ScottishPower has become the first UK energy company to launch an interactive television advertisement, giving viewers the opportunity to switch energy suppliers without leaving their armchairs.

The advert will be broadcast on the new Sky Digital channels, such as Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky One over the next month. Via their remote control, digital satellite viewers in 5.7 million homes can switch their gas and electricity to ScottishPower before returning to their regular viewing.

Computer animated characters Eric and Daphne, comfortably watching the television from their sofa, lead the 30-second promo, which ScottishPower E-Business Director Stewart Laing describes as ground-breaking.

"It is the first time an energy supplier has used interactive TV advertising in this way, a very different medium from the normal passive television commercials," he explains. "The interactive element ensures that the effectiveness of the promotion can be instantly measured and evaluated."

Robert Leach, Interactive Advertising Controller at BSkyB says: "Sky digital is unique among the major digital platforms in allowing clients the opportunity to drive viewers from broadcast commercials to truly interactive advertiser sites. Sky are very pleased to be working with such an innovative utilities company as Scottish Power."

Further information:

Colin McSeveny         Group Media Relations Manager          0141-636-4515