$4 Billion Dollar Energy Firm Signs Long-Term Office Lease In Downtown Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA, July 13, 2009 – Direct Energy Business, one of North America’s largest commercial and industrial retail energy suppliers, has signed a five year lease at the Liberty Center in downtown Pittsburgh for its 52,000 square-foot North American headquarters, effective November 2009.

This follows last week’s announcement that Direct Energy Business will green the electricity usage of the city of Pittsburgh for both days of the upcoming G-20 Summit. Greening the G-20 Summit is part of Direct Energy Business' "Committed to Pennsylvania" initiative - a five-year, $2.5 million investment program.

"Direct Energy Business chose Pittsburgh because of its diversified economy, its deep talent pool and because it is a great place to live and work for our 230 Pittsburgh-based employees," said Maura Clark, President, Direct Energy Business. "My colleagues and I are excited about being a growing part of the Pittsburgh community. We believe in this community and its future and expect to be here for a long time as active and involved Pennsylvanians."

Direct Energy Business' move was required to accommodate current operational requirements as well as position the business for future expansion. The Liberty Center, located at 1001 Liberty Avenue is less than half a mile from Direct Energy Business' current location at Two Gateway Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Direct Energy Business will occupy the 12th, 13th and 14th floors of the building.

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Click here for information on the Liberty Center.

For more information, please contact:

Bethany L. Ruhe
Manager, Public Relations, Direct Energy Business
412.394.5664 (office)
412.841.3818 (mobile)
Bethany.Ruhe@directenergy.com

About Direct Energy Business:
Direct Energy Business is one of North America’s largest commercial retail energy suppliers and a Direct Energy company. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Direct Energy Business is dedicated to helping customers make cost-effective choices for their electricity and natural gas requirements. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Direct Energy Business serves nearly 50,000 customers in 14 states, the District of Columbia and five Canadian provinces. Direct Energy is wholly owned by Centrica plc. (LSE:CNA), one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies.