“This winter could be very bleak for about one in three pensioner households which are currently fuel poor‚ and further possible energy price hikes in the new-year could push hundreds of thousands more pensioners into fuel poverty.

“Both the energy companies and the Government need to take radical action to make energy prices affordable for the poorest pensioners and other households.

“The current pricing system is failing the poorest customers‚ many of whom are disgracefully having to pay more for their energy than wealthier households. Price differences for pre-payment customers and those who pay by cash and cheque should be banned‚ and social tariffs must be made fit for purpose‚ to ensure the poorest households get the cheapest energy rates.”