Direct Energy Donates Portable Air Conditioners to Seniors in Need

Houston, TX ? July 24, 2015 - As Houston's rising temperatures drive people inside, Direct Energy and One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating today presented a donation of more than 50 portable air conditioning units to help elderly residents stay cool.

"Direct Energy is a proud community partner, and we see a need in Houston's elderly community that we are happy to fill. This donation exemplifies Direct Energy's commitment to harnessing our energy expertise to make a difference in people's lives," said Jessica Mahaffey, Vice President, External Affairs, Direct Energy.

For the third year in a row, Direct Energy partnered with Neighborhood Centers to help meet this need. Through Neighborhood Centers, 53 seniors were identified who are currently on a fixed income and either cannot pay to have their air conditioning units repaired or replaced, or who simply do not have enough units to cool the most-used rooms in their homes.

"We are committed to the health and wellbeing of older adults so they may live safe and independent lives. Direct Energy's donation allows our seniors to live in a comfortable and safe environment in their own homes, said Meggin Lorino, Director of Neighborhood Based Senior Services, Neighborhood Centers Inc.

The donated units will be delivered and professionally installed to all 53 homes by One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating professional certified technicians. Approximately half of the units have been delivered and installed so far, and all will be delivered by the end of July.

Direct Energy, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, and Sheltering Arms Neighborhood Centers, Inc. representatives announce a donation of more than 50 portable air conditioners to low-income elderly Houston residents.

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About Direct Energy Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with nearly five million residential and commercial customers. Through its Direct Energy, Bounce Energy, First Choice Power, CPL Retail Energy and WTU Retail Energy brands, the company is the third-largest retail electricity provider in Texas, and owns a series of energy-related services companies. 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 50 states and 10 provinces in Canada.

About Neighborhood Centers Neighborhood Centers Inc. brings resources, education and connection to nearly 600,000 people throughout Texas each year. For more than a century, Neighborhood Centers has offered innovative solutions to help low-income families in emerging neighborhoods get a foothold in the region's economy. The organization works with residents in more than 70 service locations to help them discover the strengths and skills necessary to become productive, prosperous and self-sufficient. Building on the strengths of individuals and communities, Neighborhood Centers is transforming them. FOR GOOD. Neighborhood Centers Inc. is a United Way Agency. For more information, visit www.neighborhood-centers.org

For further information, please contact:
Jessica Michan
Direct Energy
(713) 904-7488

Frida Villalobos
Neighborhood Centers Inc.
(713) 669-5348