ScottishPower has bought the 4.1 billion cubic feet Hatfield Moor gas storage facility from Edinburgh Oil & Gas Limited ("EOG"), a company owned jointly by Dyas B.V. and Oranje-Nassau Energie B.V., for £11.5m in order to increase and enhance its gas storage capabilities.
 
The facility, located in South Yorkshire, is one of the few consented and operating onshore gas stores in the UK.  It is used solely by ScottishPower to store gas purchased in summer and autumn for release during winter peak demand.  In addition, the store is used to take short-term cyclical advantage of price differences between mid-week and the weekend.

ScottishPower has used Hatfield Moor since signing a long-term agreement with field operator EOG in 1999 and already owns the adjacent and linked compressor station at Lindholme.   The acquisition allows ScottishPower to take ownership of the well site, related equipment and production licenses.
 
John Campbell, ScottishPower's Energy Wholesale Director, said: "Purchase of the store enables ScottishPower to take full ownership and control of Hatfield Moor gas storage facility and invest in improving its operational capabilities, such as flow rates and increasing the working capacity."
 
Hatfield Moor, which can hold enough gas to meet the peak demand of around 450,000 domestic customers, helps ScottishPower manage the volatile nature of gas demand and prices, on both a seasonal and daily basis.
 
With around 5.2 million customers, ScottishPower can use the gas either to supply homes directly or to fuel its gas-fired power stations.

Further Information:

Colin McSeveny Director, Media Relations                 0141-636-4515
                                                                                   07850-884815