A pensioner shocked at being told her gas bill is about to go up by 86 per cent has had her case raised in the House of Commons.
Patricia Zachariah, of St Matthew's, Leicester, was horrified to receive a letter from British Gas informing her of the increase.
"I couldn't believe it," said the 67-year-old widow.
"In the letter they were telling me how I was going to be better off and my bills were going to be simpler.
"But when I looked closer it turns out I will have to pay an extra 86 per cent, at least."
Mrs Zachariah turned to Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth for help.
He raised the matter in Parliament during the debate on Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn statement.
Mr Ashworth said: "To have her energy bills increase by 86 per cent seems deeply unfair, and I don't know anyone who could afford to have their gas bill nearly double like that. Quite rightly, she was outraged by this increase and she contacted my office to see how I could help."
When she contacted British Gas to complain, Mrs Zachariah was told the increase was the result of energy watchdog Ofgem's Retail Market Review.
Leonie Edwards, of British Gas, said, "British Gas has introduced a single standing charge for gas and electricity, set at 26p per day across all tariffs.
"The standing charge covers fixed costs to provide energy to a home. We've done this so our customers can better understand and compare tariffs.
"We've contacted Mrs Zachariah to explain this."
Mrs Zachariah, who draws a small pension, said people on low incomes like herself would suffer under the changes.
"I only use gas for my cooker as I pay £20 a week to the city council's district heating," she said. "My bill last year was £76, which is pretty average for me.
"But now I'm going to have to pay £95 before I even start paying for the actual gas I use.
"I've worked out that'll leave me paying £134.18 next year. I think it's disgusting.
"I can't even change supplier because I would lose my £135 Warm Homes Discount from the Government for next year because it would be too late to reapply.
"How many more people are in a position like me? This is a really unfair price increase.
"The worst bit is that it's a necessity.
"If the cost of alcohol or cigarettes go up then people can choose to cut back, but how am I meant to cut down on my energy when British Gas has already told me I'm a low-usage customer?"
Mr Ashworth said: "There are people all over the country in Mrs Zachariah's position.
"This is a systemic problem and it needs to be addressed."
