Direct Energy asks Texans to reduce electricity consumption Tips to assist while staying safe and cool during Power Watch

Houston, TX (8/6/2009) - With electricity demand expected to peak above 63,200 megawatts (MW) today, Direct Energy, Texas’ third-largest electricity retailer, is encouraging customers throughout the State to reduce electricity consumption this evening during peak usage.

“The Public Utilities Commission of Texas and ERCOT have placed the State on a Power Watch today, meaning that while reserves are low, due to unplanned generation outages, demand is expected to be high,” said Phil Tonge, President of Mass Markets for Direct Energy. “It’s important that consumers do their part and reduce electricity consumption between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. today to avoid the possibility of potential outages.”

Simple steps consumers can take to reduce their consumption include:
• Using ceiling and floor fans to cool their homes instead of air conditioning
• Increasing the thermostat temperature by two-to-five degrees higher than the current setting
• Closing blinds and drapes on windows that get direct sun
• Turning off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment
• Unplugging electrical devices that are currently not in use (i.e. coffee makers, computers, etc)

In the event of an emergency outage, weather and emergency preparedness resources may be located at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/factsheet_heat.shtm

“While we’re asking consumers for their help to reduce consumption, it is still important to maintain health and safety as high priorities during high heat periods and recognize that children, elderly and the chronically ill may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat,” said Tonge.

For information on how to manage energy usage and bills year-round, Texans can visit the Direct Energy Home Center at:
http://www.directenergy.com/EN/Texas/RES/Pages/TIPS/TheHomeEnergyCenter.aspx

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is part of the Centrica group of companies, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America. The North American operations have grown to more than 5 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Through its Direct Energy, CPL and WTU brands, the company is the third largest retail energy provider in Texas, and owns three power-generation facilities and a series of energy-related services companies. Globally, the Centrica group of companies is a leading provider of energy and other essential services with approximately 32 million customer relationships. For more information, visit www.directenergy.com.
For further information, please contact:

Yvette Hamilton
Direct Energy
(713) 877-5818
yvette.hamilton@directenergy.com

Direct Energy® is a subsidiary of Centrica plc. All rights reserved. Centrica was created following the demerger of British Gas plc in 1997 and is now a leading supplier of energy and related services. To read more about Centrica plc please visit www.centrica.com.