Direct Energy Recognized For Environmental Excellence With ISO 14001 Certification

Toronto, ON (3/3/2011) - Direct Energy, North America's largest competitive energy and services' company, achieved ISO 14001 certification for the company's Environmental Management System (EMS). EMS is Direct Energy's environmental business plan for managing and reducing the environmental impacts of the company's daily operations.

Developed in 1996, the ISO 14001 Certification is an international recognition for environmental excellence. ISO Certification is the first international environmental achievement for Direct Energy and demonstrates the company's commitment to leading the way to a low-carbon economy.

"Direct Energy views climate change as an important global challenge that needs to be addressed; that is why we are doing our part to reduce carbon emissions to help achieve a sustainable environment," said Harry Chen, Director, Environment & Compliance for North America, Direct Energy. "Achieving ISO 14001 certification allows us to systematically integrate environmental management into our business decisions, while making strategic investments to further establish the low-carbon economy".

British Standards Institution (BSI) was employed to perform audits and field verification against the ISO Standard at both upstream and downstream sites including two power plants, six gas compressor stations and nine Services locations located in the US and Canada. "BSI is delighted to recognize this important milestone for Direct Energy" said Todd VanderVen, President, BSI Group America Inc. "Direct Energy's commitment to environmental sustainability is even further reinforced by their achievement of ISO 14001 certification."

Direct Energy seeks to enable customers and the communities in which it operates to participate in the transition towards a low-carbon future through energy-efficient products, support for innovative technology, and investing in and supporting the development of products and technologies that help customers to manage supply and demand.

Beginning in 2011, Direct Energy will roll out a three-year integration plan to certify vehicle fleets, office buildings occupied by DE Residential & DE Business, IS and newly acquired assets under the ISO 14001 standards. The goal is to achieve the certification for those business areas by 2013.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with more than 6 million residential and commercial customer relationships. 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 states plus DC and 10 provinces in Canada.

About BSI

BSI Group is a global independent business services organization which enables businesses, governments and other organizations to increase profits and market access, and to enhance reputation with its standards-based solutions and assurance services. From its origins as the world's first National Standards Body, BSI draws upon over 100 years' experience to partner with 66,000 organizations in 147 countries from its 50 offices. Today, through its independence, innovation and integrity, BSI continues to improve the lives of millions by raising standards worldwide. To learn more about BSI, please visit www.bsiamerica.com

For additional information, contact:

Emily Richardson
Public Relations
Direct Energy
1-416-758-8979
Emily.Richardson@directenergy.com

Shereen Abuzobaa
VP Marketing & Training
BSI
1-703-464-1931