Ovo blasted for ‘cuddle pets to keep warm’ advice – but ministers haven’t put forward any better ideas

The energy firm has apologised, which is more than its customers can expect to get from their government as sky-high bills bite, writes James Moore

Ovo Energy apologised after suggesting customers cuddle pets for warmth (PA)

Did you think it was just Tory politicians who could come up with spectacularly stupid and insensitive public statements? Ovo Energy has proven otherwise. A link to a blog containing 10 energy-saving tips was sent to customers of SSE, which it now owns, ostensibly to help them keep warm in winter without turning the heating up.

Smart thinking at a time of sky-high bills? Among the tips reportedly in it: open the curtains to warm your home when it’s sunny. But the problem is that in winter it tends to be cold when it’s sunny, and warmer when there are clouds that keep the heat in.

You could also keep your oven open after cooking, just so long as there are no small children and pets around. Maybe eat ginger. Avoid chilli because it makes you sweat. But keep moving. Do a few star jumps. Which will also make you sweat, but hey ho.