PENSIONERS are being removed from a fixed-rate tariff for using too much gas and electricity.

Leading power supplier Powergen is to cut potentially thousands of elderly customers from its Staywarm scheme, unless they are on benefits.

Consumer group energywatch UK last night hit out at the move, which it said could leave elderly people at risk during the winter months.

Staywarm is popular with the elderly as it allows consumers unlimited gas and electricity for a fixed amount.

Powergen said letters are going out to Staywarm customers as they near the end of their first year on the tariff.

A company spokeswoman said last night: "We have a number of customers on the tariff who are extremely high users of energy and we are sending them a letter, asking them for a metre reading to ensure we have correct information.

"We are asking them if they are on Government benefits, which means they can stay on Staywarm.

"A few customers who are above the threshold may be asked to move to another tariff because they are jeopardising the future of Staywarm for other householders.

"Most customers will not be affected, but we did have to put a new measure in place so we can continue with it for customers needing it most."

Adam Scorer, communications director of watchdog Energywatch UK, said the Staywarm tariff was popular with the elderly as, until recently, it allowed them to use unlimited gas and electricity for a fixed amount.

But he said the cap introduced by Powergen could cause distress among pensioners worried by the onset of winter.

"We are getting calls from pensioners worried that they won't be able to keep warm this winter.

"The insensitive nature of the letter sent to customers is causing needless distress," said Mr Scorer, who believes it should carry more energy efficiency advice.

He said: "Its clumsy actions fail the basics of customer care and good manners."

Powergen estimates 35,000 customers nationally might be affected - one-tenth of the households on the Staywarm tariff.

* Advice on cutting energy costs is available on the free-phone Energy Efficiency Helpline, on 0845-727 7200.