Energy firm apologises for advising customers to cuddle pets to keep warm and save on bills

An energy supplier that advised customers to "cuddle with your pets" to keep warm has apologised after its list of 10 tips for saving on energy bills was branded "offensive" by an MP.

Ovo Energy, Britain's third largest energy supplier, last week emailed customers with a list of 10 "simple and cost-effective ways to keep warm this winter” as heating bills rise, the Financial Times reports.

Customers were advised to cuddle their pets to save on heating bills, among other tips, including “challenging the kids to a hula hoop competition”, “doing star jumps”, and “cleaning the house”.

Read more: 100 Downing Street staff invited to boozy Number 10 garden party during first lockdown

Bristol North West MP and chairman of the Business Select Committee Darren Jones branded Ovo Energy’s tips “offensive” and called on the company to apologise.

He tweeted: “I’m not sure who signed off a marketing campaign telling people to wear a jumper and eat porridge instead of turning on the heating if you can’t afford it.”

Ovo has since apologised for the tips, telling the FT: “We understand how difficult the situation will be for many of our customers this year.

“We are working hard to find meaningful solutions as we approach this energy crisis, and we recognise that the content of this blog was poorly judged and unhelpful. We are embarrassed and sincerely apologise.”

An increase in wholesale gas prices led to higher bills late in 2021 and further hikes are expected from April 2022, with some households expected to pay 50% more for their energy due to the price cap rising. According to Investec, the £1,277 price cap - which is already a record - could jump to £1,995.

Trade body Energy UK’s chief executive, Emma Pinchbeck, said last month that the Government could cut each household bill by £90 by slashing taxes or VAT.

Meanwhile, bills could be cut by a further £190 by bringing forward proposals on removing policy costs.

For a North East politics and regional affairs digest direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to the free Northern Agenda newsletter