Direct Energy Business Enters Ohio Power Electricity Market

Columbus, OH (12/05/2011) - Earlier this month, Direct Energy Business announced that the company will begin providing competitive electricity supply services to commercial and industrial customers in the Ohio Power service territory of central Ohio. With increased competition creating opportunities to shop around for a great deal, commercial and industrial customers now have an attractive new choice from one of North America's largest integrated energy companies.

"Ohio has a presence in competitive energy markets, with the supportive efforts of legislators and utility regulators," said Mike Senff, Vice President North American Sales and Marketing for Direct Energy Business. "We are committed to providing customers across North America with competitive energy choices and are thrilled to be expanding our Ohio presence into the Ohio Power service territory."

Specifically, Direct Energy Business will offer commercial and industrial electricity customers a suite of fixed and index products, which may provide competitive savings off the local American Electric Power (AEP) utility rate for electricity supply. With AEP's recent intent to set its capacity rates for its tariff customers, this could cause an increase to customers electricity bills, if they are with the utility.

Direct Energy Business customers will have the ability to choose a product that best suits their business' needs and energy supply requirements. Direct Energy Business is confident that its suite of products provides some of the most competitive offers on the market and will help customers control their electric bills.

Direct Energy Business' entry into the Ohio Power service territory expands its Ohio footprint for retail energy service. The company already has a strong and established presence in Ohio that serves residential and business customers with natural gas and electricity products as well as energy services through its Airtron, Mister Sparky and Willis One Hour brands.

"Direct Energy is a stable, financially strong company, offering integrated home services and energy products in Ohio with a vision for growth and a commitment to competitive markets and the benefits they bring to customers - lower prices, innovative products and great customer service," said Senff.

Customers can learn more about Direct Energy Business' products and services or enroll by calling 1-866-925-9115 or by visiting the company's website.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over 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 including the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

For further information, please contact:

Bethany Ruhe
Direct Energy
Phone: 1-412-667-5616
Cell: 1-412-841-3818
Bethany.ruhe@directenergy.com