Chicagoans Save $2 Million by Switching to Spark Energy

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CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It was this time last year that retail electricity competition began heating up in Chicago, with new retail energy providers vying for the attention of residential customers. Financial benefits – to the tune of $2 million in savings through December 2011 – came to those customers who chose Spark Energy as their electricity provider in Chicago, the company announced on Tuesday.

"We've been very excited to see the momentum build throughout 2011 as more residential consumers and small businesses exercised their right to choose the electricity provider and pricing plan that best met their individual needs," said Phil Tonge, President, Spark Energy. "Spark Energy was one of the leading choices for the more than 200,000 residential consumers who switched away from ComEd last year – and I attribute that not only on our ability to offer very competitive pricing plans, but also on our focus on delivering unbeatable customer service and being very active and relevant in the communities we serve."

Committed to Chicago Communities and Causes

In addition to offering electricity savings opportunities in 2011, Spark Energy has also been committed to living the company's "Empower What Matters" tagline across the city and suburbs. From supporting local charities such as St. Baldrick's and Relay for Life, to bolstering teaching supplies at local elementary schools, the company listened to community members to identify and assist with what matters to Chicagoans.

Tonge said residents and businesses can expect to continue to see community-focused initiatives in 2012 as Spark continues to build its brand across Chicagoland.

Not Limited to Electricity – Spark Energy Offers Natural Gas Pricing Plans

While last year's focus was on leveraging the excitement of electricity choice, Spark Energy will be looking to reintroduce itself to both business and residential consumers as a trusted supplier of natural gas as well as electricity in 2012. As an alternative option for natural gas supply in the Nicor service area, Spark Energy gives consumers and businesses a chance to lock in their natural gas prices for 12 months for better budget certainty, especially during the Chicago winters.

"Peak-season natural gas prices can change rapidly and make a dent in your wallet if you don't have a fixed-price plan," said Tonge. "Locking in your natural gas prices can be a very helpful way to manage energy costs and bring more accuracy to your family or business heating costs."

The company continues to offer multiple ways for Chicagoans to make smarter decisions about energy. Spark Energy provides a host of resources – a blog, where residents can find energy-saving tips, information on energy competition and choice, and energy technology updates; tools like an energy usage calculator on their mobile app to help people make smarter decisions on energy usage; and online communities on Facebook and Twitter where homeowners can find out what other Chicagoans are doing about their energy use. Consumers can even sign up for service using their smartphone.

Spark Energy has been supplying natural gas and electricity to homes and businesses since 1999. The company currently serves more than half-a-million residential customer equivalents in 17 states, and was one of only three retail energy providers to score five out of five circles in a recent JD Power and Associates study on customer satisfaction in Texas.

About Spark Energy

Spark Energy, L.P., is an independent, nationally recognized retail electricity and natural gas provider to hundreds of thousands of residential and business customers in 17 states. With more than a decade of experience, the company works to consistently deliver competitive energy prices, community support, and a superior customer experience. Spark Energy is dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves by building relationships, inspiring philanthropy, and promoting goodwill both inside the company and throughout the community. For more information, visit www.sparkenergy.com or join our online community at www.facebook.com/SparkEnergyChicago.

CONTACT:  Lisa Dornan at Spark Energy, +1-832-799-1747, [email protected]

SOURCE Spark Energy