Direct Energy calls on Canadians to go the Extra Killowatt this Earth Hour

Toronto, ON (3/24/2009) - On March 28, 2009 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, Direct Energy suggests Canadians take the extra step of shutting off their vampire electronics along with their lights for Earth Hour.

“Earth Hour is a great reason to change your home’s electricity consumption habits and conserve electricity everywhere you can. Most homeowners are conscientious about turning off the TV, the computer and the radio but many of those same electronics don't actually go all the way off — they continue using electricity in standby mode,” said Dave Walton, Director of Home Ideas at Direct Energy.

Turning off the lights makes an impact, but turning off electricity-sucking devices such as computers, chargers, televisions and many other devices known as “vampire electronics” saves even more electricity. Vampire electronics are readily found in the average Canadian home; plasma television monitors can suck up to 1,452.4 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually, when in active standby, which translates into approximately $116.19 per year. Video game consoles consume about 233.9 kWh annually while in active standby mode, ringing up to about $18.71 a year. Even the average home computer uses a whopping 311.0 kWh annually when in standby mode, costing about $24.88 a year.

“Earth Hour gets people thinking about conservation, and should motivate Canadians to incorporate more electricity-saving habits into their everyday life. A few simple steps can help the environment and save money,” added Walton.

Vampire Electronics

- Plasma tv monitor – consumes up to $116.19 (1,452.4kWh) annually

- Video game console - consumes about $18.71 (233.9 kWh) per year

- Average home computer – about $24.88 (311.0 kWh) annually

- Laptop - about 144.5 kWh or $11.56 annually

- VCR (active standby – i.e. programmed to record) - about 92kWh or $7.36 annually

- DVD player – about 78.8kWh or $6.30 annually

- Convection microwave – about 35kWh or $2.80 annually

- Cordless phone base station – about 28.9kWh or $2.31 annually

- LCD monitor – about 22.8kWh or $1.82 annually

- Radio – about 13.1kWh or $1.05 annually

- Rechargeable toothbrush – about 12.3kWh or $0.98

Source: 2005 Intrusive Residential Standby Service Report: Department of Energy

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over 5 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 plus DC and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com.

For additional information, contact:

Crystal Jongeward
Direct Energy
416-590-3248
crystal.jongeward @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.