Direct Energy and City of Sandusky Offer Residents and Small Businesses Natural Gas Price Direct Choice provides pricing stability during winter heating months

Sandusky, OH (10/26/2009) - With customers on the lookout for competitive natural gas plans in advance of the winter season, the City of Sandusky announced today that it’s recommending Direct Energy’s natural gas service to residents and small businesses who live within the city limits.

Through a marketing agreement called Direct Choice, the City of Sandusky is recommending to its citizens Direct Energy’s natural gas product. The City of Sandusky has set a stable price of $0.749 per Ccf for the December 2009 to April 2010 bill and service cycles. After the April bill cycle, the price may remain variable unless a new stable price is established by the city. The current term of the agreement goes through the November 2010 bill cycle. A senior citizen discount is available for customers 65 years of age and older who own their residence.

”This program offers a fixed price with a simple enrollment process,” said Matthew D. Kline, City Manager of Sandusky. “To participate in the program, customers should just call Direct Energy and notify them that they’re a resident of the community. We encourage members of our community to take advantage of this program before colder weather sets in.”

“Residents who lock in the rate now will be protected from any price fluctuations that may occur during the heating season,” said Mike Beck, Vice President for Direct Energy. “The pricing stability offered by this plan should help ease customer concerns about budgeting for their winter natural gas bills.”

In order to take advantage of the Direct Choice offer, residents need to be eligible to participate in the state’s customer choice program and have a residence or business located within the city limits. Also, residents must actively enter into a contract with Direct Energy to receive this price. If residents are already under contract with another supplier, but wish to enroll with Direct Energy, they are encouraged to review their current contract to determine if they will be charged an early cancellation fee to switch suppliers. 

To learn more about Direct Energy’s Direct Choice offer, residents can contact Direct Energy’s Customer Service Department toll free at: 1-866-803-4618, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. 

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy, one of North America’s leading integrated energy companies, supplies natural gas to more than 250,000 customers in Ohio. The company has operated in Ohio since 2004, and has a regional office located in Dublin. Direct Energy also provides energy related services to residential and business customers through its U.S. Home Services business that is headquartered in Miami Township, Ohio. The company, a subsidiary of Centrica, also operates in Texas, the northeastern United States and across Canada. Direct Energy's commitment to helping others extends beyond Ohio. The company partners with community-based organizations throughout North America to aid them in trying to end poverty and homelessness.

For additional information, 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.