86% of PA's Electricity Consumers Agree it's Important to Have More Choices When it Comes to Electricity

Survey finds overwhelming support for full competition in Pennsylvania as PAPUC launches Retail Markets Investigation

Pittsburgh, PA (June 7, 2011) – A new survey of more than 800 electricity customers in Pennsylvania found that 86 percent of those surveyed would support increased competition in the electricity market. A 2010 poll of Pennsylvania customers conveyed similar findings.

Jim Steffes, Vice President and General Manager for Direct Energy, will be testifying tomorrow at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's hearing on the effectiveness of Pennsylvania's retail electricity market and will make recommendations to provide further benefits to consumers.

"The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission should be recognized for its efforts to bring electricity competition to Pennsylvania's consumers. However, Direct Energy fundamentally believes that at the current time a workably competitive retail market does not exist – the majority of the consumers have not switched and are not receiving the benefits of the electricity market. In the next several months, there are competition-enhancing steps that the Commission should implement to further drive competition and consumer benefits. In addition, the Commission should transition to a fully competitive market place over the next 2 years" says Steffes. "Properly structured competition will result in better value for consumer's energy dollars, innovation, economic development, and environmental benefits", says Steffes.

Another key finding of the survey was that 85 percent of respondents agree with the Direct Energy plan which would give consumers a $150-$500 rebate check for switching to a competitive supplier. In addition, the survey found that over 30% of consumers are confused or misinformed about the competitive market.

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About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is an electric generation supplier ("EGS") licensed by the Commission to provide electricity and related services to retail customers throughout Pennsylvania. Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related service 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, one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 states and 10 provinces in Canada. Direct Energy is committed to Pennsylvania, deciding in 2009 to locate its North American headquarters of Direct Energy Business, in Pittsburgh. Direct Energy acquired Clockwork Home Services in June 2010, which has 29 small businesses in the state, employing approximately 215 people, and its affinity group members employ another 314 people throughout Pennsylvania. In 2011, Direct Energy Residential has established the headquarters for its Northeast division in Pittsburgh, representing 30 additional jobs, and also acquired Gateway Energy, which has an office in Wilkes-Barre with approximately 40 employees. In total, Direct Energy's employment levels have increased from 225 to approximately 1,000 since 2009. Direct Energy has a significant annual economic impact, based on the salaries, taxes and community investment funds paid in the region. It is also active with charitable organizations and its employees provided over 4,000 hours of community volunteering in 2010 across the Commonwealth. To learn more about Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com.

About the survey
The Pennsylvania Electricity Choice Survey, conducted by Zogby International on behalf of Direct Energy, was completed by more than 800 electricity customers in PECO, PPL and Duquesne Light service territories. Telephone interviews were conducted by internationally recognized polling firm Zogby International in late September 2010. The margin of error for n=800 is at =+/- 3.5 percent.

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For more information, or to interview a Direct Energy or Zogby International representative about the survey results or the PUC En Banc hearing, please contact:

Bethany Ruhe
bethany.ruhe@directenergy.com
412.841.3818