Nine energy freebies and help available to help cut winter bills - full list

Falling temperatures and rising prices can mean a worrying time for families but there is potentially thousands of pounds of help available - here's a full list

As winter approaches many of us are already starting to feel the cold with the temptation to put on the heating. But with rising costs it can be something that is not an option, especially for those on a low income.

Rather than switching on the heater and using pricy energy people are often having to turn to wrapping up in extra blankets to keep the costs down. And while it is still likely to be expensive there are several things available to help cut the cost.

From free electric blankets and boilers to grants and benefits, all are designed to help make keeping warm in winter more affordable. Here is a full list of what is available and how to apply.

Free electric blankets, throws and mattress toppers

Ovo and Octopus energy are both offering people help with keeping warm by giving away free electric blankets and other warming items to some customers. Octopus Energy is preparing to distribute 20,000 blankets to its most at-risk customers.

Meanwhile Ovo has launched its £50m Extra Support Package which includes free electric throws, mattress toppers and home efficiency kits. Other help available through the package includes financial support such as payment holidays for prepayment customers so that every penny put on the meter will go towards heating, not paying back debt this winter. OVO is also keeping emergency credit at the increased amount of £15.

Free boilers, loft insulation and heat pumps

People could receive a wide range of energy-saving measures installed through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4). This includes items such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or even a new boiler to a new boiler. Even high-end tech like heat pumps can be included. Eligible customers could get a whole package installed, all for free.

There are more than a dozen firms signed up to the scheme which offers help on an individual basis. The firms taking part are:

• British Gas
• E (Gas and Electricity) Ltd
• E.ON
• Ecotricity
• EDF
• Octopus Energy
• Outfox the Market
• OVO
• Scottish Power
• Shell Energy
• So Energy (including ESB Energy)
• The Utility Warehouse
• Utilita Energy

The ECO scheme supports energy efficiency measures in the homes of those considered to be in fuel poverty. If you’re a homeowner or tenant you can find out more in the Ofgem homeowners and tenants section.

Free solar panels

People on low incomes might be able to get help with installing solar panels depending on where they live. Some local authorities will offer money towards energy-saving measures including grants to add solar panels saving around £6,000.

To qualify in most areas people need to have a total income of less than £30,000 and their homes must have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. Contact your local council to find out if they are offering any help.

Free showerheads and water-saving devices

A number of water firms offer people help with water-saving devices which can save money on both water usage and on heating things like the shower. Many offer regulated shower heads worth around £20 free of charge while others have a variety of water-saving devices.

The free showerheads are available from the Save Water Save Money website and it will let you know if they are available in your area. Not all water companies do provide them however many have other money and water-saving offers. Northumbria Water for example does not have showerheads but has a whole host of gadgets available including help for the garden, bathroom and toilet.

Visit your water company's website for full details of what they offer.

Household support Fund

Household Support Fund is a pot of £421m cash which has been shared between local authorities across England. The individual councils make their own decisions on how to spend their share but often use it to help people on low income or benefits.

Councils have until March 31, 2025, to hand out their share of the fund. Contact your local council to see what they are using their share of the money on.

This could be anything from energy vouchers to cash paid into your bank. Others use the money to give shopping vouchers to low-income families or allocate funds to charities helping those in need.

Energy grants

Many energy firms have a fund to pay grants to people struggling with the cost of living. Ovo Energy, E,ON and Scottish Power are among those which run schemes offering money off bills. British Gas customers might qualify for grants of up to £2,000. You need to contact your supplier to ask what they are offering.

Cold Weather Payment

The Cold Weather Payment, which comes into operation in November, is made to help people on low incomes meet the cost of heating their homes when temperatures plummet. You might get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.

Those who are eligible will get these payments automatically and do not need to apply, however you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under 5 comes to live with you. The payments do not affect your other benefits.

You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.

Winter Fuel Payment

While millions of people are no longer entitled to this after the Labour government decided to means-test it there are still millions of people who will qualify. Under the Winter Fuel Payment those born before 23 September 1958 could get either £200 or £300 to help with heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025.

You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits - but primarily this is Pension Credit. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

Most eligible people are paid in November or December. Those eligible will have been due to one of the following benefits during the qualifying week which was September 16-22, 2024.

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

Warm Home Discount

Millions of people across England, Scotland and Wales can get £150 off their electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill, usually between October and March. The money is not paid to you.

You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. You only need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland - contact your energy supplier to apply. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.