SCOTTISHPOWER has recorded a surge in profits from the sale of gas and electricity to households.

The Glasgow-based energy giant said its liberalised businesses achieved underlying profits of £271.8 million in 2018 against £94.7m. The bulk of the profits were achieved by the company’s retail arm, which sells energy to households.

ScottishPower said customer numbers had remained above 5 million, which it described as a strong performance relative to competitors in the sector.