Direct Energy's Meridian Smart Thermostat Innovation Helps Texans Save on Energy Cost

HOUSTON, Feb. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy, one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers, in partnership with Opower and Honeywell, today announced the launch of the Meridian smart thermostat in Texas, including an advanced mobile app that enables anytime, anywhere management of home energy use.

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The Direct Energy Meridian solution's Wi-Fi thermostat from Honeywell connects to the newest generation of utility software leader Opower's thermostat platform – including a Set for Savings feature that proactively recommends more efficient settings based on the customers' actual energy use and billing information. With thermostats controlling more than 50 percent of the energy bill, the data-driven Meridian thermostat app provides consumers an opportunity for significant savings even from small adjustments.

"Imagine a thermostat that is smart enough to tell you specifically how and when you can save on energy costs in your home – up to 10 percent in reduced costs. That's the power and convenience of Direct Energy's Meridian thermostat, always available at your fingertips from your mobile phone," said Adam Miller, Direct Energy's Senior Director, Innovation. "And with Texas' frequent 100+ degree summer temperatures, the savings definitely can add up."

Initially available to customers in Dallas and Houston, the Meridian thermostat is Direct Energy's newest, most technologically advanced Connected Home offer, and combines the company's retail electric service with its vast experience in home services. The new thermostat is offered as the Direct Energy Meridian Savings Plan which includes:

• A two-year low, fixed, electricity rate plan
• Up to three free Meridian Wi-Fi thermostats
• The Meridian mobile app for Android or iOs
• Professional installation by One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for $69.99 for the first thermostat ($49.99 for each additional thermostat), and including a free 20-point HVAC maintenance valued at $138

"The Direct Energy Meridian thermostat offer demonstrates our commitment to transforming basic electric service into helpful, personalized household management solutions that add value for busy, cost-conscious consumers," said Miller. "Direct Energy's focus is on harnessing our energy expertise to make life easier for consumers, with simple solutions that blend the latest technology with our competitive low electric rates to deliver an overall superior customer experience."

To learn more visit www.directenergy.com/meridian or call 1-855-558-4376.

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 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

Opower
Working with 90 utility partners and serving more than 20 million consumers across eight countries, Opower is a leading provider of cloud-based software to the utility industry. Opower's platform uses big data analytics and behavioral science to enable utilities to achieve energy outcomes, including energy efficiency, customer engagement and demand response. Founded in 2007 and privately held, Opower is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with offices in San Francisco, London, Singapore and Tokyo. For more information, please visit www.opower.com and follow us on Twitter at @Opower.     

Honeywell
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.  

SOURCE Direct Energy