Direct Energy To Be Grand Sponsor Of Holiday Parade, "Green" City Of Harrisburg

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy announced today that it will once again be the grand sponsor for Harrisburg's 26^th annual holiday parade. This year's parade, themed "Fairy Tale Winter," will begin at noon on Saturday, November 17^th.

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In addition to its sponsorship, Direct Energy is donating 10,463,000 Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) toward energy consumption by residents of the City of Harrisburg the day of the parade. RECs are non-tangible energy credits that are generated from an eligible, "green" renewable energy resource. Residents within the City of Harrisburg will still receive their electricity in the same way, but by purchasing these credits, Direct Energy will help the environmental footprint of the City of Harrisburg's and offset the impact of electricity consumption during a time when it's at its highest.

"Having the opportunity to sponsor such a historic tradition in Pennsylvania's capitol for the second time is such an honor," says Cory Byzewski, Vice President for Direct Energy Residential. "We are committed to not only serving our customers in Harrisburg, but also helping them and their families have a happy holiday season."

Since 2009, Pittsburgh has served as Direct Energy's Business and US North Residential headquarters with approximately 400 employees across Pennsylvania. Through its acquisition of Clockwork Home Services, 29 small business franchises of One Hour Heating and Cooling, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Mister Sparky are deployed throughout the state as well. Direct Energy has a positive economic impact of $45 million annually in the state of Pennsylvania and has committed hundreds of thousands of dollars to help improve education and energy efficiency outreach.

As a reflection of Direct Energy's dedication to community investment, it is active with charitable organizations. Locally, Direct Energy recently renewed its partnership with Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU 13) to help local school districts cut costs on electricity. Direct Energy also partnered with The Patriot-News earlier this year to launch the first Harrisburg Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program. The winner, Nancy Chavez, was given a $5,000 donation from Direct Energy for her charity, Randi's House of Angels, a healing place for those that are victims of or exposed to domestic violence in the Harrisburg area. Further, Chavez will serve as this year's grand marshal in the holiday parade, as well as a judge in the parade's float contest.

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with more than 6 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 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.        

SOURCE Direct Energy