The County Council's older people's champion, Shelagh Marshall, is advising them to use an advice line run by the Energy Saving Trust, which can suggest many ways in which bills can be reduced substantially.

Councillor Marshall said: "The service is available to everyone, whatever their ages.

But it is particularly important for older people, many of whom are on fixed incomes and need help in finding economies which will make the most of their money while at the same time ensuring that they stay warm during the cold months of winter.

The Energy Saving Trust advice centre for North Yorkshire and the Humber has a free telephone number – 0800 512 1012 – and can answer questions emailed to advice@est-nyh.org.uk.

"The aim is to help you save money and fight climate change by reducing the amount of energy you waste at home," said Coun Marshall.

The advice includes turning thermostats down by just 1ºC, which can cut heating bills by as much as 10 per cent.