Direct Energy Enters US Residential Solar Market through Acquisition of Astrum Solar

Houston, TX (July 29, 2014) - Direct Energy, one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services companies, has acquired Astrum Solar, a leading full-service residential solar installer, for $54 million.

The acquisition of Astrum Solar launches Direct Energy's entry into the U.S. residential solar market and expands Direct Energy's product offerings to new and existing residential customers. To date, Astrum Solar has installed approximately 4,000 residential solar systems in the Northeast U.S. and California.

Direct Energy President and CEO Badar Khan said: "We are excited at the potential of the Astrum Solar business in a rapidly growing market and we are delighted to be adding solar power to the range of energy options we already offer our customers. This acquisition fully aligns with our vision of using new technology and innovation to help our customers gain greater control over their energy use. "

"Direct Energy will look to leverage Astrum Solar's expertise in residential solar power installation to its customers, using new technology and accelerating customer growth across the United States " said Scott Boose, president, Direct Energy Services. "We believe the combination of Astrum's proven capabilities in residential solar together with Direct Energy's deep relationships with over 6 million residential customers will be a winning combination in the growing U.S. residential solar market."

Astrum Solar, one of the fastest-growing residential solar energy companies, was founded in 2008. Astrum Solar serves homeowners and small businesses in the Northeast, California, and Arizona. The company was listed #2 by Inc. Magazine's "America's 10 Fastest Growing Private Companies" in 2012 and also their "500 Fastest Growing Companies" list in 2013.

"Direct Energy has a very successful track record of using its expertise in energy, acquisition and home services to propel companies forward. I want to thank all our hardworking Astrum employees for their numerous contributions to our success and I look forward to all of us working with Direct Energy for our future growth, "said Vadim Polikov co-founder and President of Astrum Solar.

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About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over seven 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 states plus DC and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.

About Astrum Solar

Astrum Solar is a leading national full-service residential solar provider, serving homeowners and small businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, DC, West Virginia, California, and Arizona. Astrum Solar's mission is to spread solar power to the rooftops of America and to ensure that its customers get the most out of their solar panels: the most energy generated, the most electricity savings, the most beneficial environmental impact, and the most joy each time they see a sunny day. Astrum Solar was on the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies List in 2012 and 2013.

For further information, please contact:
Micah Hirschfield
Direct Energy
Micah.Hirschfield@directenergy.com
713-877-3805