CUSTOMERS are facing a massive increase in fuel bills after energy giant npower announced a 'double-figure' rise in prices. Politicians, clergy, industry watchdogs and charities all condemned the increase.

The cost of electricity from npower will go up by 12.7 per cent and gas will rise by a staggering 17.2 per cent - other suppliers are predicted to follow.

Manchester Central MP Tony Lloyd said he would urge the government to ensure energy firms were not profiteering.

"Any increase in bills is going to have a serious impact on people who are least able to afford to heat their homes," he said. "We simply can't trust energy companies to operate in the public interest.

"We don't want the elderly and vulnerable worried they can't switch on a one-bar heater, while energy supremos hand themselves huge bonuses."

Age Concern says rises of just one per cent result in 40,000 people nationwide struggling to heat their homes.

The M.E.N's Winter Warmer campaign has so far raised more than £15,000 for Age Concern to supply emergency heaters, blankets and flasks.

There were 3,300 needless winter deaths in the north west last year - the highest number in the country. Many could not afford to switch on heaters, or were too frightened of bills to do so.

An Age Concern spokesman said: "Older people living in fuel poverty have to make very difficult choices, often between whether to eat or heat their home."

The Rt Rev Stephen Lowe, the Manchester-based Bishop for Urban Life and Faith, said the government should do more to help the vulnerable meet their heating costs.

Last month, npower increased its online tariff for new customers by 17 per cent and there are fears that today's increases for more than 4 million customers on its standard tariff will be even bigger.

Its move comes on the back of higher wholesale energy bills, lifted by crude oil hitting a record $100 a barrel in New York.

Independent watchdog energywatch condemned the rises. Spokesman Karl Brookes said: "Consumers are always being softened up with talk of `unavoidable' rises. The wholesale price for gas has risen, but all suppliers can decide to absorb more of that. "

The M.E.N's Winter Warmer campaign appeals to readers who may not need their fuel allowance to pass it to the needy.

Donate your payment by instructing your bank to make an automated payment to the Cheshire account, sort code 20-53-77, holding account no 50244961 and follow this with the Winter Warmer Account No 507777650.

What do you think of the increases? Have your say.