In Ohio, Direct Energy Brings Expertise to Designing Spaces

In Ohio, Direct Energy Brings Expertise to Designing Spaces

Local energy retailer featured on national design show, launches nationwide sweepstakes

DUBLIN, Ohio, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- High natural gas prices are adding a chill to summer in the Buckeye State, with consumers anxious about heating costs when, inevitably, the colder weather returns. But as Direct Energy's Dave Borowski explains on a Designing Spaces episode that began airing over the weekend, through simple measures, consumers can take control of their energy usage and their energy costs.

Airing nationally and on local cable stations, Borowski's appearance on Designing Spaces focuses on the two most important parts of the energy bill -- one, the cost customers pay per unit of energy, and two, the total amount of energy they consume over a particular billing period. Changing either how much energy a customer uses or what each unit of energy costs can raise or lower a customer's bill significantly. Changing both parts of the bill can have an even greater impact. Borowski helps viewers understand what they can do to lower both parts of their bill and leave more money in their wallets.

"I'll often hear people talking about the price they're paying for natural gas, but very few ever comment on the multiplier that makes up the bulk of the total amount owing -- the amount of energy they actually used in one month," said Kevin West, vice president of marketing. "Direct Energy's involvement with Designing Spaces, which airs nation-wide, is just one example of how we're working to help our customers better understand how they're using energy so they can take the right steps to lower their monthly energy costs."

In an effort to continue to underscore the benefits of taking a proactive approach in managing energy costs, Direct Energy has made the segment available and launched an online sweepstakes at http://www.directenergy.com/designingspaces for a chance to win up to $5,000 to put towards home energy efficiency improvements. The company will also be giving away compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) to contest participants.

"Energy costs have gone up -- oil is over $140 a barrel, natural gas is up in the $12 range -- and we're seeing those impacts on our pocketbooks," said West. "Given energy is top-of-mind with consumers, it's a good time for Direct Energy to use different channels such as Designing Spaces to help educate consumers about what they can do to keep their monthly bills in check.

"Ohio has developed a competitive natural gas market that gives consumers options when it comes to choosing an energy plan and a supplier. Now is as good as time as any for consumers to review their energy plan and ensure it's going to meet their families' needs three, six, and nine months from now," he said.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is part of the Centrica group of companies, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America. The North American operations have grown to more than 5 million residential and commercial customer relationships. The company also offers comprehensive energy solutions to more than 60,000 commercial customers across North America. Globally, the Centrica group of companies is a leading provider of energy and other essential services with approximately 32 million customer relationships. For more information, visit http://www.directenergy.com/.

    For further information, please contact:    Yvette Hamilton    713.877.5818    Yvette.Hamilton@directenergy.com  

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Source: Direct Energy

CONTACT: Yvette Hamilton of Direct Energy, +1-713-877-5818,
Yvette.Hamilton@directenergy.com

Web site: http://www.directenergy.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment