022
The giveaway is in stark contrast to an attempt by SSE Energy, the electricity and gas supplier acquired by Ovo in 2020, who suggested its customers hug their dogs to keep warm.
Suggesting “simple and cost-effective ways to keep warm this winter”, they also recommended doing star jumps.
“Being told to put on a jumper instead of turning on your heating if you can’t afford it, at a time of such difficulty for so many families, is plainly offensive,” Labour MP Darren Jones told Financial Times at the time.
In response, Ovo said: “We understand how difficult the situation will be for many of our customers this year. We are working hard to find meaningful solutions as we approach this energy crisis, and we recognise that the content of this blog was poorly judged and unhelpful.
“We are embarrassed and sincerely apologise.”
Related links:
- Energy provider blames Martin Lewis for ‘bringing down Britain’ as website crashes ahead of price hike
- Martin Lewis says the cost of living is at its worst in 22 years
- Tory MP on £115k says his bills are ‘tricky’ as he gets £2K raise
