Energy firm apologises for telling customers to 'cuddle pets' to keep warm
Ovo Energy is the UK's third largest energy supplier
Last updated 11th Jan 2022
One of the UK's largest energy suppliers has had to issue an apology to its customers after advising people to cuddle their pets to keep warm.
Ovo Energy, which currently is the UK's third largest firm, emailed customers last week with a list of ten cost-effective ways of saving energy during the winter.
Among the list, the company had recommended that people should cuddle their pets, as well as 'doing star jumps' and 'eating porridge'.
Immediately after the email was sent, Ovo Energy was criticised for its position, as the cost of energy continues to rise.
Some predictions see energy bills costing 50% more from April, affecting millions of households on standard tariffs.
Factors at play for the rise in prices include a global spike in prices for gas, triggered by unprecedented demand for the fossil fuel worldwide.
Facing backlash for the email, Ovo Energy issued a statement apologising for its 'poorly judged' communication.
Speaking to the Financial Times, the company said: "We understand how difficult the situation will be for many of our customers this year.
"We are working hard to find meaningful solutions as we approach this energy crisis, and we recognise that the content of this blog was poorly judged and unhelpful. We are embarrassed and sincerely apologise."
Currently, the price cap, which stabilises costs for consumers and limits prices for energy companies is at its highest amount ever - at ÂŁ1,277 per year.
But April will see the amount the price cap is set at rise to nearly ÂŁ2,000 a year, according to predictions from business group Investec.