Direct Energy First Competitive Energy Supplier to Join Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative

Houston, TX (March 9, 2016) – - Direct Energy® today announced today its membership in Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC). Direct Energy is the first and only competitive energy retail provider in the collaborative.

"As one of North America's largest retail electricity providers, Direct Energy is committed to responsible smart grid leadership and integrated consumer engagement," said Direct Energy Executive Vice President Jim Steffes.

Since its founding in March 2010, SGCC has attracted many member organizations to listen, educate and collaborate for modernized, intelligent electrical systems. Direct Energy joins a balanced membership of stakeholders that includes leaders from the business community, utilities, regulators and advocacy groups. SGCC activities include funding independent research on consumer smart grid issues, providing forums for members to share and self-educate and collaborating to develop industry best practices.

About the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC):

Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative (SGCC), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of accelerating the adoption of a smart grid that is consumer-safe, consumer-friendly and consumer-approved. Membership is open to all consumer and environmental advocates, technology vendors, research laboratories and electric utilities for collaboration in research, best practices and consumer education. Learn more at www.smartgridcc.org.

About Direct Energy:

Direct Energy is a leading energy and energy-related services provider with nearly five million residential and commercial customers in North America. 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 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.

For further information, please contact:
Jessica Michan
Direct Energy Business
(713) 904-7488
Jessica.Michan@directenergy.com