Energy suppliers have been told to "change their behaviour" by the industry regulator Ofgem.

The body has urged suppliers to ensure all consumers are benefitting from market competition.

In order to achieve this, Ofgem proposed measures to ban unfair price differences, particularly those relating to the variation between methods of payment.

Suppliers should also be required to provide information to assist consumers seeking the best deals, the regulator said.

Chief executive of Ofgem Alistair Buchanan claimed the regulator was "taking a hard line" to help consumers who are presently at a disadvantage.

"We accept that global influences are pushing up costs but the suppliers must change their behaviour and cement consumer confidence," Mr Buchanan stated.

Help the Aged estimates that there are three million vulnerable pensioners currently living in fuel poverty.

According to the organisation, many elderly people are forced to choose between heating their homes and having enough food to eat during the winter months.

Consequently, a rise in deaths during the winter is attributed to fuel poverty.