The date you can expect £150 discount from huge energy firm to aid customers amid cost of living crisis
OVO is set to give energy customers an automatic £150 discount on their bill after the launch of a £50 million fund to support customers amid the cost of living crisis. The company is working through the Warm Home Discount for winter, which aims to assist customers in immediate need.
According to OVO, two-thirds (66 per cent) of customers are more worried about their bills compared to last year. The energy firm, which competes with British Gas, Octopus, EON, EDF and others, continues to urge the government to introduce a social tariff to safeguard the most vulnerable.
The £50m package includes payment holidays for all prepayment customers, ensuring that every penny put on the meter will go towards heating, not repaying debt this winter. OVO is also maintaining emergency credit at the increased amount of £15.
The package also offers free energy-saving products such as electric throws, mattress toppers, and home efficiency kits, as well as energy efficiency upgrades. Customers could receive a variety 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 have an entire package installed, completely free of charge. Financial support is also included in the Extra Support Package, featuring Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans. OVO's eligibility criteria surpasses the Warm Home Discount, which is £150, meaning customers who miss out on winter fuel payments may still qualify for support from OVO.
Between now and December, customers can expect the discount through letters issued by the government.
To qualify, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or a different qualifying benefit form the list below.
Income support
Income based jobseeker's allowance
Income related employment and support allowance
Housing benefit
Universal Credit
Child tax credit
Working tax credits
The "savings credit" part of pension credit
David Barclay, the Director of the Warm Welcome Campaign, expressed his delight at the partnership with OVO, stating: "The Warm Welcome Campaign is delighted to be working in partnership with OVO to make sure that everyone in the UK can stay warm and connected this winter. We have a network of 4000 Warm Welcome Spaces libraries, community centres, churches and other faith groups and many more who will be on the frontline this winter serving their communities. Working closely with OVO means we can support, connect and champion these Spaces, making sure that everyone gets a Warm Welcome this winter."
Vanessa Northam, Head of Charity Development, also voiced her appreciation for the collaboration with OVO, saying: "We continue to appreciate the support and collaboration we have with OVO. The OVO Extra Support demonstrates their on-going commitment to ensuring the UK can stay warm and connected this winter. Through our partnership we're delighted to continue with our Industry Initiatives scheme for the coming autumn and winter; helping thousands of people receive advice and support with the energy arrears and wider financial challenges. We look forward to working closely with them to develop new and innovative sources of support."