Spark Energy Appoints Phillip Tonge New President

HOUSTON, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Spark Energy announced today that Phillip W. Tonge is joining the company as President. Mr. Tonge joins a highly experienced leadership team that is responsible for leading the company's current rapid growth and ambitious goals for the future. He will report directly to Keith Maxwell III, Spark Energy's Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

"The team at Spark Energy has put in place a great foundation for growth," says Mr. Tonge. "I'm fortunate to be able to play a key role in building on that foundation."

Mr. Tonge has extensive experience in growing businesses with national footprints, especially in the telecommunications and energy industries. Additionally, he has a background in working with Public Sector leaders on key industry issues.  He has been a frequent participant in industry events as a speaker and panelist.

Prior to joining Spark Energy, Mr. Tonge held senior executive level positions at AT&T, DuPont and, most recently, at Direct Energy, where he was President of Residential and Small Commercial Business across North America before retiring in 2009. Mr. Tonge is a member of the national Board of Governors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is on the board of directors for Verecloud, Inc. in Englewood, Colorado, and is on the board of advisors for the Texas Institute for Sustainability in Dallas.

About Spark Energy

Spark Energy, L.P. is a Houston-based, independent, multi-state certified retail energy and natural gas supplier. With more than a decade of experience, the company works to consistently deliver low-cost energy rates, quality products and superior customer service to hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers across 16 states. Spark Energy is dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves by building relationships, inspiring philanthropy and promoting good will both inside the company and throughout the community. For more information, visit www.sparkenergy.com.

SOURCE Spark Energy