(Bloomberg) -- With natural gas prices in the U.K. soaring, one energy supplier is giving away free electric blankets to customers in an attempt to help people stay warm.
Octopus Energy Ltd. has been giving away the plug-in blankets to customers in financial hardship, according to the company's responses to messages on its Twitter account over the past few days.
On Friday, Britain's energy price cap jumped 54%, contributing to the worst squeeze on living standards in at least six decades. The government has pledged 9 billion pounds ($12 billion) of support, but energy poverty campaigners say it's not enough to stop the number of fuel-poor households doubling to 5 million.
The electric blankets could help people stay warm without needing to heat their entire home. One customer on Twitter said they hadn't turned on the heating this winter because of rising prices.
A spokesman for Octopus said 4,000 had been given away so far to people who qualify under their financial assessment program. Customers need to fill out an online form to get help. He said they'll assess the project ahead of the utility's planning for next winter.
The company said it has also taken other steps to help customers, including lending infrared cameras to help people identify how they could better insulate their homes.
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