Bristol, UK – The UK's third largest energy supplier has apologized after it advised customers to "have a cuddle with your pets" to stay warm and save on heating bills.

According to the Financial Times, Ovo Energy last week emailed customers a list of 10 "simple and cost-effective ways to keep warm this winter."

As well as cuddling pets for warmth, other tips included "challenging the kids to a hula hoop competition," "doing star jumps," and "cleaning the house."

It came as the UK's cost-of-living crisis is expected to worsen.

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According to some predictions, energy bills could rise by more than 50% in April for millions of households that are on a standard tariff.

Darren Jones, a lawmaker from Bristol North West and chairperson of the Business Select Committee, branded Ovo Energy's tips "offensive" and called on the company to apologize.

In a subsequent tweet, he wrote: "I'm not sure who signed off a marketing campaign telling people to wear a jumper and eat porridge instead of turning on the heating if you can't afford it."

Ovo has since apologized for the tips, telling the FT: "We understand how difficult the situation will be for many of our customers this year."

"We are working hard to find meaningful solutions as we approach this energy crisis, and we recognize that the content of this blog was poorly judged and unhelpful. We are embarrassed and sincerely apologize."

In April, the price cap, which limits the amounts energy suppliers can charge, will rise. It is already at a record 1,277 pounds ($1,733), but analysts at Investec think it could go up to 1,995 pounds ($2,707).

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The increases are due to a major spike in global gas prices, which have been pushed up by high demand around the world.

Trade body Energy UK's chief executive, Emma Pinchbeck, said last month that the government could cut each household bill by 90 pounds ($122) by slashing taxes or value-added tax.

Meanwhile, bills could be cut by a further 190 pounds ($258) by bringing forward proposals on removing policy costs.