New Electricity Offers and Options Abound in PPL

Direct Energy expands offers as customers receive first post-rate cap bill

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Jan 28, 2010, 03:56 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania residential and commercial consumers who received their first bill for electricity service since rate caps came off in PPL may be experiencing a bit of sticker shock. As consumers look for ways to reduce the price they pay for electricity, Direct Energy is identifying ways to offer consumers more value for their energy dollar.

This week, Direct Energy, one of Pennsylvania's leading energy retailer suppliers, announced that it's expanding its offers in an effort to meet the diverse needs of both its residential and large commercial and industrial customers in PPL.

"Having opened their first post-rate cap bill, customers are looking for options that will help them manage their electricity costs," said Cory Byzewski, vice president and general manager for Direct Energy's residential business. "More than 250,000 customers have switched so far, but we know that as people begin receiving their first post-rate cap bill, even more customers will begin shopping. As a supplier that's committed to the market, we want them to know that with Direct Energy they can choose from a variety of offers within our own suite of products."

In addition to its lead residential offer -- a fixed plan priced at 8.99 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the first three months followed by 9.49 cents per kWh for the remaining nine months -- Direct Energy is now offering residential customers two additional plans:

A 12-month fixed-rate of 9.89 cents per kWh with no cancellation fee.

A Senior and Military Plan of 9.79 cents per kWh, also with no cancellation fee. The plan is available to residential power customers who are 65 or older or who are active, retired, or veteran military personnel who have or are currently serving in any branch of the U.S. armed services or reserves.

Large commercial and industrial customers can also realize value and significant savings per megawatt hour on their electricity through Direct Energy's robust suite of products. The company offers fixed- and index-priced products, and PowerPortfolio® service for larger commercial and industrial users and aggregators. Green options such as carbon offsets and Renewable Energy Credits are also available for customers concerned with reducing their carbon footprint and moving towards a sustainable business practice.

"We are here to serve business customers of all sizes, and we have a robust suite of products to ensure that customers choosing Direct Energy Business are finding a true partner for their integrated energy management plan," said Mike Senff, vice president for Direct Energy's large commercial and industrial business.

Residential customers can enroll in Direct Energy's offers or get more information on its web site at www.directenergy.com or by calling Direct Energy's customer service division at 1-888-734-0741. Large commercial and industrial customers can learn more about the company's products at www.directenergybusiness.com or by calling 1-800-968-3239.

Consumers can also speak with a Direct Energy representative in person at one of these upcoming events:

Saturday, January 30 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) – Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre, sponsored by State Sen. Robert Mellow

Thursday, February 4 (6 to 8 p.m.) – Jewish Community Center, 2120 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, sponsored by State Rep. John C. Bear.

Direct Energy strives to be a good corporate citizen in markets where it operates. Beyond the $25 million spent annually in the Commonwealth, Direct Energy announced in May 2009 its commitment to invest up to $2.5 million over five years on programs that will help conserve energy, promote alternative energy use, reclaim and green urban areas, support community organizations and combat homelessness across Pennsylvania.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over 5 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 20 states and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com.

SOURCE Direct Energy