ORLANDO (June 8, 2004) In recognition of the company's strong operational performance in delivering improved customer service while achieving excellent financial growth, ScottishPower has taken top honors in the international category for the electric power industry's highest honor, the Edison Award.

The prestigious prize is given annually by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) to the U.S. shareholder-owned and international members that have made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry. A panel of academics and past and current EEI chairmen select the finalists and ultimate winners. This year's award, the 45th, was given today to ScottishPower at EEI's annual convention, "Celebrating 125 Years of Innovation."

"A hallmark of this industry is a spirit of innovation and leadership," said EEI President Thomas R. Kuhn. "ScottishPower is an embodiment of these traits, and we commend the company's management and employees for their eagerness to chart a new course into the future."

Ian Russell, ScottishPower's CEO, said: "Winning this prestigious international award is a tremendous tribute to the hard work of all our staff on both sides of the Atlantic. We believe maintaining the highest level of customer service is vital for business success and greatly value this recognition from the Edison Electric Institute."

A pioneer in innovative applications and siting initiatives, ScottishPower also showed great attention to customer needs by introducing a new capped-price product in the U.K., which protects the customer against rate increases for the duration of the contract. Should rates decrease, however, the customer would reap those cost savings as well. This initiative helped grow the company's customer base by more than 600,000 over twelve monthsan unprecedented level in a competitive market where customers can opt for new suppliers at their discretion.

Moreover, ScottishPower launched an online energy option in 2003, allowing more than 150 thousand customers to submit meter readings and manage their accounts online.

In an effort to provide assistance to lower-income customers, the company announced a new "warmth for less" initiative that provides qualifying customers with home improvement grants to replace old or inefficient space or water heating with more modern equipment. Nearly 27 thousand units were delivered in 2003.

Alongside these advances in customer service, ScottishPower posted strong financial results over the course of the year as well. The company's full-year results ending March 31, 2004 showed an operating profit of £1.15 billion (US$2.1 billion), a six percent increase over the same period in 2002/03.

Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, international affiliates and industry associates worldwide. Our U.S. members serve roughly 90 percent of the ultimate customers in the shareholder-owned segment of the industry, nearly 70 percent of all electric utility ultimate customers in the nation, and generate nearly 70 percent of the electricity produced in the United States.

Further information:
Colin McSeveny, Group Media Relations Manager    0141 636 4515