The Pennsylvania Energy Consortium Saves Members Over Two Million Dollars

Pittsburgh, PA (10/5/2011) - The Pennsylvania Energy Consortium (PENCON) saved members over two million dollars in only one year of service by choosing Direct Energy and their PowerPortfolio ^TM product*. In 2010, PENCON chose Direct Energy Business to provide electricity supply to its members, including public schools, local governments, and non-profit organizations, based on the value it could bring to the consortium, its stability and extensive experience with schools in Pennsylvania and nationally.

In the present funding climate, schools need every penny they can get. By saving two million dollars on their energy supply costs with Direct Energy Business, PENCON members had more funding available for other activities, including equipment upgrades and school programs.

PowerPortfolio ^TM   allows PENCON members to capitalize on schools' favorable usage profiles. In general, electricity pricing favors schools, since they tend to use less power during the summer and peak during the morning and early afternoon, thus avoiding the most expensive late afternoon/early evening hourly rates. PowerPortfolio ^{TM further enables PENCON to control their energy costs by making forward purchases when market conditions are optimal and satisfying the balance of their usage requirements by prudent use of the hourly market.}

The Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI), a member of PENCON, is a firm believer in the advantages of cooperative purchasing. "Joining the PENCON/Direct Energy consortium combines multiple entities to create greater purchasing power for electricity," said Randy Hensinger, Business Administrator, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute. "This consortium allowed LCTI to take advantage of the knowledgeable employees of Direct Energy to guide and assist our schools in energy decisions and strategies".

"The benefits of a customized energy plan can have a positive impact on an organization's bottom line, as seen with PENCON," said Mike Senff, Vice-President North American Sales and Marketing for Direct Energy Business. "PowerPortfolio ^{TM best suited the energy needs of PENCON and its members and provides them with an efficient, cost-effective energy solution."}

*As indicated in PENCON PPL Electric Accounts comparison by OnDemand Energy Solutions

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy Business is one of North America's largest commercial retail energy suppliers and a Direct Energy company. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Direct Energy Business is dedicated to helping customers make cost-effective choices for their electricity and natural gas requirements. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Direct Energy Business serves nearly 50,000 customers in 14 states, the District of Columbia and five Canadian provinces. Direct Energy is wholly owned by Centrica plc. (LSE:CNA,) one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. To learn more, visit www.directenergybusiness.com

About Pennsylvania Energy Consortium

In 1997, the Pennsylvania Energy Consortium was formed as a non-profit corporation to provide volume-purchasing services for electrical and other energy-related commodities for schools, libraries, municipalities, nonprofit organizations and other public-sector agencies.

For further information, please contact:

Bethany Ruhe
Public Relations
Direct Energy Business
1-412-667-5616 (office)
1-412-841-3818 (mobile)
Bethany.ruhe@directenergy.com