Maurice Westcott says he does not have an alternative

Maurice Westcott, now retired, is using a camping stove to cook and a blanket to keep warm at his Plymouth house.

He decided to take the action after British Gas increased prices by 22% on 1 March. Mr Westcott believes he will save himself up to �60 a month.

British Gas has blamed its increase on wholesale price rises. Other suppliers have also raised prices.

'Miserable existence'

Mr Westcott said he did not have an alternative but to turn off the gas regulator inside his house.

The 65-year-old said: "They are just asking too much money for the services they are giving."

"I am fed up with extortionate prices. There comes a time when I say, no, I won't do it."

Paddy Ryan of the National Pensioners' Convention said it was systematic of the situation for many retired people or pensioners.

"About 30,000 pensioners died from cold related illnesses last year. In actual fact, three million pensioners live below the poverty line.

"We want to end the miserable existence that millions of pensioners are faced with."

British Gas blamed its recent 22% price rise on wholesale price increases and a lack of competition in European markets. Other suppliers who have raised prices said they had done so for similar reasons.