One of Britain’s largest energy suppliers has apologised after advising people to ‘cuddle’ their pets to stay warm.

In a ‘poorly judged’ blog sent to customers last week, OVO Energy shared a list of 10 ‘simple and cost-effective ways’ to keep warm this winter.

Other baffling recommendations included doing star jumps, challenging children to hula-hoop contests and cleaning the house.

But they also warned to keep off the chilli as ‘it makes you sweat’. The Bristol-based firm’s tips were soon slammed as ‘ludicrous’.

Tory MP and former Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers said that despite being well-intentioned, the advice was ‘insensitive’ .

She said: ‘Many people are very anxious about rising energy bills and won’t take kindly to being told to do some star jumps.’

Alan Miller, co-founder of The Old Truman Brewery in London, blasted the tips as ‘utterly contemptuous’.

‘It seems these days we are to be lectured by everyone rather than them doing their jobs,’ he added.

Brits also took to Twitter to share photos of their breakfast in response to OVO’s recommendation to eat porridge to stay warm.

‘Porridge eaten, I’m still cold,’ one person joked.

Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West and chairman of the Business Select Committee, also found the blog ‘offensive’.

An OVO Energy spokesperson stressed the company understands ‘how difficult’ the situation will be for many of its customers this year.

They added: ‘We are working hard to find meaningful solutions as we approach this energy crisis, and we recognise that the content of this blog was poorly judged and unhelpful. We are embarrassed and sincerely apologise.’

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