Direct Energy named to Computerworld's annual list of Best Places to Work in Information Technology

Toronto, ON (6/15/2009) - Direct Energy announced today that IDG’s Computerworld, the “Voice of IT Management,” has selected it as one of the top workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals. This honor is part of the IT publication’s 16th annual “Best Places to Work in IT” survey, which was published in the June 15 issue of Computerworld and online at Computerworld.com.

Since 1994, Computerworld’s annual “Best Places to Work in IT” feature has ranked the top 100 work environments for technology professionals, based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. In addition, this year Computerworld surveyed more than 27,000 IT workers for the list, and their responses factored heavily in determining the rankings.

“The success of Direct Energy depends on our employees' skills and ingenuity. We place a high priority on job satisfaction, promoting a healthy work-life balance and continuously investing in our employees’ development.,” said Kumud Kalia, Chief Information Officer, Direct Energy. “This recognition shows that our employees value Direct Energy as a great place to pursue their career, with many opportunities for personal growth.”

Direct Energy has many unique qualities that make it one of the best places to work in IT. Readily adopting new technologies and ideas for competitive advantage, employees are able to improve their skills and help grow the business. Supported by an extensive talent management program, and initiatives such as the award-winning IS Leadership Development Program, employees can realize their potential to become future technology and business leaders.

"To be among the Best Places to Work in IT, it's not enough just to seek out and hire the most talented IT people, offer them competitive pay and provide great benefits," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "The organizations that made this year's Best Places to Work list sustain a dynamic work environment in which IT professionals keep their hands on the latest technologies and work on projects that are business critical. In the months and years ahead, IT is going to become a key accelerator of business growth."


About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related services providers with over five 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 21 states in the United States plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com.

About Computerworld
Computerworld’s award-winning Web site (Computerworld.com), weekly publication, and focused conference series form the hub of the world’s largest global IT media network. In the past five years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 awards including the Magazine of the Year Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) in both 2004 and 2006, and the American Business Media’s Neal Award for Best Web Site, Best Blogs and Best Article or Series in 2008. Computerworld leads the industry with an online audience of over 2.5 million unique monthly visitors and a print audience of more than 1 million readers each week (IntelliQuest CIMS, Fall 2008). Computerworld also reaches over 10,000 IT executives every year through its high-touch conferences and custom summits.

About International Data Group (IDG)
International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG’s online network includes more than 450 web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment and video games worldwide. IDG also publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers. Media brands are in more than 90 countries and include CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld/TechWorld/TecChannel, Macworld, Network World and PC World. The company’s lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high-quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.

IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including Macworld Conference & Expo, OpenSource World, E3, DEMO, Storage Networking World, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services and events. Over 1,000 IDC analysts in more than 100 countries provide global, regional and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends.

Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at www.idq.com.

For additional information, contact:

Joshua Orzech
Direct Energy
416-590-3306
Joshua.orzech@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.