A single electricity market for the whole of Great Britain was a step closer today after National Grid Company's appointment as the GB System Operator under the British Electricity Trading and

Transmission Arrangements (BETTA).

Today also marks the start of the 'go-active' period during which

time the transition from the existing to the new arrangements will be phased in as specified in the designated license conditions. GB wide electricity trading under the new arrangements will 'go-live ' in April 2005.

BETTA is intended to create greater competition and greater choice for Scottish customers and will also give all electricity generators access to a wider British market with a single set of rules.

National Grid has been acting as GB System Operator designate since December 2002 but Ministers have now used the BETTA powers in the Energy Act to confirm the company's appointment and to start the warm-up period for BETTA.

The market in Scotland currently operates under different

arrangements from those in England and Wales. Under BETTA, the England and Wales trading arrangements will be extended to Scotland, creating a single GB wholesale electricity market.