Whether you’re facing chilly nights or simply looking for smart ways to save on household energy bills, the phrase “Octopus Energy electric blankets” evokes a specific support initiative and a practical energy‑saving tool.
What are “Octopus Energy Electric Blankets”?
At its core, the term refers to an initiative by the UK energy supplier Octopus Energy, which offers free or highly subsidised electric blankets to eligible customers through its support schemes. The blankets come as part of their “heat the person, not the home” strategy: a low‑cost method of keeping warm, rather than running full‑house heating. According to Octopus, using an electric blanket can cost just 2–4 p per hour (in UK terms) compared to several pounds per day to heat an entire home.
Beyond the scheme itself, the term also serves as shorthand for the wider idea that using an electric blanket is a highly energy‑efficient alternative to full home‑heating.
Understanding the Key Concepts
What is an Electric Blanket?
An electric blanket is a textile blanket with built‑in electrical heating wires (or carbon fibre elements in modern versions) that generate radiant or conductive heat when switched on. The blanket is placed over or under the user, and delivers warmth directly to the body or bed surface. The typical power ratings vary depending on size, type (under‑blanket vs throw), and settings.
Because the area warmed is smaller (just the person or bed), rather than the entire room or house, the energy usage tends to be significantly lower. For example, a 100 W blanket used for one hour would use 0.1 kWh of electricity; at a unit rate of ~25p/kWh, that runs to roughly 2.5p per hour in the UK. (Data from running‑cost analyses confirm this general range.)
Who is Octopus Energy and Why Are They Involved?
Octopus Energy is a UK‑based energy supplier and retail business in the renewable/green energy space. They have introduced a support scheme known as “Octo Assist” (and earlier iterations) that offers targeted assistance to vulnerable customers—such as those with mobility or health issues, older people, or those on low incomes. Within that support framework, they have distributed electric blankets free of charge to eligible households and emphasised the significant energy bill savings possible.
According to Octopus press coverage, an analysis of 4,190 participating customers found a bill reduction of ~19% compared with a control group, amounting to about £300 saved per year.
Why Are Electric Blankets a Smart Strategy for Energy Savings?
Focused Warmth vs Whole‑Home Heating: Traditional central heating warms the whole space—even the areas you’re not using. An electric blanket warms you directly, meaning less wastage.
Low Wattage Use: As noted, many electric blankets draw around 40–150 W, much less than space heaters, radiators or whole‑house systems.
Shorter Usage Time: Many people use blankets only during certain hours (evening, bedtime) or in one room, rather than maintaining high heating all day.
Cost Efficiency: With rising energy prices and heightened awareness of fuel poverty, using a blanket as a supplementary measure becomes attractive.
Eligibility Support: For customers in need, suppliers like Octopus are making it easy (or free) to access such technology, reducing barriers.
How the Octopus Energy Electric Blanket Scheme Works
Here’s a step‑by‑step breakdown of how the scheme with Octopus works—and how you can think about equivalent actions even if you’re not with them.
Check eligibility
Octopus runs its electric blanket distributions via its Octo Assist fund. Customers are asked to complete a short online tool or budget assessment that investigates their income, energy usage, vulnerability (mobility, health issues), and existing heating arrangements. Those assessed as most in need are prioritised for the free blankets.
If you’re a customer of another supplier, it’s worth checking whether they offer similar energy‑saving equipment grants or supportive schemes.
Application and award
Once assessed, qualifying customers receive an electric blanket (typically one per household under the scheme) free or heavily subsidised. Octopus has publicised targets like 7,000 blankets distributed in one round, or 10,000 in a later winter.
After award, the installation/use guidance is provided (see Step 4).
Use the blanket according to the advice
Simply receiving the blanket is only half the battle. To maximise savings and safety, users must follow best practice:
Use the blanket as a throw over the body (or underbody, depending on type) rather than relying solely on room heating.
Pre‑warm at a higher setting briefly, then drop down to a medium or low setting for sustained use.
Avoid folding, bunching or blocking the blanket (which can lead to hotspots or safety issues).
Maintain other support measures such as keeping room temperature at a safe baseline (e.g., above ~15 °C) to avoid damp or mould problems.
Turn it off or lower heat when not needed or when leaving the room.
Monitor savings and behaviour
Octopus has stated that in its analysis, customers using the blanket saw reductions of ~10–20% on their energy bills during winter months. For example: “We ran some analysis on customers who got an electric blanket and found that they saved up to 10‑20% on their bills on average in the winter months after getting their blanket. Over a year, that’s a massive £300 saving.”
Monitoring usage (via smart meters or the supplier’s data) helps validate that behaviour changes (less heating time, lower thermostat, more reliance on blanket) are translating to savings.
Review other heating strategies and insulation
An electric blanket is not a silver‑bullet alone. For maximum benefit you should combine it with other energy‑saving actions: draft‑proofing, insulation, lowering thermostat setpoints, using smart meters/tariffs (if available), and ensuring your overall heating system is efficient.
Practical Tips: How To Get The Most Out Of Electric Blankets
Regardless of whether you obtain the blanket via the scheme or purchase one yourself, here are practical tips to maximise comfort, safety and savings.
Choosing the Right Blanket
Look for reputable brands and models that comply with UK safety standards (under‑blanket vs over‑blanket).
Check the wattage: lower wattage means lower running cost (e.g., 60–100 W rather than 150 W+).
Prefer models with timer functions or auto shut‑off, especially if using overnight.
If you have a double bed or share, consider a dual‑control model so each side can have different settings.
Choose the type based on usage:
Under‑blanket (placed on mattress beneath sheet) for overnight bed‑use.
Over‑blanket or throw for living‑room or sofa usage.
Consider materials and washability: detachable controllers, machine‑washable covers, comfort of fabric.
Check compatibility: if you use a memory‑foam mattress or mattress‑topper, verify compatibility with under‑blanket.
Usage Best Practice
Pre‑heat: Switch blanket to high setting for ~5–10 minutes to warm quickly, then reduce to medium or low for steady comfort.
Use as part of a layered approach: wear warm clothes, have a throw, keep ambient room temperature moderate rather than trying to heat the room fully.
Don’t leave a blanket folded or bunched up while switched on—it may cause uneven heating and safety risks.
If you leave the room for extended time, switch it off or set to lowest relevant setting.
For older users or those with mobility issues: ensure controls are within reach and safe usage instructions understood.
Clean and maintain: Follow manufacturer washing instructions (often unplug controller, gentle cycle, no spin).
Check the blanket every few years; older blankets (especially those with visible wire bulges or fraying) may be less safe.
Safety Considerations
Never use a damaged blanket (worn wiring, exposed cables, melted fabric).
Avoid folding or stacking heavy bedding over the blanket when in use.
Keep the connector unobstructed and ideally tucked at the foot of the bed away from pillows or heavy cushions.
Ensure the room has sufficient ventilation and that ambient temperature is maintained above a minimum threshold (to guard against mould/condensation).
If you have medical issues affecting sensitivity to heat (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), use caution and prefer blankets with timers/auto‑cutoff.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test prior to regular overnight use.
Integrating with Your Home Heating Strategy
Use the blanket in the evening or night when you’re in bed or sitting still; this is when body heating support is most helpful.
Lower the thermostat for your central heating system when using the blanket (for example, reduce by 1–2 °C) and keep radiators off in rooms you’re not using.
Combine with insulation and draft‑proofing: the less heat escaping from your house, the more effective your blanket will feel (and you may even reduce overall heating usage).
If you have a smart tariff or time‑of‑use meter—use the blanket during cheaper off‑peak electricity hours if available.
Use the blanket as part of a zoned heating or targeted warmth strategy: warm the person, not the whole home, especially if you live alone or spend long periods in one room.
Real‑World Example
Imagine Mrs Brown, a pensioner living alone. Her central heating is set at 19 °C overnight and 21 °C during the day. She qualifies for the Octopus blanket scheme. She receives an under‑blanket with timer and uses it from 10 pm to 6 am at medium setting. Because the blanket keeps her warm in bed, she lowers her thermostat to 17 °C overnight instead of 19 °C. Over the winter months, her electric blanket runs at ~0.1 kWh for ~8 hours per night = ~0.8 kWh/day. At ~25p/kWh, that’s ~20p/day.
Meanwhile, she sets her central heating at 17 °C rather than 19 °C overnight—over the season she estimates saving ~£70–£100 on heating, and the blanket was effectively free through the scheme. She combines this with closing unused rooms, draft‑proofing the window behind her bed, and wearing a light fleece at night. Result: warmer nights and lower bills.
Recent Trends (as of 2025)
Energy Cost Awareness and Fuel Poverty
With energy prices remaining high and inflation placing pressure on household budgets, schemes like electric blanket distributions are gaining attention. For example, Octopus’s recent blog indicates that their electric blanket programme is positioned as part of their support for vulnerable customers, citing typical savings of £300 per year.
Many energy suppliers and third‑party initiatives now highlight “heat the body, not the home” strategies as valid, low‑cost interventions.
Wider Adoption of Support Schemes by Suppliers
Energy suppliers are increasingly offering smart tools, grants and physical devices (electric blankets, smart plugs, insulation) to assist customers. A news article from late 2025 noted that Octopus and another major supplier were distributing tens of thousands of electric blankets to eligible customers facing hardship.
This reflects a trend where energy firms recognise device subsidies as part of their social responsibility and customer‑support portfolios.
Integration with Smart Home / Smart Meter Systems
As the rollout of smart meters expands and tariffs become more dynamic (time‑of‑use, variable pricing), electric blankets are being incorporated into the broader “smart home warmth” ecosystem. Users can coordinate blanket usage with cheaper energy hours, and monitor usage via apps.
Additionally, as more households adopt partial solar/battery systems, using low‑wattage devices like blankets becomes a way to optimise self‑consumption and reduce reliance on grid imports.
Emphasis on Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint
With national targets for decarbonisation and more consumers conscious of their footprints, using an electric blanket (which targets personal warmth) aligns with the notion of “less heat wasted” and smaller energy demand. This is not only cost‑saving but supports a greener lifestyle.
Energy advisors increasingly recommend that improving insulation and using targeted heating devices may have higher return on investment than simply increasing thermostat settings.
Evolving Product Features and Safety Standards
Electric blankets continue to improve in materials, wiring technology (e.g., carbon fibre heating elements), control features (timers, auto‑shut off, dual controls), safety certifications and washability. Running cost analyses in 2025 show that typical blankets use only 0.08 kWh per hour and cost ~3‑4 p under typical UK rates.
Manufacturers also emphasise compatibility with mattresses, throw sizes, and ensure features such as low‑voltage elements and better consumer controls.
Who Benefits Most from the Electric Blanket Strategy?
Vulnerable or High‑Risk Households
Elderly people, people with mobility issues or chronic illnesses, who spend long periods in bed or one room.
Those on low incomes or fixed budgets who are highly sensitive to energy cost increases.
Residents of homes with poor insulation or draft issues where full home heating is inefficient.
Persons Who Live or Sleep in a Single Room
If you are in a one‑bed flat or spend most time in a living room, using a blanket in your primary occupied space can avoid heating the whole flat unnecessarily.
People Seeking Behavioural Change and Cost Savings
Individuals motivated to reduce their heating bills can use an electric blanket as part of a broader strategy: reduce thermostat settings, zone heating, upgrade insulation, monitor consumption.
Early Adopters of Smart / Time‑of‑Use Tariffs
If you are on a tariff with lower overnight or off‑peak rates, an electric blanket can allow you to shift more of your warmth into cheaper hours.
Limitations And Things To Watch
While the benefits are significant, electric blankets are not a complete substitute for home heating in all cases—there are caveats:
Blankets only heat the person/bed: They don’t raise room air temperature significantly, so if your room is very cold (below ~10 °C) you may feel cold in areas not covered.
Not appropriate as sole heat source in very cold or large spaces: If you have a poorly‑insulated house, high ceilings or multiple cold rooms, you might still need central heating.
Safety and suitability concerns: Older blankets (pre‑2001 wiring) may be riskier; children under five, certain medical conditions may mean extra caution; always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Behavioural shift required: To realise savings you must adjust behaviour – e.g., reduce thermostat, limit heating time, use the blanket effectively. Without behaviour change you may not save much.
Product quality matters: A poorly performing blanket (no timers, high wattage, no dual controls) may cost more and be less comfortable.
Ambient conditions matter: If the room remains cold or has humidity/damp issues, warming only your body may mask other issues (e.g., mould risk in cold corners).
Limited scheme availability: Free blankets via supplier schemes are only available to qualifying customers; other households may need to purchase their own blanket.
Step‑By‑Step Guide: How You Can Use This Strategy (Even If You Are Not With Octopus)
If you live in the UK (or elsewhere) and want to apply the “electric blanket as personal heating” strategy, here’s a step‑by‑step guide:
Audit Your Room & Heating Situation
Identify the main room(s) you use in the evening or overnight (e.g., bedroom, living room).
Check insulation, draughts, radiator usage, ambient temperature.
Note your current heating settings: thermostat, hours of heating, cost of electricity/gas.
Choose / Buy an Electric Blanket
Select a decent quality electric blanket (under‑blanket, throw or over‑blanket) with good safety features, timer, dual control if needed.
Check its wattage (aim for something like 60‑100 W rather than high‑wattage).
Set aside budget: many start at ~£40‑£60 in UK; higher quality may cost more.
Integrate Blanket Use into Your Heating Routine
Use the blanket during the hours you are in bed or sitting still (e.g., from 10 pm to 6 am).
Pre‑heat for ~5–10 minutes at a higher setting, then reduce to low/medium.
While the blanket is on, reduce the ambient room thermostat by ~1–2 °C (provided you are comfortable).
Turn off or lower blanket when you leave the room or do not remain still (e.g., if you go to sofa or move around).
Monitor Usage & Cost Savings
Use smart meter or your supplier portal to track consumption before and after implementing the blanket strategy.
Compare heating costs (electricity/gas) in the period before vs after.
Check comfort: Are you warmer in bed? Are you using less radiators/heating time?
Combine with Other Efficiency Measures
Draught‑proof windows and doors (especially room you use).
Use thicker curtains at night, rugs on cold floors, ensure doors to unused rooms are closed.
If you have a time‑of‑use tariff, shift usage of the blanket or other devices into cheaper hours.
Maintain your central heating system: bleed radiators, service boiler if applicable, use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs).
Insulate attic, walls or pipes if relevant: the less overall house heat you lose, the more the blanket strategy pays off.
Review After One Winter
At end of winter, review your bill savings, comfort levels and whether you felt any side‑effects (e.g., mould/damp).
Decide whether you will continue the blanket strategy, upgrade to a dual‑control blanket, or adjust your heating routines further.
Real‑Life Examples and Testimonials
Octopus Energy’s statement: The company found that customers who received a free blanket reduced their energy bills by ~19% compared to a control group, translating to roughly £300 per year. They documented that a typical under‑blanket used 2–4 p per hour, compared to ~£4 per day just to heat a home.
User commentary (Reddit): One user wrote:
“A typical heated throw will use 50‑100 W of energy per hour or 2.5‑5c. So a 90‑95% saving.”
This anecdote highlights how many consumers found that by using a blanket, they could reduce reliance on room heating.
Numerical cost‑analysis: One UK guide estimated a 100 W electric blanket used for eight hours a day costs ~£0.20 per day (based on ~£6/month) – far lower than central heating which can cost £1–£2+ per hour to run.
FAQs
What is the exact cost to run an electric blanket?
It depends on the wattage of the blanket and the electricity rate, but typical values in the UK in 2025 indicate that an electric blanket using ~80–100 W for one hour costs around 2–3 p. For example, a blanket consuming 0.1 kWh (100 W for one hour) at 25p/kWh = ~2.5 p per hour. Some guides show usage of 8 h/night at ~21 p/day (~£6/month) for a 100 W blanket.
However, if you leave a high‑wattage blanket on all night or run it multiple rooms it could cost more.
So while the cost is very low compared to whole‑house heating, you should still monitor use.
How much money can I save by using an electric blanket?
Savings vary depending on your heating regime, insulation, usage habits and baseline heating cost. As an example, Octopus Energy found ~19% average bill reduction (for participating customers) – roughly £300/year. For an individual household: if you reduce your central heating thermostat by 1–2 °C at night and rely more on a blanket, you might save tens to hundreds of pounds per year depending on your previous heating usage. The key is reducing whole‑home heating while maintaining comfort with the blanket.
Is it safe to leave an electric blanket on overnight?
Yes, provided you use one that meets current safety standards, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, avoid damaged wiring, do not bunch or fold the blanket, ensure auto‑shut‑off or timer function where available, and confirm you are comfortable with the ambient room temperature. Older blankets (especially pre‑2001) may be less safe; always inspect the wiring. If you have a medical condition that affects temperature sensitivity, use with caution and preferably with supervision.
Can I qualify for a free electric blanket through Octopus Energy?
Yes—if you are a customer of Octopus Energy and you qualify under their Octo Assist fund (or equivalent) as being vulnerable, on a low income, or facing difficulty with heating bills, you may apply for a free electric blanket. The scheme is targeted (one blanket per household) and subject to prioritisation. If you do not qualify with Octopus, check whether your own energy supplier or local government offers a similar scheme.
Does using an electric blanket replace my central heating?
Not entirely. An electric blanket is best viewed as a supplement or targeted heating solution rather than a full replacement for central heating. It warms you or your bed directly, so you can reduce (but likely not eliminate) central heating usage in certain rooms or at certain times (especially night or when you are stationary). For very cold houses, poor insulation, multiple rooms or for family households, central heating will still be needed. Combining both strategies yields optimal savings and comfort.
Final Thoughts
The term “Octopus Energy electric blankets” encapsulates both a specific, generous support initiative offered by a UK energy supplier and the broader concept of using electric blankets as a cost‑effective way to stay warm. As energy costs remain high and consumers search for smarter ways to heat their homes, such targeted solutions make considerable sense. Whether you secure a free blanket through a scheme like Octopus’s, or purchase one yourself, the key is coupling that blanket with behavioural changes: lowering thermostat settings, improving insulation, using timers, and focusing warmth where you need it most.
Electric blankets won’t replace the need for good insulation or efficient heating systems—but they can play a valuable role in reducing energy consumption and costs, especially during the colder months. With typical running costs of just a few pence per hour, the return on comfort and savings can be significant. If you are eligible for a support scheme, it’s well worth exploring—and if not, the concept can still serve you well as part of a broader energy‑saving strategy. Stay warm, smart and efficient.
For more insightful reads, explore related topics:
Octopus Energy Ofgem Compensation: What You Need to Know
M61 Crash: Everything You Need to Know
Universal Credit Payment Dates Bank Holiday
To read more, Birminghamjournal
