Trading

Achieving the right balance in a constantly changing market

We’re responsible for ensuring that we constantly meet customer needs whilst minimising costs and maximising value from our energy portfolio. We extensively analyse market conditions and technical characteristics before deciding upon which stations should generate energy and when. We’ll also sell excess power when it’s not required and buy power when it’s economically viable. Our business is involved in a variety of different energy related commodities, including gas, coal and oil. Naturally the price at which we generate power is highly dependent upon the price of these commodities.

Ultimately we’re responsible for making vital price-timing decisions 24 hours a day, reducing risks, effectively managing price fluctuations and adding value to our earnings in a highly volatile market.

Our responsibilities

Trading within ScottishPower is a controlled activity. Not only does it conform to our Risk Framework, we comply with the Government’s environmental targets in the form of Renewable Obligation Certificates and the EU (CO2) Emissions Trading Scheme. Our wide-ranging activities involve co-ordinating the physical delivery of coal to our stations, organising the rail and shipping logistics from sources in the UK and throughout the world.

Major challenges

As the energy market and related prices are constantly changing, it’s a major challenge to achieve the ideal balance of minimising costs and financial risks whilst maximising value and meeting customer demand.

Careers in Trading

We mainly recruit Traders who are responsible for making key business decisions such as which stations should run, and when to buy and sell energy. To join the team, you must be commercially focused with excellent analytical skills and the ability to make important decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Trading Locations

We’re based at ScottishPower’s Headquarters in Cathcart, Glasgow.

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