The energy firm’s ‘Extra Support Package’ comes as a rise in the energy price cap sees typical energy bills go up by £149 per year.
Since 2022, Ovo has provided £140m worth of customer support. Over the past year, the company has supported more than 200,000 customers through its customer support package.
The energy firm’s package offers increased support over winter to provide eligible customers with financial support and energy-efficiency products to help them through the colder months.
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 that there is strong support for the introduction of a social tariff to protect those who cannot afford to heat their homes through the sustained period of high prices to come.
The social tariff would be targeted at customers who are most financially vulnerable, with the aim of preventing and reducing increasing levels of fuel poverty throughout the UK.
Three-quarters (76%) of those questioned by the energy firm believed it would positively impact the most vulnerable households.
What does Ovo’s support package include?
- 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 such as loft insulation, new boilers, and heat pumps.
- Financial support including direct debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans.
- New partnerships and increased financial relief for customers alongside help for organisations including Warm Welcome Campaign and StepChange.
- Support for pensioners. Ovo’s eligibility goes above and beyond 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.
