M&C Energy Group (M&C Energy Group), the UK's largest independent energy consultancy, has branded Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) price cuts as insignificant.

M&C Energy Group, which purchases in excess of £1b of energy each year, believe that 9% cut for electricity and 4% for gas is too little, too late for British consumers.

SSE, which has increased gas prices by 50% and electricity by 36% in the last 12 months, is passing on savings of less than 10% from 30th March.

But according to M&C Energy Group this in no way reflects the fall in the market.

Energy analyst for M&C Energy Group, David Hunter said: "These cuts do not reflect the wholesale market which has fallen sharply over the last four months.

"SSE customers have seen their gas bill rise by a staggering 50% and electricity by 36% - offering 4% and 9% discounts from the end of March, which incidentally coincides with SSE's year end, is very disappointing.

"We are in the grip of the coldest winter for many years, yet SSE is waiting until the end of March to introduce cuts. This timing shows little regard for their customers and only serves to increase profits for the company."

Sandra Birrell, Director, M&C Energy Group added, "Scottish and Southern Energy has succumbed to consumer pressure although they should have gone further and passed on savings to reflect the market drop. The remaining four big energy suppliers should also be made to bring down domestic prices immediately."

Electricity wholesale prices peaked in late September (£90/MWh for year-ahead baseload). Now, four months later, prices have dropped by 46% (£48.50/MWh), which is lower than this time last year. Since the major energy companies raised their prices last summer, wholesale electricity has come down by almost half, yet consumers have yet to see the benefits.

Ms Birrell concluded: "The winter period is crucial for customers' bills, and our concern is that despite steep wholesale price reductions, market falls are not be passed on until after the peak winter consumption."