ENERGY watchdog Ofgem and the Charity Commission launched investigations into yesterday into claims that Age UK has been pushing expensive energy tariffs to the elderly in exchange for cash.

The Sun newspaper claimed that energy giant Eon has been paying £6 million a year to the charity and getting promotion for higher rate tariffs in return.

It claimed that the tariff recommended by the charity, on average, costs pensioners £245 more than they would pay on Eon’s cheapest deal.

Eon has confirmed there was a “commercial relationship” between it and the charity but the supplier said its tariffs were competitively priced.

Age UK has rejected any allegations of impropriety, saying the relationship with Eon was transparent and above board.

The Charity Commission said it is in contact with both Age UK and Ofgem to determine what action to take.

Ofgem also said it was “examining the claims.”

Age UK criticised the big six energy firms last month for overcharging and warned that more than 4.1 million older people were “anxious” about high heating costs.

Yesterday a spokesman for the charity said: “Age UK has worked with Eon for the past 14 years, openly and above board, and they have been generous supporters of our charity over and above the number of customers on the tariff.

“Energy prices change all the time and we have always advised older people to look out for new good deals and we will continue to do so.”

A spokeswoman for Eon said: “Our current Age UK tariff was the cheapest product of its type in the UK when it was launched in January. 

“Customers can switch between our products at any time without incurring any costs.”