Can energy providers help us stay warm this winter?
It’s early January and it’s cold here in the UK. Nothing compared to other parts of the world, but we struggle with dealing with it because we have to be prepared for all sorts of weather. Only a few months ago we were wilting under higher than normal temperatures, followed by weeks of downpours.
So here we are, with early morning frosts that last all day, and a chill in the bones that’s hard to shake off, even in the house. I think my desk is in the coldest spot it could be, added to which my advancing years do seem to mean that I feel the cold far more than I ever have before.
So on a practical and less self-sorry note, what can we do to feel warmer, especially if we’re retired and on a limited budget?
Ask the energy providers
It may feel counterintuitive but many providers offer advice on cutting energy use in cold weather.
British Gas
British Gas offers a winter warm home checklist with simple tips like
- Putting foil covered card behind radiators
- Using pipe lagging to stop pipes freezing
- Leaving the oven door open while it cools
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy offers a winter energy tips page with similar practical ways to cut energy bills and help heat your home efficiently (eg controlling thermostat, stopping draughts, improving insulation).
Octopus also offers an Assist Fund providing devices like thermal cameras and electric blankets to help vulnerable customers stay warm.
E.ON Next
E.ON’s website includes energy-saving advice that complements other advice from energy providers, including lowering thermostats, using draught excluders, radiator efficiency, insulation tips, efficient lighting and appliance use.
OVO Energy
OVO Energy offers:
- Energy-saving and winter support via customer packages like the OVO Extra Support Package, including free heated throws and smart sockets for eligible customers
- OVO Beyond app and customer support resources also provide personalised advice.
Other suppliers linked to Winter Support schemes
Energy suppliers participating in government-linked schemes (like the Warm Home Discount) also typically provide guidance on staying warm and saving energy. These include
- EDF
- Good Energy
- Utilita
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy
For these, you’ll often find warm home advice, support schemes and energy saving tips on their Help, Support, Winter Advice or Customer Assistance web pages.
Centralised GOV.UK and third-party resources
Even if a provider doesn’t publish bespoke tips, most link or refer customers to:
- GOV.UK winter energy efficiency advice and support (e.g., grants, EPC info)
- GOV.UK Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment guidance with eligibility details.
GOV.UK’s Warm Home Discount scheme page lists participating suppliers – useful if you want to check if your provider is offering both financial and practical winter advice.
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