ScottishPower notes todays announcement from OFFER and Ofgas and would like to point out that these proposals would severely restrict the development of a competitive market in gas supply and deny customers the benefits of cheaper fuel.

ScottishPower and Manweb are regional companies without the built-in commercial advantages enjoyed by a nationwide supplier like British Gas Trading which still has around 19 million domestic gas customers, almost the entire UK market.

These proposals would delay the development of a fully competitive market in gas, so maintaining artificially high prices and restricted choice for the overwhelming majority of the UK's gas customers.

Duncan Whyte, Executive Director Multi-Utility, said:  
"ScottishPower is committed to providing a wide range of high quality and cost effective services. The Company has invested significant resources and manpower expertise to ensure that the timetable for the opening of the competitive electricity market is met and that the benefits of competition are introduced smoothly and effectively.

"ScottishPower is convinced that these hurriedly assembled proposals are not in the interests of customers. The Company will vigorously pursue the issue with the Regulators."

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