Direct Energy Donates AC Units to Houston Senior Citizens

Houston, TX — May 3, 2016 - With summer just around the corner, Direct Energy® announces 60 Houston-area seniors will receive a new portable air conditioning unit to help combat the rising temperatures.

"With our headquarters in Houston, we at Direct Energy are all too familiar with the dangerously searing heat that comes during the summer months," said Cullen Hay, General Manager of U.S. Energy, Direct Energy. "We are so proud to work with our local One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating® and Neighborhood Centers to bring some cooling relief to seniors in need. Our mission is to make a difference in people's lives."

This is the fourth year Direct Energy has partnered with Neighborhood Centers to help meet the rising need for air conditioning in Houston. Neighborhood Centers has identified the recipients 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.

"Many of our senior neighbors don't have any or sufficient cooling in their homes which puts them at even greater risk for heat-related illnesses. We are thrilled to partner with Direct Energy and One Hour Air again to connect some of our communities most vulnerable seniors to cool air just in time for the summer," said Meggin Lorino, Director of Neighborhood Based Senior Services for Neighborhood Centers.

The donated units will be delivered and professionally installed in up to 60 homes by One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating's professional certified technicians. Several units have been delivered and installed so far, and all will be delivered by the end of May.

"When we go into people's homes and install these, they are so appreciative and thankful, Trying to endure the summer heat in Houston can be not only uncomfortable but dangerous. We are happy to be able to offer them a little relief, " said Bill Fortner, Vice President of One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating.

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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. 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.

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