Scottish Energy Consumers Benefit From Increased Competition Resulting From New Legislation



June 19, 2005 -- The high price of oil has led to record levels of gas and electricity prices in the UK and many consumers have been subjected to multiple price rises in the last 12 months. However, new market regulation is offering an opportunity for Scottish consumers to benefit from increased competition.

BETTA - The British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements - proposed by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was implemented on 01/04/05 and has created a fully competitive UK-wide wholesale electricity market for the first time.

Prior to BETTA, all electricity sold in Scotland had to be purchased from either Scottish Power or Scottish & Southern Energy. The new regulations mean that electricity resellers will now be increasingly able to use their purchasing power when buying wholesale energy, and this may benefit Scottish customers.

Competition in the marketplace is expected to increase and Scottish energy consumers are already shopping around to see how much they could save. In addition to the benefits introduced by the new regulations many consumers are joining US style "discount clubs" where household utilities are supplied at reduced prices to club members who benefit as a result of combining all their utilities - often including phone and internet services - on one bill.

More details of Scottish discount clubs at
http://www.utilityvalue.co.uk

More details of BETTA legislation at
http://www.elexon.co.uk/betta/default.aspx





Scottish Energy Consumers Benefit From Increased Competition Resulting From New Legislation