The CEO of Octopus Energy, Greg Jackson, is calling for more support for pensioners who are set to lose £300 due to the reduction of the Winter Fuel Payment. He also urged for fellow energy suppliers to be supportive.
What has Happened to the Winter Fuel Payment?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced cutting the Winter Fuel Payment for many of the country’s pensioners. It has been stated that this decision was difficult for the Government to make but was ‘necessary’ due to a £22 billion black hole in the UK’s finances discovered this year.
Octopus Energy and the Winter Fuel Payment
Greg Jackson explained:
We all know there were some people receiving the Winter Fuel Allowance who didn’t need it – that costs everyone else money.”
He also suggests that the other big energy suppliers like British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, etc. could also help:
In these transition periods, it’s easy for people to kick and scream. Alternatively, companies and others can say: ‘How do we make this work in a way that is best for Britain and, in our case, best for our customers?’”
What are Octopus Energy Doing to Help?
Last month, Octopus Energy announced that it will carry on with its £30 million assistance into this winter for those pensioners not able to qualify for state support.
Octopus also offers other initiatives such as:
- Electric Blankets: Free electric blankets are offered to customers which can lead to an average saving of £150 per household in the winter. Over 60,000 have been sent out so far!
- Thermal Imaging Cameras: This technology has been loaned to customers living in draughty homes to help spot-fix holes and gaps to save on energy bills.
- Energy Helpers: Friendly experts visited over 300,000 customers to provide in-person savings advice on their energy bills as well as account help.
- Saving Sessions: This has helped over 2 million customers save money by using less energy during peak times – with £10 million in savings paid out to date!
It has been advised that the government keeps a keen eye on the impact that the reduction of the policy will have; especially if the end of this year sees a particularly harsh winter, it should also be ready to if support is required.
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