ScottishPower today announced that the price of electricity and gas for its existing 570,000 prepayment customers would remain unchanged over the winter until next March despite the soaring cost of wholesale energy.

Charles Berry, Executive Director UK, said: "We have decided to absorb fully the extra energy costs for our prepayment users, who include some of our most vulnerable customers, over the winter months".

"ScottishPower has spent £15m in the last four years on initiatives and partnerships with outside agencies designed to tackle fuel poverty, a commitment further underlined by this price freeze."

Ann Loughrey, Director of fuel poverty charity Energy Action Scotland said: "Energy Action Scotland welcomes the freeze on prices for prepayment meter users, as they are one of the most vulnerable groups of consumers and need support to make their homes more energy-efficient and to ensure they can afford to keep warm at home and avoid falling into debt".

"ScottishPower has supported Energy Action Scotland's work over a number of years and currently funds our Warmth for the Millennium project which is taking 2000 households out of fuel poverty through energy efficiency measures."

ScottishPower, which has 4.5 million gas and electricity customers throughout Britain, is still reviewing its other prices in the light of the 25% increase in the cost of wholesale energy since March this year.

Further Information:

Simon McMillan          UK Media Relations Manager    0141 566 4875