Direct Energy drives social good by offering up to $100,000 to charities wanting to make energy-saving changes

Alberta charities invited to reduce their use and apply for a Direct Energy grant

CALGARY, Alberta, July 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Direct Energy wants to lead the path of social good by launching the Reduce Your Use for Good program, offering charities the chance to receive up to $100,000, in $2,500 increments, to implement energy-saving changes to their operations. Using Direct Energy's Facebook page or ReduceYourUseForGood.com, Alberta non-profit organizations are invited to submit a video application explaining how Direct Energy can help them reduce their energy consumption.

Direct Energy calling out Canadian Facebook Fans

Using social media to drive social good, Direct Energy is calling out to Canadian Facebook fans and its growing Facebook community to help award these grants. For every 2,500 new "Likes" Direct Energy receives on its Facebook page, the company will give away $2,500 to a charity to be used towards reducing its energy use, helping them to continue the good work they do. The program will end once Direct Energy has awarded up to $100,000 in total Reduce Your Use For Good grants.

"Direct Energy is committed to harnessing our energy expertise to make a difference in people's lives," said Chris Weston, CEO of Direct Energy. "Our Reduce Your Use For Good grants are designed to support non-profits in decreasing their energy use in order to have more funds to help their mission."

Grant funds can be used for energy-efficient products or services to help nonprofits reduce their energy use. To be eligible, organizations must have a current and active Registered Charitable Number in Canada, be registered with and be in good standing with the appropriate agencies, and must be located in a Direct Energy service area or community where the company offers services.

For more information, please visit ReduceYourUseForGood.com.

About 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. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit http://www.directenergy.com

SOURCE Direct Energy

Emily Richardson, Direct Energy, [phone]

http://www.directenergy.com

http://www.reduceyouruseforgood.com