City of Thorold Celebrates New Power-Generating Solar Rooftop Systems

The City selects Direct Energy as its Energy Solutions Provider

City of Thorold, Ontario (June 17, 2013) - Committed to energy conservation and minimizing its environmental impact, the City of Thorold selected Direct Energy as its Energy Solutions Provider to upgrade a number of the city's facilities, reducing both energy use and deferred maintenance costs. As part of the energy conservation project, the City of Thorold opted to implement rooftop solar systems at four locations including City Hall, Fire Department Stations #2 and #4, and the new Thorold Seniors' Centre. The City will introduce the public and media to details of the fully operational solar-powered rooftop generating systems at a brief ceremony prior to Council June 18.

"This Council is committed to energy efficiency and long-term renewable energy planning," noted Thorold Mayor Ted Luciani. "I'm very pleased we made this decision, and have joined a growing number of Ontario municipalities on the path to sustainability."

The solar installations will use active photovoltaic (PV) technologies to convert the sun's energy into electricity. Each of the city's solar rooftop installations will generate approximately 10,000 kWh of power annually, which will then feed back into the electricity grid as part of the Ontario Power Authority's Feed-In Tariff (microFIT) program. Through the microFIT program, the City of Thorold will be paid for the electricity generated for the 20 years of the contract's duration.

"Direct Energy is pleased to have been the implementation partner with the City of Thorold in this overall efficiency program," said Phil Owens, director and general manager, Toronto and Western Canada, Direct Energy Business Services. "Progressive municipalities such as Thorold should be proud of the legacy they are leaving future generations with these initiatives and we hope to continue to provide services like these to Thorold and other municipalities."

First launched in 2009 following the establishment of the Green Energy Act by the Province of Ontario, the microFIT program is North America's first comprehensive guaranteed pricing program for renewable electricity production. The program encourages renewable energy projects and has helped establish Ontario as a leader in renewable energy and green energy jobs.

Solar energy is a renewable resource that is environmentally friendly and readily available. More benign than other renewable energies, it is a great replacement or supplement to unsustainable energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas. Solar PV panels require little maintenance, do not pollute and operate silently, making photovoltaic energy a very clean and safe method of power generation.

Chief Building Official Jeff Menard, Mayor Ted Luciani and Phil Owens are available for interviews.

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with more than 6 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE:CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

About The City of Thorold

The City of Thorold is in Southern Ontario, nestled between Lake Ontario to the north and Lake Erie to the south. The City is located in the middle of the Niagara Region atop the stunning Niagara Escarpment and is home to more than 18,000 residents. For more information, visit www.thorold.com.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Romo
Direct Energy
412.334.9510
Andrea.Romo@directenergy.com