Up to 200 pensioners a day could die this winter because they cannot afford to heat their homes, charity researchers warned last night.
A survey by Age UK reveals six million people aged 65 and over are worried about scandalous price rises being announced by greedy gas and electricity giants.
And three million more fear they will not be able to keep themselves warm.
They charity says about 24,000 will end up dying because of the cold. “That’s 200 deaths a day that could be prevented,” a spokesman said.
The bleak warning was seized on by Labour as fresh proof that energy prices should be frozen and the market reformed to stop the Big Six firms ripping off vulnerable customers.
Average bills were already at a record £1,320 before the latest round of price hikes.
Npower is hitting dual-fuel customers with a 10.4% rise from December 1, while those with British Gas face a 9.2% increase from November 23.
Scottish Power is raising prices by 8.6% from December 6 and an 8.2% rise announced by SSE will come in from November 15.
With other firms expected to follow suit Uswitch, the website that helps consumers find cheaper tariffs, estimates that the average bill will rise to £1,465.
The huge increases come after next year’s state pension rise was set at just 2.7% – less than £3 a week. The basic rate will go up from £110.15 to £113.10.
Age UK said: “The winter can be harrowingly difficult for thousands of older people, with the ever increasing cost of energy bills adding to their worries.”
Shadow Energy Secretary Caroline Flint said: “Pensioners are paying the price of the Government’s failure to act on the scandal of rocketing energy bills.
“Thousands will be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter because of David Cameron’s failure to stand up to the energy companies. ”
She added: “Labour’s price freeze will give some badly needed respite to 27 million households. For the future, we will put all over-75s on the cheapest tariff and reform the energy market to put an end to rip-off bills.”
The Age UK research found almost a quarter of older people did not realise that heart attacks and strokes can be brought on or made worse by the cold.
The charity urged older people to keep living room temperatures at 70F (21C), and bedrooms at 64F (18C).
It has set up a free advice line for those who are worried about paying their fuel bills on 0800 1696565.
Director Caroline Abrahams said: “It is vital for older people to keep warm during the winter months.
"Being cold, even for a short time increases the risk of health problems and preventable deaths.”
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