People will soon be going without food as the winter energy payments come to an end, according to people on the frontline.

The winter energy top up is coming to an end in September - and that's made worse by NIWA's predictions it'll be a cold spring.

NIWA says it's going to be a cold spring​ - but people won't be able to access the winter heating payments.

Presbyterian Support spokeswoman Maureen Little says it's going to make it harder for some people.

"They break down in tears when I tell them their power bill is now $300 and we're going to have to pay that one way or another."

Ms Little says what they can do is give some people a food parcel and cut their food money down.

"But you can't do that month after month. We need something a bit more permanent."

She says some of their clients are struggling especially the single people who are on a fixed income.

Ms Little says they have had a dramatic rise in their power bill in winter, one woman is on an income of $180 a week and her power bill is $299.