Spark Energy Partners with Fox Chicago Schools Challenge Offering Chicagoans a Way to Save and Give to The St. Baldrick's Foundation

CHICAGO, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to "empower what matters," Spark Energy today announced a partnership with Fox Chicago Schools Challenge designed to raise awareness and funds for The St. Baldrick's Foundation.  The Foundation is known for rallying volunteers to raise money by pledging to shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer and since 2005, has awarded nearly $60 million in grants for childhood cancer research.

Spark Energy kicked off the partnership with a $5,000 donation to St. Baldrick's and a pledge to raise additional funds throughout the month of March.  From now until March 31, 2011, the low-cost energy provider plans to donate an additional $25 for each new customer that switches to Spark Energy and enters the code BALDRICKS.  

"At Spark Energy we are truly committed to empowering what matters and that is why we are committed to supporting The St. Baldrick's Foundation," said Hal Poel, Director of Marketing for Spark Energy.  "By simply switching to Spark Energy, households will not only save on their electricity bills, but will also give back in a big way to help fight childhood cancer."

It is simple to switch to Spark Energy.  Households can log onto www.sparkenergy.com, enter their zip code in the "sign up now field" on the site's homepage and continue to follow the five easy steps to complete the process – including entering the "BALDRICKS" code.  Consumers can also call 1-877-54-SPARK to make the switch.

In addition to raising funds, the Spark Energy team is taking their commitment to fight childhood cancer a step further.  Two company employees have stepped up to the plate and volunteered to cut their hair and have their heads shaved at an upcoming St. Baldrick's event in Chicago.  

Spark Energy Offers Energy Savings in Chicago

Spark Energy now offers Illinois residents a fixed-rate plan for 12 months at a rate of 6.98 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) – a rate 16 percent lower than ComEd's current electricity supply rate for residential consumers and 13 percent lower for small business customers.*  The switching process is fast, free and seamless, with no interruption of service. More information regarding deregulation is available at www.pluginillinois.org

About the St. Baldrick's Foundation

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. The Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization, except the U.S. government. St. Baldrick's funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds awarded also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, a child's best hope for a cure. Since the Foundation's first grants as an independent charity in 2005; it has funded over $56.9 million in childhood cancer research. For more information about St. Baldrick's, call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.

About Spark Energy

Houston-based Spark Energy, L.P. is an independent multi-state certified retail energy and natural gas supplier.  With more than a decade of experience, the company works to consistently deliver low-cost energy rates, quality products and superior customer service to its customers. Spark Energy is dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves by building relationships, inspiring philanthropy and promoting good will both inside the company and throughout the community. For more information visit the company's web site at www.sparkenergy.com.

*Comparison is based on ComEd's published rates through May 2011; ComEd's rates after this period are unknown at this time

SOURCE Spark Energy