Octopus Energy Expands Support Ahead of Winter Price Cap Rise with Free Home Upgrades

Published: 28 August 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

As the UK braces for the upcoming increase in energy costs, Octopus Energy has announced a major expansion of support for households ahead of the winter price cap rise. With bills expected to rise for millions of families, the energy provider has committed to offering up to £1 million in tailored assistance each month, alongside “free” home upgrades to help customers reduce energy usage and lower costs.

The energy regulator, Ofgem, recently confirmed that the price cap—which limits the maximum charge per unit of energy—will rise by 2% from October 1. For the average dual-fuel household, this translates to an increase in annual energy bills from £1,720 to £1,755. While the rise is modest in percentage terms, many households already facing high energy costs may feel the strain.

Octopus Energy has introduced its Octo Assist Fund to provide practical relief. Through the fund, the company delivers targeted support, including bill credits, standing charge holidays, debt write-offs, and free energy-saving tools. Since its launch during the recent energy crisis, the initiative has distributed over £30 million to more than 80,000 households, demonstrating Octopus’s ongoing commitment to helping vulnerable consumers.

Beyond financial assistance, Octopus is also actively supporting the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which provides energy-saving home improvements such as solar panels, insulation, and heat pumps. As part of this effort, the company has pledged to upgrade up to 1,000 homes entirely free of charge. Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy, said: “We know this winter will be challenging, with bills stubbornly high. Octopus is boosting our support and encouraging people to help friends and family take advantage of home upgrades under the ECO scheme. We are committed to ensuring these upgrades reach those who need them most.”

Octopus emphasizes that support is not limited to its own customers. Eligible households can benefit from the fund even if they are supplied by another provider, as Octopus will manage the entire process, from eligibility checks to installation and aftercare. Households may qualify if they receive government assistance such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, reside in homes built between 1980 and 2022, and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or below.

The company also highlights that broader participation in the ECO scheme benefits the entire system, as the overall cost of energy efficiency programs is spread more evenly, ultimately helping to reduce bills for all consumers. Octopus has made checking eligibility simple, with a five-minute online tool that allows households to determine whether they qualify for support.

As households prepare for a challenging winter, Octopus Energy’s expanded financial and practical assistance represents a significant step in helping British families manage energy costs. By combining direct monetary support with free energy-saving home upgrades, the company aims to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices while promoting long-term efficiency and sustainability.