Being on a fixed income and no way to increase it, being disabled, I am at the complete mercy of the energy companies.The only way is to live in the dark and cold. Maybe I should go live in a cave.

Sorry to hear that, krisia, it is tough when you work for yourself I know as I used to. the most important thing is not to bury your head in the sand or start making yourself ill thinking about money. see what articles on this website can help - for example i have found a lot of the energy bill and petrol advice very useful when it comes to switching and saving money but as you mention food there are also some really good tips about cutting back on food shopping - here is the link:
http://www.moneywise.co.uk/everyday-money/cut-bills/article/2008/06/30/h...
I hope this helps. My advice is to remember the thrifty things your mum did when you were a child, like mending clothes rather than buying new ones, using leftovers , that sort of thing. also next time you are in the supermarket think about what you are buying. I see so many people spending money on food that i think - do they really need that? we have all got to used to having as much as possible but may be its time to change our ways!!