Major energy supplier with 4million customers to give money off bills and free boiler service through new loyalty scheme
A MAJOR energy supplier has launched a new loyalty scheme offering households a free boiler service and money off their bills.
OVO Energy, which currently serves almost four million customers, has unveiled the OVO Beyond rewards programme.
Households who sign up will receive an extra £10 off their bills each month through OVO Energy's Power Move scheme.
The scheme, which is free to join, rewards you for using energy during peak times when there's more pressure on the network.
The new loyalty programme also offers households exclusive benefits and discounts worth up to 35% off.
Customers can buy a Tado Smart Thermostat for £96 instead of £200, get 30% off heating and plumbing repairs booked through the OVO app and a free boiler service worth £84 in their first year after signing up.
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Households can also get Ovo Energy Expert consultations for £15 instead of £100 - an 85% discount.
OVO said the "at-home assessments" will offer billpayers recommendations on how to improve the energy-efficiency of their homes which will save them energy and money.
Households who sign up to the loyalty scheme can also bag VIP access to live events and experiences at OVO arenas across the UK, including in Glasgow and London.
Mat Moakes, chief commercial officer at OVO said: “We know consumers have a real desire to do the right thing for our planet, but cost remains a key barrier, which is why we’ve created a new type of rewards programme.
"OVO Beyond lets customers make savings today and bank rewards for making more sustainable choices, powering the switch to a greener future."
You will only qualify for the OVO Beyond loyalty scheme if you are an OVO customer with a smart meter and paying by direct debit.
If this is you, you can sign up via the OVO app, which you can download for free via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Any discounts through the scheme are paid in as a bill credit to your energy account or the discount is applied at point of purchase.
Martyn James, consumer expert, said OVO new loyalty programme was worthwhile if you're looking to get money off your bills through the Power Move scheme.
He added: "Though I do have some concerns about those people who are not on smart meters or don't want them as they simply won't be able to enjoy these advantages.
"I'm a big fan of getting your boiler checked once a year though - and if this is free then that's good news for OVO customers.
"But once again, businesses need to be clear about these deals so everyone can take advantage of them."
Which other firms have loyalty schemes?
OVO Energy isn't the first firm to launch a loyalty scheme in recent years.
Octopus Energy, the UK's second biggest supplier, unveiled "Octoplus" last October.
Customers can earn money by taking part in the firm's Saving Sessions which credits customers back for using energy during peak times.
Households can also get free weekly coffee from Greggs, discounted Odeon cinema tickets and bonus loyalty points for referring friends and family through the scheme.
Octoplus is free to sign up to through the Octopus Energy app or via your online account.
The E.On Next Plus loyalty scheme also offers customers access to discounts on shopping, and money off bills, depending on how long you've been with the provider.
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A number of energy firms offer struggling customers grants to cover the cost of bills.
Octopus Energy offers its customers help through its Octo Assist Fund.
Ovo Energy, Shell Energy, Scottish Power and Utilita Energy all have their own dedicated funds to help struggling households too.
Eligibility criteria and how much you can get through each firm varies, so make sure you do your research.
You may be able to get grants or major discounts for installing insulation or boilers in your home.
For example, the Energy Company Obligation, set up by Government, lets households on certain benefits apply to have energy-saving measures installed in their homes.
It might mean cavity wall or loft insulation, or maybe even a new boiler fitted, sometimes for free.
Households' needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis, so there's no guarantee you'll get help, but it is worth looking into.
The Government recently told The Sun it anticipates helping hundreds of thousands of households through the scheme by 2026.
For example, you get £20 off your yearly bill if you have been with E.On Next for one year or more.
Customers who have been with the firm for two years or more can get £50 off their bill.
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There's extra eligibility criteria to meet too, with more information available on the energy firm's website.
You can sign up for the loyalty scheme via the E.On Next app, downloadable via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
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