Direct Energy Officially Opens Phoenix Area Call Center, Looks Forward to Continued Growth in Arizona With Retail Electric Competition

Call Center Opening Coincides with 2,000 Hour Volunteer Commitment to Phoenix Area Non-Profits

Tempe, AZ (May 23, 2013) – Direct Energy today officially opened its Phoenix area call center in Tempe symbolizing the company's dedication to grow long-term in the Phoenix community. As part of the grand opening festivities, Direct Energy announced that the company and its employees would commit to volunteering a minimum of 2,000 hours over the next year among several different area non-profit organizations including Habitat for Humanity and the St. Mary's Food Bank.

"Direct Energy takes community investment and corporate social responsibility very seriously," said Scott Boose, president, Direct Energy Services. "We are committed to making a difference in our customer's lives and positive impacts in areas like Phoenix where we are part of the community employing hundreds of people with plans to grow even more."

The community involvement initiative announcement was made at a press conference at Direct Energy's new call center. During the press conference, Direct Energy also discussed its optimism that Arizona will open to retail electric competition, an industry where Direct Energy is the largest in North America. Recently, Direct Energy submitted a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CC&N) to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to serve retail electric customers in the state. The ultimate goal is to allow more consumers, specifically residential and small businesses, in Arizona to reap the full benefits of a competitive retail market structure, which may include cost savings.

"Across the United States in competitive retail electric markets, Direct Energy has offered choice and innovative time-of-use products to consumers that will save them money," said Steven Murray, president, Direct Energy Residential. "Arizona should be no different and we look forward to working with the Arizona Corporation Commission Commissioners and other parties to continue the forward progress the state is making toward competition."

Direct Energy employs more than 200 people in the Phoenix area with current plans to grow to as many as 500. The company's call center in Tempe serves customers in both Direct Energy Services for their plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electricians needs, and Direct Energy Residential for our retail electric customers.

"We are so pleased to celebrate this day with Direct Energy and its employees," said Mayor Mark Mitchell. "Tempe is excited about adding 500 new jobs to our community, and we are appreciative of the volunteerism of the Direct Energy employees. That is a genuine and generous sign that they are here to stay. Our new call center is a symbol of the important position Tempe and the Phoenix area has toward growing our customer base and business in North America," said Matt George, Direct Energy's call center director and senior executive in the Phoenix area. "I look forward to showing the community our new workplace and enhancing our visibility and influence here."

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.

For further information, please contact:
Micah Hirschfield
Direct Energy
713-877-3805 office
281-908-6597 mobile
Micah.Hirschfield@DirectEnergy.com