£50 million Extra Support Package for energy costs

New polling from OVO shows that 80% of people are worried about their bills this winter, with two-thirds (66%) reporting that they are more concerned than last year. The research also shows strong support for introducing a social tariff, with just over three-quarters (76%) of people believing it would positively impact the most vulnerable households.

To assist its customers this winter OVO has launched what it describes as a comprehensive Extra Support Package totalling £50m.

Over the past year, OVO has supported over 200,000 customers through its previous customer support package.

Though the new package will be available for customers to tap into all year round there will be increased support over winter providing eligible customers with both financial support and energy-efficient products to help them through the cold months.

David Buttress, CEO of OVO, said: “We know it’s on us to ensure our customers are supported through the winter months, and that’s why our winter support scheme is bigger than ever this year with £ 50 million of funds.

“But this isn’t a long-term solution. We need to make the energy system work better for everyone, and that starts with targeted support in the form of a social tariff so we’re not plugging the gaps – no one can be, or no one needs to be left behind.”

According to OVO, this £50m package is being offered to those who need extra support and meet certain eligibility criteria and includes the following:

• Payment holidays for all 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 energy-saving products including electric throws, mattress toppers, and home efficiency kits.
• Energy efficiency upgrades: Customers could receive a wide range 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 get a whole package installed, all for free.
• Financial support including Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans.
• New partnerships, increased financial relief for customers, and help for organisations including Warm Welcome Campaign and StepChange.
• Support for pensioners: OVO’s eligibility goes above and beyond the Warm Home Discount, meaning customers missing out on winter fuel payments may still be eligible for support from OVO.
• Dedicated support for customers in the most financial difficulty from a specialist team.

Applications for the latest package support open on 1 October 2024.

David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director, states: “The Warm Welcome Campaign is delighted to partner with OVO to ensure 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, ensuring everyone gets a Warm Welcome this winter.”

OVO is also providing support to the following charities as well:

• StepChange
• Money Advice Trust
• Scope
• National Energy Action
• National Support Network
• Business In The Community
• Charis
• Samaritans
• The Wise Group
• Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
• Income Max

Adds Vanessa Northam, Head of Charity Development: “We continue to appreciate the support and collaboration we have with OVO. The OVO Extra Support demonstrates their ongoing 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.”