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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
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Katie Williams

Ovo Energy launches £50mil support package to customers as energy price cap rises

As energy bills are set to soar again, OVO Energy has confirmed a new £50million support package to help its customers this winter.

From October 1, the energy firm's new Customer Support Package will open, with an aim to “help customers with a real and immediate need.”

The new scheme has been set up who needs it most and will include an increase from £5 to £15 in emergency credit for prepayment meter users who can't top up in time.

READ MORE- Edinburgh households urged to act now or risk losing £5,000 in energy saving improvements

Along with that there is also a 'payment holiday' for prepayment meter customers who are in energy debt. This means that if you're paying debt back on your prepayment meter, any further payments will be paused over winter, allowing any top-ups to go towards the energy you actually use.

However, this is just a 'holiday' so it doesn't mean debt is wiped out, it just means you will pay it back at a later date. This comes as the average increase for the yearly energy bill for those with prepayment meter will go from £2,017 to £3,608 on October 1.

Ovo will also offer free energy saving products such as thermostats and electric blankets for those most vulnerable, as well free boiler servicing.

Those on the Customer Support Package will also have access to finding for Ovo's hardship scheme, which is currently closed and there will be additional support for those paying by Direct Debit or receipt of a bill.

Ovo will offer to reduce your payments by 15 per cent to give you breathing room, while those who pay on receipt of bill will be able to create a repayment plan over 36 months.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder of OVO said: “The stakes are high but the scale of ambition needs to be higher. With the new Prime Minister due to arrive next week, there isn't a moment to waste to find a way out of this crisis.

“Important and difficult decisions need to be made quickly. Some of these will need to take immediate effect, some in the months and years ahead. But we must start now.

“At OVO, we will continue to play an active role in proposing solutions, and putting our customers’ interests at the heart of the response.

“With fresh thinking, new leadership and bold action, it is still possible to keep everyone in Britain warm this winter.”

This comes after energy regulator Ofgem announced the price cap will be rising by 80 per cent, pushing the average yearly Direct Debit bill to £3549. While there are cost of living payments being handed out, experts warn it is not enough.

Meanwhile the UK Government have said nothing more will be done until a new Prime Minister is in office.

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