“It doesn’t feel like five years ago, in some ways that feels like another life".
04.04.2022 - 12:49 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
An energy supplier has announced it is giving away free electric blankets to help customers keep warm amid record-high gas and electric bills.
Octopus Energy will be handing out 5,000 blankets to those in need as the cost of living crisis affects nearly all households across the UK. According to Uswitch, it would cost 28p to use an electric blanket for an hour a night - over a week, this would cost someone £1.96.
Heating a blanket for one or two people should prove more energy-efficient than attempting to heat an entire room or house and could help reduce the cost of gas and electricity. Octopus had 5,000 blankets available and warned that "stocks are very low", Hull Live reports.
Read more: Warning to anyone buying stamps today as price goes up
In order to receive their free blanket, customers can use the company's online assistance tool which can also provide help and tips for any other energy-related question someone may have. The blankets will be prioritised for those who are in the most financial need and will vary depending on how many Octopus has last.
Household bills have soared for millions across the UK at the start of this month, with a national insurance tax hike, record-high fuel costs and soaring inflation. But one of the most concerning aspects of the cost of living crisis is the increased price cap on energy bills which saw regulator OFGEM raise the cap to £1,971 from April 1.
It means the average household energy bill in the UK will go up by nearly £700 annually while experts have warned millions will be forced into poverty.
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“It doesn’t feel like five years ago, in some ways that feels like another life".
Energy bosses have warned there will be a "significantly larger number of people moving into fuel poverty" this winter, as price rises continue to bite.
This Morning viewers were left unimpressed minutes into the latest edition of the show as hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield chatted about ITV's latest drama, The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe.
New data analysed by Opinium has discovered that the recent energy price cap rise is affecting the finances of the younger generation more than any other.
A talented teacher is being dubbed the next Susan Boyle after his jaw-dropping performance on “Britain’s Got Talent”.
Mo Farah accidentally set off viewers' Alexa devices as he said 'Hey, Siri' during Tuesday night's episode of Celebrity Bake Off. The Olympic runner, 39, appeared on the Channel 4 show where the celebrities were tasked with making Italian biscuits for the technical challenge. During the task, a manic Mo was seen running around the tent trying to find out how long it took for his biscuits to bake and as if to set a timer, he jokingly said: 'Siri, can you help me out please.
The UK’s leading fraud prevention service, Cifas, has issued a scam warning to gas and electricity customers following numerous reports from energy suppliers that many pre-payment account holders have been offered discounted prices by criminals, which could in fact lead to even higher bills.
West Dunbartonshire’s MP has slammed the UK Government for “abandoning” local families as rocketing energy price hikes take effect.
Households across the UK have seen their energy bills soar following the recent price increase on 1 April. It was revealed last month that the Ofgem price cap will rise from £1,277 up to £1,971 – meaning the average energy bill will see an increase of around £700 a year. Most energy firms are increasing their standard tariffs to the maximum allowed by the cap, meaning millions of Brits are now left paying considerably more each month.
Paul Hollywood invoked the wrath of the celebs on Celebrity Bake Off after he was caught giving Matt Lucas a helping hand. The absolute scandal of it. Little Britain star Matt, who usually hosts the baking show with Noel Fielding, stepped up to compete as a baker for this year’s series in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
Submitting meter readings, normally a straightforward task, became a dilemma after several energy websites crashed.
Sky Ferreira has (finally) hinted that her long-awaited return with new music is on the horizon.
Brits are facing higher bills this month as the cost of living crisis rumbles on. A number of changes that will affect your wallet come into force this month - and several with impact your finances from today.
Energy regulator Ofgem has issued advice to consumers who are experiencing issues with submitting their meter readings. It comes just a day before energy bills are set to skyrocket due to an increase in the energy cap for suppliers.
Martin Lewis' frustration was clear to see as he appeared on This Morning on Thursday. It comes after a heavy TV and radio presence from the Money Saving Expert founder ahead of energy prices rocketing on Friday (April 1).
Energy company E.On has blamed the Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis for the industry-wide website crashes that are occurring ahead of the energy price cap increase tomorrow. E.On's said on Twitter that 'Martin has once again created unprecedented demand bringing down Britain'.'
Energy providers are struggling to keep up with the demand from Scots eager to log meter readings ahead of a 54% rise in the energy price cap.