Direct Energy Advocates for Retail Market Improvements for Customers in Connecticut

Hartford, CT (April 23, 2014) - The impacts of the recent, unprecedented Polar Vortex have highlighted the potential for improvements so that customers are better protected from extraordinarily high energy bills during short term market events. Direct Energy, North America's largest energy and energy-related services provider, is announcing today that effective immediately, the Company will add a price protection feature to its current residential electric variable rates in each Connecticut utility service area in which the Company serves. This combines the flexibility of a month-to-month plan with protection against extraordinary price spikes.

Direct Energy's price protection levels for its residential electric variable rates in Connecticut range from 14.7 cents per kilowatt-hour to 15.7 cents per kilowatt-hour, depending on the utility service area, and the Company is committing to these price protection levels for a six month period. Direct Energy's specific maximum variable rates with price protection for the Connecticut utility areas in which Direct Energy serves residential customers are as follows:

The funds donated will go into the Susan G. Komen National Treatment Assistance Fund. This fund provides direct financial assistance for qualifying candidates undergoing breast cancer treatment. The money helps pay for items such as medication, child care and medical equipment. The goal of this fund is to reduce the financial and emotional stress that often comes with breast cancer treatment.

• Connecticut Light & Power Company: