Direct Energy Now Offering the Hive Active Thermostat in U.S.

Houston, TX – Direct Energy®, one of North America's largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas, and home and business energy-related services, teamed up with its sister company Centrica Connected Home to bring the Hive connected home experience to its customers to help manage home energy usage.

New Direct Energy customers have the opportunity to sign up for the "Connect to Comfort 24 Plan," which includes the Hive Active Thermostat with a qualifying electricity and/or natural gas plan.

The Hive Active Thermostat is simple, easy to use and helps people control their energy usage and manage their homes more effectively, whether they are at home or on-the-go from their smartphone. With the ability to adjust heating and cooling from wherever they are, customers are ensured a welcoming environment as soon as they walk in the door.

"We are proud to be the first to offer the Hive connected home experience to our customers to give them more insights, choices and control than ever before," said Manu Asthana, President of Direct Energy Home. "We want our energy customers to be able to control their energy use from the palm of their hand whenever and wherever they want."

Connected Home is a key area for growth for parent company Centrica plc, with a £500m investment to take the Hive brand global. With over 500,000 customers in the UK, the Hive experience is considered a leading smart home solution, with more than half of customers using their Hive Active Thermostat at least once daily in the winter and 75 percent of customers having recommended it.

"Based on years of insights working with British Gas in the U.K., we have a deep understanding of our customers, and know that each has unique needs. We are passionate about designing smart home experiences with clearly communicated benefits that make life a little easier," said Nina Bhatia, Managing Director of Centrica Connected Home. "We are thrilled to be bringing our solutions to North America. Partnering with Direct Energy to begin our rollout of products and services in the market, we are able to build on our mission to make the smart home real for everyone with affordable, easy to use solutions."

Direct Energy already offers its customers many tools to help them use less energy such as: Direct Your Energy , Direct Your Plan, and the Reduce Your Use Rewards program.

Last year, Direct Energy was the first in North America to launch the Hive Active Light Starter Pack, which includes the Hive Hub, plus two Hive Active Light bulbs through the "Smart & Bright 24" Plan. People can dim and brighten their light bulbs, and set the perfect lighting schedule for their home by using the Hive app via their smartphone.

To learn more about this offer, please call: 1-855-461-1926 or visit:

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