Energy provider OVO has launched a support package totalling nearly £40million to help vulnerable customers struggling with bills this winter.

The scheme opened on October 30 and provides eligible customers with financial support and energy-efficiency devices to support them through the colder months.

The package includes access to over a million pounds worth of free energy-saving products to help households stay warm and reduce their energy consumption.

Items available include electric blankets and mattress toppers, LED bulbs and SMART sockets, as well as free boiler servicing.

The energy provider is also offering payment support and emergency top-up credit, or temporary payment reductions, to eligible customers. OVO said it also has a “continued commitment” to halt all pre-payment meter warrant activity until March 2024.

Additionally, OVO announced it will give £500,000 to key charities on the frontline of the cost of living crisis, including StepChange and Money Advice Trust.

Raman Bhatia, CEO of OVO, said: “We have a responsibility as an industry to address the challenge households face right now. Our £40million support package provides help to those who need it most this winter.”

How to apply for OVO’s support package

OVO's Customer Support Package is available to OVO and Boost customers.

In order to complete an application, OVO said customers will need certain information to hand, such as:

• Monthly disposable income - online tools can help work this out
• People may also need to provide up-to-date meter readings.

A statement on its website reads: “We can only accept your first application so please make sure all the information you enter is accurate.”

People can apply for the OVO’s support here.

OVO is also calling on the Government to introduce new measures to help vulnerable Britons this winter.

Mr Bhatia said: “There’s more to do. We continue to campaign for long-term, sustainable support for all UK households, including a social tariff for the most vulnerable and the abolition of the standing charge for all.”

OVO is calling on the Government to remove the standing charge, which is a fixed amount of money people must pay regardless of how much energy is used, for households who need the most support this winter.

The standing charge increased in October, however, OVO said it has not passed this on to customers and is instead calling to scrap the charge entirely for vulnerable customers.