Octopus Energy, British Gas and EDF offer customers free fans, energy bill grants and £2,000 debt relief

Britain's energy suppliers are offering free fans, bill support and debt relief to help households cope with soaring temperatures during the current heatwave.

Several major providers have launched or highlighted schemes designed to help customers stay cool while managing higher electricity costs from running fans and other cooling appliances.

EDF, British Gas, E.ON and Octopus Energy are among the suppliers providing support, with assistance ranging from free cooling equipment worth up to £100 to grants that could clear up to £2,000 of energy debt.

EDF is offering Heatwave Relief Packs to up to 10,000 eligible customers through a scheme designed to help vulnerable households stay cool at home.

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The support packages are worth up to £100 and can include energy-efficient desk or pedestal fans, handheld or neck fans, thermal blackout curtains, reflective window film, reusable water bottles and cooling towels.

Eligible customers can also receive up to £20 in electricity credit or vouchers to help cover the cost of running cooling appliances.

EDF said the scheme is aimed at customers who may struggle to keep their home cool or who are concerned about the cost of using equipment such as fans.

The supplier said its customer support teams will identify eligible households, although customers can also contact EDF directly to ask about additional support.

British Gas customers may be able to apply for help through the Energy Support Fund, which offers grants of up to £2,000 to clear outstanding energy debt.

The support is available to eligible customers who have built up arrears on their energy accounts.

Prepayment customers must have between £50 and £1,700 in energy debt to qualify.

Customers who pay by credit must have between £250 and £1,700 in energy debt.

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E.ON Next customers can apply for assistance through the E.ON Next Energy Fund if they are struggling to pay their energy bills.

The supplier also offers support by replacing inefficient or broken household appliances, including certain heating and cooling equipment.

A spokesman said: "We're keen to remind our customers of the support available to them all year round to help ensure nobody is missing out on support they're entitled to from direct financial help and flexible payment plans to practical advice."

Octopus Energy also operates an assistance fund for customers experiencing financial difficulties.

The scheme is available throughout the year and customers can apply by contacting the supplier directly or by completing a Paylink form available through the company's website.

The supplier also offers free smart meters, allowing customers to monitor their energy usage and better understand how much electricity is being used by cooling appliances during periods of hot weather.

The support comes as households face higher electricity use during the heatwave, with fans and portable air conditioning units increasing energy consumption.

Customers who believe they may be eligible for support are encouraged to contact their energy supplier to discuss the assistance available and the qualifying criteria for each scheme.

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