The programme will provide support worth up to £100 to as many as 10,000 eligible customers
Thousands of vulnerable households across the UK will receive free fans, cooling towels and other essential items to help them cope with dangerous summer temperatures.
The initiative comes as Britain faces growing concerns about extreme heat.
Energy supplier EDF is distributing the equipment as part of a new scheme aimed at protecting those most at risk during heatwaves.
More than 10,000 people have died from heat-related causes since 2020, according to official figures.
Elderly residents, young children, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are among the groups most vulnerable when temperatures soar.
The free items form part of EDF's £1 million Heatwave Relief Packs scheme, which launched today.
The programme will provide support worth up to £100 to as many as 10,000 eligible customers.
Recipients will be identified through the company's customer support teams, referrals from partner organisations and community groups, and direct engagement with customers.
The packs are designed for people who struggle to keep their homes cool during hot spells. They also target those who worry about the expense of running cooling devices like fans.
EDF said the initiative reflects the increasing need for support throughout the year as heatwaves grow more common.
The packs contain a range of practical items tailored to each household's needs.
Eligible customers will receive tailored support worth up to £100, which may include:
This money helps cover the cost of running cooling appliances.
Each pack includes guidance on staying safe when temperatures rise. Tips cover keeping homes shaded, staying hydrated and checking on vulnerable neighbours.
Official data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals the scale of the crisis. During summer 2024, England recorded 1,311 deaths linked to extreme heat. People aged 75 and over faced the highest mortality rates.
Hot weather worsens existing medical conditions and raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties.
Joe Souto, EDF's director of retail, said: "We're increasingly seeing a summer version of the 'heating or eating' dilemma.
"Some vulnerable customers are reluctant to use fans or other cooling appliances because they're worried about the cost."
He added: "Nobody should have to choose between protecting their health and managing their household budget."
Jessica Taplin, chief executive of Charis, which is helping distribute the packs, said: "For many people, extreme heat is a genuine health emergency.
"The recent Red Heat-Health Alerts issued across England by the UK Health Security Agency, alongside reports of increased pressure on NHS services during this summer's heatwaves, demonstrate the health impacts of extreme temperatures."
Cheryl Brown, energy advice manager at SHINE London, said: "Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable, they can have serious consequences for health and wellbeing, particularly for older people, those with medical conditions, young children and people living in poorly ventilated homes."
