Direct Energy's Direct Choice program to reduce natural gas prices for Sandusky customers Company offers lower-priced, stable option for residents, small businesses

Sandusky, OH (3/9/2010) - Sandusky residents and small business owners enrolled in Direct Energy’s Direct Choice program will soon see a reduction in the price they pay for natural gas.

The price decrease – from the current $0.749 per Ccf to $0.698 per Ccf for usage in the months of May through August – will automatically be applied to eligible customers who are currently enrolled in the Direct Choice program.

The new, lower price comes as part of an agreement between the City of Sandusky and Direct Energy to offer Direct Choice, 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 and older who own their residence.

”We are pleased to secure these savings for members of our community through our continued collaboration with Direct Energy on the Direct Choice program, which provides pricing stability to help customers budget their energy spend in the coming months,” said Don Icsman, Sandusky Acting City Manager and Law Director.

“In a time of economic uncertainty, customers want stable pricing for their natural gas service,” said Cory Byzewski, Vice President and General Manager for Direct Energy. “It is important to Direct Energy that the communities we serve experience the benefits energy competition brings to the individual customer and small business owner, including predictable pricing and potential savings over time. As a committed long-term energy partner to our customers, we strive to offer programs with flexibility to take advantage of low natural gas market prices, as we have done here in Sandusky.”

Direct Choice is available to Sandusky residents who are eligible to participate in Ohio’s customer choice program and have a residence or business located within the city. Customers must actively enroll into the Direct Choice Program to receive this price. Those who are already under contract with another supplier but wish to enroll with Direct Energy 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. 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.