New Yorkers could see their heating bills rise by more than 13% this winter according to a new report released by researchers at the non-profit pensioners group AARP.

This is despite the city (pictured) already having the highest electricity bills on mainland US – 60% above the national average.

The report said the third (30%) of elderly people with incomes of less $20,000 (£12,500) will be the hit hardest by the price hikes. Pensioners in this group who heat their homes with oil are expected to end up spending almost a fifth of their income on heating bills.

Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York said: “High home heating bills can offset the delicate balance older New Yorkers already have when it comes to affording the basics.”

She added: “Too often older New Yorkers have to choose between paying their heating bill and paying for their prescriptions.”

A recent poll in Britain found 38% of people were worried about paying for this winter’s heating bill.