This time last year we were battening down the hatches as the “Beast from the East” hit. Temperatures plummeted, homes cut off as a result of the heavy snow and older people living alone left more isolated. While this winter has been less harsh, there are no fewer pensioners struggling with the cost of heating their homes properly.

Our own research tells us 60 per cent of single pensioner households have difficulty paying energy bills and four in 10 pensioner couples are in the same boat. Fuel poverty is a harsh reality for too many Scots of all ages.

Last month’s announcement from energy regulator Ofgem that they were to “cap” the cost paid by the one million Scottish households on the default tariff was welcome. That revolutionary move would have saved people, many of which are over 65, more than £100 a year.

A month later and Ofgem have done an about turn. Citing increased costs of wholesale energy and transportation, the cap has been raised meaning that those on the standard variable rate could now pay up to £116 more. This just shows just how volatile the energy market can be when attempting to control pricing and makes a mockery of the term “cap”. Since this new announcement the Big Six energy suppliers have announced plans to raise energy prices from 1st April to just shy of the new “cap”.

A price cap was a great idea in theory. It could provide protection to customers by reducing the cost for those on the highest tariffs. But as the cap continues to rise, it’s hard to see how those who are least able to afford it are protected. It sends a confusing message to older people who thought a safety net was there. We know many older people are stuck on the most expensive energy tariffs because they are unable to switch suppliers or adjust their tariff. The process can be complicated to older people who aren’t digital natives.

With half a million Scots over 65 lacking access to the internet, the tools to check prices or easily switch suppliers, which a lot of us take for granted, aren’t there.

Startlingly, older people often tell us that the best way to reduce fuel bills is to “turn off off the heating or stick a jumper on”. This is terrifying. For those on low and fixed incomes the daily reality is stark and wholly at odds with what is good for their health.

Older people are more likely to stay home because of health conditions, limited mobility or lack of transport which means they may spend more time in the cold. If they can’t maintain a safe temperature it could lead to further illness and we may well see a rise in the excess winter death rate come 2020.

For advice about switching energy suppliers and tariffs call the free Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

Adam Stachura is Head of Policy and Communications at Age Scotland.