ScottishPower and PacifiCorp today announce they have received approval for their merger from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), effectively the fourth of six approvals needed for completion of the acquisition.

The order closely follows approval from the Oregon Public Utility Commission and the Wyoming Public Service Commission, which said it too would approve the transaction upon issuance of a written order. The WUTC order incorporates all stipulations entered into by the companies, the commission staff, the Office of Public Counsel and other intervenors. California approved the merger in June.

ScottishPower Chief Executive Ian Robinson said: "We are pleased to receive the approval from Washington and, with more than half of the required state approvals now obtained, the transaction is well on track for completion this year."

Alan Richardson, CEO designate of PacifiCorp, said: "We are now looking forward to the completion of the merger and to delivering real benefits to customers and communities in Washington."

The companies are still awaiting approvals from state regulators in Utah and Idaho as well as the final written order from Wyoming.

For Information:

Sue Clark
Director of Corporate Affairs          0141 636 4561

Colin McSeveny
Group Media Relations Manager     0141 636 4515

Iain Paterson
Investor Relations Manager             0141 636 4527