Direct Energy Extends Its Services Across Maryland

Integrated energy provider now servicing BG&E, Allegheny Power and Delmarva Power & Light territories

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Jul 12, 2010, 02:48 ET

BALTIMORE, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy today announced that it will expand its competitive electricity supply services to residential and small business customers in the Allegheny Power and Delmarva Power & Light service territories. With increased competition creating opportunities for consumers to shop around for electricity offers that can reduce their energy bills, Direct Energy can offer customers competitive pricing, simple products and answers to all their energy needs.

"We are committed to providing electricity customers with all the benefits that greater choice can bring – lower prices, innovative products and great customer service," said Steven Murray, president of Direct Energy residential. "As one of the nation's largest retail energy providers, we are continuing to expand into regions like Maryland that have shown they are ready for more competition in the energy marketplace."

In June, Direct Energy announced that it had expanded into the Baltimore Gas & Electric service area, which comprises more than 1 million residential customers in Baltimore and its 10 surrounding counties. The ongoing expansion into the Allegheny Power and Delmarva Power & Light service territories brings another 400,000 residential customers within Direct Energy's Maryland footprint.

Customers in the area now have access to simple and cost-effective electricity plans from Direct Energy. Specifically, Direct Energy will offer to customers in the Allegheny Power's and Delmarva Power & Light's respective service territories a variable rate plan that is guaranteed to provide a 5 percent savings off the Standard Offer Service residential rate for electricity provided through May 2011, with no early cancellation fee.

Direct Energy already has a strong and long-standing presence in Maryland, providing innovative electricity supply products for business and commercial customers through Direct Energy Business, as well as a variety of energy service solutions through its Home Services group. Direct Energy's Home Services businesses -- Chilltrol based in Severn and Masters, Inc. based in Gaithersburg -- have provided indoor air quality, heating and cooling installations and related energy efficiency services to residential customers in Maryland for more than 25 years.

Recently, Direct Energy announced the completion of its acquisition of Clockwork Home Services, Inc., making the combined company the largest provider of heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical services in the United States and Canada. Clockwork's businesses operate under the brands One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Mister Sparky.

"With the recent expansion of our capabilities as an integrated services provider, Direct Energy can help a rapidly growing number of customers meet a wide range of their energy-related needs cost effectively," Murray said. "This includes everything from competitively priced energy products to high-quality home services that improve energy efficiency."

Customers can learn more details about Direct Energy's products and services by calling 1-888-200-7930 or by visiting the company's website at: www.directenergy.com.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over 8 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 46 states and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com.

SOURCE Direct Energy