Manweb, part of the ScottishPower group, is planning to take part in the first trials in England and Wales in October for the competitive electricity market which is due to start from April next year.

OFFER has admitted ScottishPower and Manweb into the initial Core Project after reviewing the detailed preparations the Company has made to ready its computer systems and network for the launch of the free market.

The UK's 25 million households will then be able to choose their electricity suppliers and an integrated computer network is vital for such operations as billing and connections.

As Core members alongside Seeboard, Eastern and Yorkshire Electricity, ScottishPower and Manweb will be able to participate fully in the market launch and maximise its competitive advantages throughout the UK.

Membership of the Core Project will also allow ScottishPower and Manweb to contribute to the formulation of industry standards as the first trials are completed this autumn. The Company is already a Core member in Scotland.

Bill Landels, Managing Director of Energy Supply, said: "It is a vote of confidence by OFFER in our capability to have the computer systems and network well established for the start of competition."

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