Octopus Energy free electric blanket scheme 2026 confirmed: who qualifies and how to apply

Octopus Energy free electric blanket scheme 2026 confirmed: who qualifies and how to apply UK energy firm Octopus has confirmed it is once again giving away electric blankets to customers in need Energy supplier Octopus has confirmed that it is distributing free electric blankets to customers in need once more. The company updated details of the initiative on October 20, saying that it exists "to support customers most in need, particularly people with really specific vulnerabilities and medical needs". The firm explained it would be "prioritising those customers" and encouraged anyone able to purchase their own blanket to do so. According to its research, the blankets typically cost around £50 but could save an average household approximately £300 when compared to running the heating continuously. Describing the origins of the scheme, Octopus explained: "One of our boffins realised that some customers were paying to heat their entire homes, even if they lived alone. He did some calculations and found out that where heating a whole home cost about £4 a day, an energy -efficient electric blanket could heat a person for just 2-4p an hour. "This means an electric blanket is a vastly more cost-effective way to stay warm: particularly for people with mobility issues, for example, and those who spend a lot of time in one spot. Or those with medical issues that mean they feel the cold more, or are more prone to illness." The company stressed that contemporary electric blankets, when used in line with manufacturer guidelines, are "safe and energy efficient". How the Octopus Energy free electric blanket scheme works Octopus revealed it leverages its buying power to purchase tens of thousands of blankets and distribute them free of charge to customers identified as those who would "benefit most when they fill in our financial assistance tool". As of August 2026, the company said it had distributed more than 110,000. The energy supplier explained: "We've been really trying to target people who need a blanket most: so we haven't offered one to every customer and we've tried to keep it to one per home so that we can support as many people as possible. We've run some analysis on customers who got an electric blanket and found that they saved up to 10-20% on their bills on average in the winter months after getting their blanket. Over a year, that's a massive £300 saving." Who qualifies for a free electric blanket from Octopus Energy The firm said: "We need to prioritise customers who'll benefit most: the elderly and those with mobility issues or other medical conditions that mean they're more impacted by the cold. These blankets start at around £40 and can save you £300 or more, so they're really worth the investment. If you can consider buying one yourself, please do – there might be someone else out there who truly can't afford to buy one. We are offering electric blankets to the most vulnerable homes. It is one electric blanket per household; this is so we can help as many people as possible." How to request a free electric blanket from Octopus Energy Octopus said that the initial step is to submit an application to the Octo Assist fund. The applicant's account and details provided will be reviewed, with a decision expected within approximately one week. Octopus Energy guidance for maximising your electric blanket's performance The energy supplier advised using the blanket as a throw draped over your body to maintain warmth, instead of positioning it as a mattress topper. It recommended heating the blanket on the highest setting for several minutes before reducing it to a medium setting for extended periods. Users should avoid folding the blanket, as this could compromise its heating capabilities, according to the firm. The blanket operates differently from a heated mattress topper, meaning the warmth may feel 'patchy' when touched, but it functions by generating a halo of heat surrounding you and is performing effectively. The connector should be positioned at the feet and kept clear to prevent overheating. Children must not be left unsupervised while using the blanket. Octopus also directed people towards the London Fire Brigade guidance on blanket safety, noting that to avoid mould growth, it's advised to maintain home temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. The blankets are not suitable for children under five years of age.