Maryland Based Solar Company Announces New Name

Annapolis Junction, MD (April 2, 2015) - Astrum Solar announced today it has a new name. The Annapolis Junction based solar installer is now Direct Energy Solar. The company was acquired in July of 2014 by Direct Energy. The new name aligns with the goal to continue to grow and expand operations while bringing an unmatched suite of innovative products and services Direct Energy offers to customers. Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy, commercial retail energy and energy related services companies with almost five million customers.

"Astrum Solar is already a market leader and is well respected by our customers and the solar industry. We will use that solid foundation as we continue to grow. Our family of brands operate throughout North America and now with Direct Energy Solar, we will be well positioned for the future. We are pleased to add the Direct Energy name to our solar operations," said Scott Boose, president of Direct Energy Services..

Direct Energy Solar will continue to be based in Howard County, Maryland. More than 120 employees who work in Maryland will remain there as well. It was recently announced the company plans to add additional square footage and is currently hiring for hundreds of new positions throughout the United States. To date Astrum Solar has installed thousands of residential and commercial solar systems throughout the mid-Atlantic, northeast and in California. Learn more at www.directenergysolar.com

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About Direct Energy: Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with almost five million customers. 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:
Monica Yadav
Manager, External Relations, Direct Energy Services
Monica.Yadav@directenergy.com
941-893-6905