The government are looking into ways they can help people struggling with fuel poverty and debt problems to ensure they get the gas and electricity they need in their home.
Amongst the possible solutions is an idea to share people's income details with energy companies so that any grants or reductions can be targeted to people who need them the most.
Elderly people in particular would benefit from this kind of arrangement and a spokesman from Age Concern commented, "We feel strongly that the severe pressure of rapidly rising energy prices justifies this kind of action, providing the data is handled by a trusted third party and people are fully informed about the scheme and given the option to opt out."