I was enjoying myself. Beth was in town shopping and I had just made myself another piece of toast.

I was pretending the sports page of The Independent would provide valuable research for my next article when the doorbell rang, not once but twice.

"What now?" I thought in a bad temper and went to answer it.

It was raining and on the doorstep there was a tall young man with a plastic briefcase.

"Are you Mr Parker? I'm from Scottish Power and can save you money on your electricity bills."

"Why didn't you make an appointment?" I replied.

It was about to tell him to get lost but then (I don't know why) I relented and asked him in. I can be a soft touch.

"You look cold and wet," I said to my visitor. He nodded and I gave him a cup of tea. "How long have you been working for Scottish Power?"

"Just a few days, Mr Parker."

"Now you are cold canvassing Hove Park Road? That must be a tough assignment."

"It is," he replied. "Very."

So, despite everything, I signed up and felt rather pleased with myself.

Scottish Power - energy straight from the Highlands. I have had a small success investing in Severn Trent Water Utility so perhaps I should extend my interest to electricity.

I rang Scottish Power for its latest report and accounts. I like to see the pictures of the chairman and the company directors.

They looked sound - sensible men and a woman with no bow ties between them.

But I was in for a shock.

There is nothing very Scottish about Scottish Power in respect of profits. The UK operation has been running at a loss but its American subsidiary, Pacific Corp, has saved the day.

This Midwest electricity company is doing remarkably well and expects to make $1 million (£610,000) within the next two years.

It's easy to make a forecast but not so easy to deliver.

But if Pacific Corp continues to make good profits and the UK operation can produce some reasonable figures then the combination should be a sensible investment.

Scottish Power is a respectable company. It has generators, wind farms and 3.5 million retail subscribers.

So I'm going to surprise my stockbroker and place a small order.

If things go wrong I shall ring Scottish Power's chairman, Charles Miller Smith, and tell him to transfer his salesmen from our city streets.