Natural gas prices drop for City of Campbell, Direct Energy Direct Choice Program City residents, small businesses can access lower-priced, stable option

Campbell, OH (3/2/2010) - Residents and small business owners of the City of Campbell will see natural gas prices drop from the current $7.51 per Mcf to $7.36 per Mcf for usage in the months of April to August 2010 (May to September 2010 billing cycles) if they are enrolled in the Direct Choice Program.

The price decrease comes as part of an agreement between the City of Campbell and Direct Energy to offer the Direct Choice Program, a stable-priced natural gas plan offered exclusively by Direct Energy to City residents and small businesses. A senior citizen discount is available for customers 65 years of age and older who own their residence.

”Through our continued collaboration with Direct Energy, we are able to offer members of our community a valuable program that helps them more accurately budget for their energy spending by guaranteeing a stable price for a set term, and it has allowed us the flexibility to take advantage of current low natural gas market prices to decrease the Program’s price,” said George Krinos, Mayor of Campbell.

The price decrease will automatically be applied to those who are currently enrolled in the Direct Choice Program.

Direct Choice is also available to City of Campbell residents who are 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 enroll into the Direct Choice Program 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.

“Our Direct Choice program allows Direct Energy to work with communities like the City of Campbell to help Ohio residents and businesses realize the benefits of the competitive energy market through stable pricing, protection from price fluctuations, and overall choice and control over natural gas costs for their homes and businesses,” said Cory Byzewski, Vice President and General Manager for Direct Energy. “We look forward to continuing to work with the City of Campbell, and to providing peace-of-mind and high-quality customer service to the City’s residents and small business owners.”

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.