Cuddling pets, practicing star jumps, and cleaning the house are among suggestions from Ovo Energy for staying warm this winter.
Customers were told to “have a cuddle with your dogs” to remain warm and save money on heating costs by Britain’s third largest energy supplier, which has now apologized.
According to the Financial Times, Ovo Energy sent a list of ten “easy and cost-effective methods to stay warm this winter” to clients last week.
Other suggestions included “challenging the kids to a hula hoop competition,” “performing star jumps,” and “cleaning the home,” in addition to snuggling pets for warmth.
It comes at a time when the United Kingdom’s cost-of-living issue is anticipated to deepen.
According to some estimates, energy prices for millions of homes on ordinary tariffs might increase by more than 50% in April.
Darren Jones, the Bristol North West MP and chairman of the Business Select Committee, termed Ovo Energy’s tips “offensive” and demanded an apology.
“I’m not sure who signed off a marketing campaign instructing people to wear a sweater and eat porridge instead of turning on the heating if you can’t afford it,” he added in a following tweet.
“We appreciate how bad the situation will be for many of our consumers this year,” Ovo told the Financial Times after apologizing for the tips.
“As we confront this energy issue, we are working hard to develop real answers, and we recognize that the substance of this blog was poorly selected and unhelpful.” We regret our embarrassment and apologize profusely.”
The price cap, which sets the maximum amount that energy companies may charge, will be raised in April.
It’s currently at a record £1277, but Investec analysts believe it may rise to £1995.
The price hikes are the result of a significant increase in worldwide gas costs, which have been pushed higher by increased demand throughout the world.
Emma Pinchbeck, the chief executive of trade organisation Energy UK, suggested last month that the government could drop each home bill by £90 by lowering levies like VAT.
Meanwhile, by bringing forward suggestions to eliminate policy expenditures, bills might be reduced by another £190.