ScottishPower has been engaged in discussions with the UK Government regarding the issue of fuel poverty. The company looks forward to taking part in further discussions with the Government to consider measures that can help to tackle this very important issue, and to build on ScottishPower’s commitment in this area.

ScottishPower has an established strategy in place specifically designed to help our most vulnerable customers with their fuel bills – and remains the only UK energy company to set standard pre-payment prices for both gas and electricity lower than standard quarterly credit prices. This ensures a good deal for some of the UK’s most vulnerable customers - with an estimated benefit to them of nearly £11 million per annum.

Further ScottishPower initiatives include:

Carefree Winter Rebate

This year ScottishPower increased the number of customers on our Carefree Priority Services Register who would benefit from a Carefree Winter Rebate. This year we are providing all of our Carefree Priority Services Register customers with a Winter Rebate of £32 to help towards reducing their fuel costs. The rebate will help mitigate the impact that the February 08 price increase had on some of our most vulnerable customers. Previously Winter Rebates to the value of £30 and £50 have been provided to customers on our Carefree Priority Services Register who paid by Prepayment or weekly card.

Carefree Plus - ScottishPower Social Tariff

ScottishPower will deliver a comprehensive social tariff, Carefree Plus in April this year. Carefree Plus aims to address each aspect of fuel poverty; customers are able pre-register for the product before its launch. Carefree Plus will offer our qualifying customers on the Carefree Priority Services Register a fixed saving of up to £112 on their energy bills, addressing the cost of fuel. All customers on the Carefree Register will have access to energy efficiency advice and potentially the installation of free measures, addressing the thermal efficiency of the home. Finally, all Carefree customers will have access to a free Benefits Health Check, addressing the income of the home.

Media Information: Simon McMillan 0141 566 4875/ 07753 622 257