This is despite uSwitch.com’s findings that over a third of those who rationed energy last year felt that doing so impacted their health and wellbeing.

According to Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, falling wholesale energy prices are yet to be passed on to consumers, who can expect to pay £53 more for their energy than last year and £271 more than three years ago. With the average UK household spending £1,265 on energy bills this year, a quarter of people reported that the rising cost of energy has “substantially” affected their disposable income.

Robinson said: “In this day and age it’s shocking to see so many being forced to go without heating and risk their health, simply to cope with high energy bills. Wholesale energy prices have been falling for a long time now and it’s high time for the big six suppliers to pass on these reductions to hard-pressed consumers, who will be going cold because they simply can’t afford to keep the heating on.

Consumers do have a choice, however, and can take control of their energy. Making sure that your home is insulated, draught-proof and taking small actions like making sure appliances aren’t left on standby, are all simple ways to use less and waste less energy.”