From today (Monday) Sainsbury's Reward Card customers will be able to sign up for a cut-price energy deal from ScottishPower.

The partnership is a huge boost to ScottishPower's marketing drive particularly in the south of England.

It will be based on Sainsbury's Reward Card Scheme, under which 17 million cards have been issued since its launch in 1996, and utilises Sainsbury's network of 440 stores across Britain.

Customers who switch to the ScottishPower Gas and Electricity Offer or who choose ScottishPower gas will receive vouchers to the value of £25, redeemable in-store or at Sainsbury's Reward Card partner outlets. (note)

In addition the ScottishPower Gas and Electricity Offer promises customers competitive prices for dual fuel. The partnership will initially last around a year.

ScottishPower Chief Executive Sir Ian Robinson said:

"The partnership between two of the leading names in their respective fields gives ScottishPower an excellent opportunity to build on the UK-wide success of our energy businesses.

"It will help us to market ScottishPower energy products in the south of England building on an awareness of the company which has been enhanced by the growth of our electrical retailing network beyond Scotland and the purchase of Southern Water".

Commenting on the deal Sainsbury's Chief Executive Sir Peter Davis said: "This is fantastic news for our customers. ScottishPower is one of the UK's top three energy suppliers. Linking with them will mean our Reward Card customers can take advantage of great long-term value for their gas and electricity.

"We are continuously reviewing and refreshing the scheme. An integral part of its success is the excellent range of third parties we have secured. That's why it's the most popular loyalty scheme in the UK and remains an extremely popular part of our customer offer".

The partnership is one of a number of UK-wide customer initiatives ScottishPower is introducing. In the New Year ScottishPower will become one of the few energy companies to provide domestic and small business customers with a full range of services via the Internet, ranging from on-line billing and payments to meter readings and information on energy use.

Note : not valid for AIR MILES or BA MILES

Further Information:
ScottishPower Press Office,
Gordon Laidlaw,               0141 248 8200 (0850 634 841 mobile)
Colin McSeveny,               0141 248 8200 (0850 884815 mobile)