Boys & Girls Club of Corpus Christi powers up CPL Technology Center CPL energizing learning with funding for new computers, software

Corpus Christi, TX (10/22/2009) - Learning and homework just got easier for members of the Boys & Girls Club of Corpus Christi with the official opening of the CPL Retail Energy Technology Center.

The Boys & Girls Club of Corpus Christi has leveraged a $25,000 donation from CPL – along with other generous donations – to refresh its Technology Center with 10 new desktop computers and flat-screen monitors, a new laser printer and wireless router, and updated software creating a sustainable learning environment for school-aged children to navigate the online world and benefit from educational web-based tools. CPL also contributed to give the newly renamed CPL Technology Center a fresh coat of paint in time for Thursday’s official opening with Club members, staff, and volunteers.

“The Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi is a safe haven for children who are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets,” said Anne Baker, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Corpus Christi. “Our ability to reach out to young people here in the community depends on the availability of resources made possible by organizations such as CPL who care about the future development of our youth.”

Studies show that children left unsupervised during the summer vacation months and afterschool hours are at greater risk of involvement in crime, drug abuse and other destructive behaviors. A recent survey of Boys & Girls Clubs of America alumni highlights the important role individual Clubs play in shaping the lives of America’s youth. Findings include:
80 percent said Club staff helped them learn right from wrong
95 percent indicated the Club was the best thing available in their community
52 percent said participating in the Club “saved my life”

"CPL is committed to being a meaningful and positive member of the communities where our customers and employees live and work," said Phil Tonge, CPL’s President and Chairman of the Southwest Region Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Board of Trustees. "We have been involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs in Texas for over four years because we know the positive difference they make in the lives of these young Texans. Our hope is that the technology upgrades we’ve helped provide will better prepare the children for the bright future the Boys & Girls Club of Corpus Christi is helping them create."

In addition to the CPL Technology Center support, CPL and its Texas affiliates Direct Energy and WTU Retail Energy have contributed $25,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Education Program – an initiative the companies also supported in 2008. Historically, the retail electric provider’s BGCA support has focused on programs such as the after-school homework-assistance Power Hour, and the organization has included Boys & Girls Clubs of America in its annual employee fundraising drive these last two years.

About CPL Retail Energy
CPL Retail 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 natural gas-fired power generation facilities and a series of energy-related services companies in the state. 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.cplretailenergy.com.

For additional information, contact:

Lisa Dornan
713-877-3925
lisa.dornan@ cplretailenergy.com

Carla Gardiner
Kalio for CPL Energy 261.884.8890

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.