11 March 2024 , 17:00
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An energy boss whose firm told Brits to cuddle their cats to stay warm during the cost-of-living crisis has sparked backlash over his plans to build a luxury home spa.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, the founder of OVO Energy, is adding a 1,300 sq ft gym and spa to his £ 3.5 million mansion. He has applied for planning permission for the lavish features which also include a greenhouse and walled garden in Gloucestershire. The estate already features visitor parking spaces and an estate manager's office. He said the spa would "complement the existing leisure facilities".
Ovo Energy, which is one of the UK's biggest energy suppliers, was previously linked to outlandish comments after its sister company SSE energy, suggested that their clients should find "simple and cost-effective ways to keep warm" back in 2022.
Fitzpatrick previously apologised for the company email (Douglas Fry)The advice, which was sent round in an email, also included suggestions such as a "cuddle with your pets and loved ones to help stay cosy" and eating "hearty bowls of porridge". The company also advised its clients to move about by "doing star jumps, cleaning the house", reports Metro.
At the time, Fitzpatrick apologised for the email and acknowledged that the situation was "upsetting". The founder, who is worth around £2.1 billion, told the BBC : "I’d like to start by apologising, again. It is unfortunately the case that we are a large company and somebody had a bad day, they sent out an email and we should have caught it.
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"It is an email that should never have been written. I think it was probably meant with good intentions but this is the kind of email that causes a lot of upset. Nobody takes the situation facing British customers more seriously than I do so it’s really upsetting and embarrassing".
A spokesperson for End Fuel Poverty Coalition slammed the home spa plans and branded them as "obscene". They commented: "While customers suffer in cold, damp homes, energy bosses like this are living the high life. Families are cutting back on showers to save money. Meanwhile, he is wanting to build a new spa complex. It’s obscene."
The Mirror has contacted Ovo Energy for comment.