Yahoo News OVO launches £150 energy discount this winter amid cost of living crisis
OVO Energy is set to provide an automatic £150 discount on energy bills for its customers, following the launch of a £50 million fund amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis. The company is currently processing the Warm Home Discount for winter, which is designed to help those customers in immediate need.
OVO has revealed that two-thirds (66 per cent) of its customers are more concerned about their bills compared to last year. The energy firm, which competes with British Gas, Octopus, EON, EDF and others, continues to call on the Government to introduce a social tariff to protect 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.
READ MORE:New DWP update on plans to swap PIP cash payments for vouchers as part of welfare reform
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 stand to benefit from a full installation package at no cost, as part of OVO's Extra Support Package. This initiative also includes financial aid such as Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and more flexible repayment options, reports Lancs Live.
OVO's eligibility criteria exceed those of the Warm Home Discount scheme, which offers a £150 subsidy, ensuring that even those who miss out on winter fuel payments could still receive assistance from OVO.
From now until December, eligible customers will be notified of their discount via letters sent by the government. To be eligible, individuals must be claiming either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or another qualifying benefit from the list provided.
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."
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below
