OVO introduces £50 million fund to aid UK households with £150 discounts on this date

The energy firm will be working through the Warm Home Discount for winter, which aims to assist customers in immediate need

OVO Energy is set to provide an automatic £150 discount on energy bills for its customers, following the launch of a £50 million fund designed to support customers during the ongoing cost of living crisis. The company is currently processing the Warm Home Discount for winter, aimed at helping those customers in immediate need.

OVO reports that two-thirds (66 per cent) of their 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.

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.

As part of the Extra Support Package, financial assistance is available, including reduced Direct Debits, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans. Notably, OVO's eligibility criteria go beyond the £150 Warm Home Discount, meaning customers who don't qualify for winter fuel payments may still be eligible for OVO's support.

Between now and December, eligible customers will receive a discount notification via government-issued letters.

To qualify, individuals must claim either the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or one of the following benefits:.

• 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" component of pension credit.

David Barclay, Director of the Warm Welcome Campaign, expressed his enthusiasm for 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, Vanessa Northam, expressed her gratitude for the partnership with OVO, stating: "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."