A SUMMER of double figure price hikes by the major gas and electricity companies has left many people worried about how they are going to meet the cost of their fuel bills this winter.

Unfortunately many people may be considering using their heating and appliances less, or making savings by spending less on other essentials such as food and clothing.

A quarter of the population already spend between five and 10 per cent of their income on fuel bills.

These price increases will have a significant effect on these households in particular, pushing those who had been able to manage their fuel bills up until now, over the 10 per cent of income threshold and into fuel poverty.

Since 2003, gas prices have risen almost 20 per cent and electricity prices by almost 15 per cent.

National Energy Action estimates suggest that since then close to one million households have slipped into fuel poverty.

The bad news is energy prices look set to stay high for the foreseeable future, with some of the major companies anticipating further price rises before winter.

The good news is that there is help available for those who are struggling.

Warm Front, the Government-funded grant scheme, provides a range of heating and insulation measures and offers the prospect of lower bills and increased warmth for the elderly, people with disabilities, single-parent families and other vulnerable households.

Warm Front grants have recently changed to take in more people and more measures. I urge anyone who thinks they will struggle to meet their fuel bills this winter to act now by phoning the helpline on 0800 316 2814 to see if they qualify for assistance.

WILLIAM GILLIS, Chief Executive, National Energy Action, St Andrew's House, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.