Experts warn that while poorer households already spend a bigger share of their income on fuel, it is older, single pensioners who may face the most severe impact if bills spike again.
Figures based on official spending data show the poorest households already spend around twice as much of their budget on energy compared with the richest.
But within that group, the pressure is even more intense for older people — especially those living alone.
For the oldest single pensioners, energy costs can swallow as much as £1 in every £7 they spend.
Why older households are more exposed
There are several reasons why pensioners are hit harder:
- They are more likely to be at home for longer periods
- Heating needs increase with age
- Many have underlying health conditions that make staying warm essential
And the problem grows worse over time – with the share of spending on fuel rising steadily with age.
Millions at risk
There are around 4.7 million single pensioners in Great Britain, with more than half widowed.
Of these, nearly 2 million are aged 75 or over, putting them in the highest-risk category when it comes to energy costs.
The risks are not just financial.
The Office for National Statistics has repeatedly warned that older people are far more vulnerable during cold periods.
It says adults over 75 face significantly higher rates of excess winter deaths, with the risk increasing further for those over 90.
Help available – but is it enough?
Some, limited support schemes already exist, including:
- Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300
- £150 Warm Home Discount for some low-income households
- Cold Weather Payments during freezing conditions
But experts warn these measures may not go far enough if energy prices rise sharply again.
‘Much more will need to be done’
Steve Webb, partner at Lane Clark & Peacock, said the findings should act as a wake-up call.
He warned: “Older and poorer pensioners will be hardest hit if energy prices spike.”
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He added: “It is vitally important that this group is supported to claim the existing help that is available… but much more will need to be done if the cost of home heating jumps.”
With energy prices under scrutiny once again, the concern is that the most vulnerable could be left exposed when colder months return.
And for millions of elderly households, the difference between staying warm – and struggling – may come down to whether support arrives in time.
