Direct Energy Enters Massachusetts Residential Market for First Time

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy announced today that the company will begin offering competitive electricity supply services to residential customers in the National Grid Massachusetts service territory. National Grid Massachusetts serves a total of 1.1 million customers in 168 Massachusetts communities and is an electricity distribution subsidiary of the United Kingdom-based National Grid.

This offering marks the first time that Direct Energy will be entering the National Grid Massachusetts residential market. With increased competition creating opportunities to shop around for a great deal, customers in the National Grid Massachusetts service territories now have an attractive new choice from one of North America's largest integrated energy companies.

"To be able to offer electricity at a special rate to the state of Massachusetts is a great accomplishment for us," said Cory Byzewski, Vice President and General Manager of Direct Energy Residential US North. "We look forward to providing customers a choice for their electricity and to also show a commitment to competition in National Grid Massachusetts."

Specifically, Direct Energy will offer a 12 month fixed rate plan for residential electricity customers. The current plan is a 12 month fixed rate of $0.0778 per kWh and there is no cancellation fee should customers choose to opt-out of it. Direct Energy encourages potential new participants that are under contract with another supplier to review their contracts for potential obligations prior to enrolling.

Participants who choose this low fixed rate plan are offered savings against the utility's current price-to-compare on their electricity bills and are guaranteed price protection against rising electricity rates for a full 12 months. Savings are compared to National Grid's current fixed price product and not its monthly variable rate product.

"Direct Energy is an integrated energy and home services and company that is excited to offer the National Grid Massachusetts customers benefits such as lower electricity prices and unmatched customer service," said Byzewski.

Customers can learn more about Direct Energy's products and services or enroll by calling 1-866-266-2084 or by visiting the company's website at www.directenergy.com.

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.

SOURCE Direct Energy