On a lighter note:  

Scottish Power Manweb use the expensive number, 0845 272 5002, for normal contact.  The use of this 0845 number prompted me to seek a supplier that used either a normal geographic number or a free number and would supply me with less costly energy.  Via this site I found a supplier who uses an 0800 number and costs me less for gas and electricity.

Today I received a letter from my existing supplier, Scottish Power Manweb, dated 30 December 2005.

“ Remember that Scottish Power Manweb can cap your energy prices until 31st December 2005, giving you the peace of mind that your gas and electricity prices are guaranteed not to go any higher than the agreed Capped Price limit during the Offer period.  

Your new supplier can’t offer you this, so get in touch today.  It only takes a quick call to 0800 027 3554 to come back to Scottish Power Manweb”.

I rang the 0800 number, but the office was closed.  So I could not take advantage of the splendid offer of a price cap for the remaining 11 hours of the offer.  At least the call cost nothing.