Direct Energy Introduces 360Direct To Simplify Energy Management For Illinois Businesses

Pittsburgh, PA (12/21/2011) - Direct Energy Business (DEB), a unit of one of North America's largest competitive energy suppliers of electricity, natural gas, and related services is proud to present 360Direct to the Illinois marketplace. The 360Direct team of dedicated energy management professionals utilizing a suite of technology and consulting products will help Illinois businesses cut operating costs, widen profit margins and outpace the competition.

"We're really excited about 360Direct and what it can do for our business customers in Illinois," said George Mossides, Director of Sales (Midwest Region), DEB. "360Direct is designed to be a true partnership, to create solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional businesses so that they can better manage their energy needs in today's challenging and competitive market."

The program includes several consulting services and management solutions that produce a comprehensive approach to driving value throughout a business's energy program lifecycle:

• EnergyALLY is a planning and assessment service that allows customers to tap into DEB's many years of experience and practical energy expertise while introducing them to best practices and emerging energy management technologies.
• InvoiceASSURE is an invoice data management system that transforms utility bills into valuable insights that customers can use to make decisions about consumption and cost management.
• PowerBUY: is a patented online purchasing platform that provides real-time access to the wholesale electricity market and connects customers with fully transparent pricing from participating wholesale counterparties that meet DEB's pre-qualification standards.

These offers will help businesses manage both their energy demand and energy supply needs through a unique combination of consulting and management services and integrated solutions.

"360Direct serves as a customer's business support team for energy solutions," says Mossides. "By choosing to partner with us, commercial and industrial businesses will not only gain access to a team of highly skilled and experienced individuals and products, they'll gain access to short and long-term energy management solutions that will save their businesses time and money."

To learn more about how Illinois businesses can start saving money immediately with 360 Direct, please visit www.energy360direct.com or call 1-855-619-9381.

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 45 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. Direct Energy has operated in Pennsylvania since 2008 and supplies natural gas and electricity to thousands of customers in the state. Direct Energy's commitment to helping others extends beyond Pennsylvania. The company partners with community-based organizations throughout North America to aid them in trying to make a positive impact in their communities.

For additional information, contact:

Bethany Ruhe
Direct Energy
Bethany.Ruhe@directenergy.com
1-412-667-5616

Scott Henry

Pipitone Group
shenry@pipitonegroup.com
1-412-321-0879 ext. 215