Improvements to the electricity network including major investments since a devastating storm in '98 have helped ScottishPower gain the Government's Charter Mark for excellence in customer service.

ScottishPower's wires business, Power Systems, and the company's Chester-based subsidiary Manweb, were among the winners announced today (Tuesday, 1 February).

ScottishPower has invested more than £30 million on improving its services following the 1998 Boxing Day hurricane which resulted in wide spread, major interruptions to electricity supplies.

Telephone handling capacity has been increased, the quality of information given to customers during an emergency improved and an environmental enhancement scheme has been launched to remove trees threatening overhead lines.

These have been achieved alongside a reduction in the cost of electricity in real terms to its lowest levels in 25 years. Interruptions to customers' electricity supplies are also at a record low.

There was also recognition for ScottishPower's work in the community, including the opening up of the company's learning centres for use by the unemployed.

John Menzies, Managing Director of Power Systems, whose 2,800 staff look after the electricity network in central and southern Scotland, said : "We were successful in gaining the Charter Mark in '93 and when it came up again for renewal in 1996. It is a great boost to have our efforts to continue raising standards recognised in today's awards.

"We have put into practice lessons learned from the Boxing Day hurricane and at the same time worked to enhance the full range of services we provide our electricity customers", John Menzies added.

Further Information:
ScottishPower Press Office
Gordon Laidlaw,                                               0141 248 8200