UK energy suppliers are being urged to support pensioners who will lose their winter fuel payment after government changes.
An estimated ten million pensioners are expected to lose their winter fuel payment.
The payment, previously available to all pensioners, will now only be given to those receiving pension credit in England and Wales.
Greg Jackson, head of Octopus Energy, has called for energy suppliers to offer additional help to those affected.
Mr Jackson noted that while some people did not need the payment, others will struggle without it, and companies should step in where possible.
Under the new rules announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, only pensioners on means-tested benefits will qualify for the payment this winter.
Greg Jackson said: “In these transition periods, it’s easy for people to kick and scream.
“Alternatively, companies and others can say: ‘How do we make this work in a way that is best for Britain and, in our case, best for our customers?'”
The boss of Octopus Energy added that the government has to “make difficult decisions. So now let’s be helpful in making sure that when you make those decisions, we can look after the people who will be worst affected”.
Last week, Dr Alasdair Allan, Scottish Minister for Climate Action, urged the UK Government to provide further support, including reforming standing charges for energy bills and introducing a social tariff for vulnerable households.
Charity groups, including Age UK, have expressed concern, criticising the policy for cutting off vital support too quickly, especially as energy prices remain high.
Age UK believes removing the payment will cause hardship for many elderly people, particularly those just above the income threshold for pension credit.
Some energy firms, such as So Energy, have also called on the government to extend the Warm Home Discount scheme to provide additional payments for those struggling with their energy bills this winter.
