Direct Energy Launches Texas True Blue, First-of-a-Kind Sourced Natural Gas Blue Energy Product for Residential Energy Use

100% Natural Gas-Powered Energy Supports, Powers the Texas Economy

HOUSTON, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Direct Energy today again brings innovation to the retail electric marketplace providing more customer choice as the first retail energy provider in the United States to unveil a solely natural gas sourced, "blue energy" product for residential energy use. True Blue Texas Plan, which is sourced to the natural gas wells of Texas' famous King Ranch, creates another manner for customers to be environmentally responsible and friendly using the plentiful natural gas that has been discovered in the country in recent years.

True Blue Texas Plan also will create and retain jobs and pride in Texas and once again show that Texas is leading the country through this innovative product and economic success.

"Blue energy is cleaner energy, affordable energy and a way to support the growing natural gas industry that is vital to Texas' economy," said Rob Comstock, general manager of Texas for Direct Energy. "As a Texas-based company we are proud to offer the first and only 100 percent, Texas-sourced natural gas product on the market. By selecting True Blue Texas, our customers are directly supporting Texas business."

True Blue Texas has certified that the product is 100 percent Texas natural gas, sourced from King Ranch to two Direct Energy gas-fired power plants in Texas.

Texas is the nation's leading natural gas-producing state, and natural gas is integral to the state's economy. The abundant energy source supports about 12 percent of Texas jobs, and contributes nearly $100 billion annually in state revenue.

The True Blue Texas offering is just one example of the new options and opportunities the recent, unprecedented natural gas supplies are providing Texans, including fuel for base-load power generation, use in vehicles and use to revitalize the state's chemicals and manufacturing industries. In Texas, using more natural gas not only boosts the state economy and provides more jobs, but it also means a better air quality for all Texans.

The True Blue Texas product is available in all markets that Direct Energy services in Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Abilene, Midland, Odessa, Tyler and Corpus Christi. To sign up for True Blue Texas, visit www.DirectEnergy.com/TrueBlue or call toll free 1-855-4-TRUE-BLUE.

True Blue Texas follows several innovative product offerings that Direct Energy has in the market.

"One of the benefits or deregulation in Texas is the variety of products offered," Comstock added. "Direct Energy uses its energy expertise to make a positive difference in people's lives. By supporting our natural gas industry across the state, we are supporting jobs, industry and economic vitality in our home state."

Last week, Direct Energy also launched New Leaf Energy, a new Texas brand that offers 100 percent renewable energy sourced from 100 percent Texas wind turbines.

To learn more about True Blue Texas, visit www.DirectEnergy.com/TrueBlue.

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. Through its Direct Energy, CPL Retail Energy and WTU Retail Energy brands, the company is the third-largest retail electricity provider in Texas. It owns three power generation facilities and a series of energy-related services companies. 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 states and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com/Texas.

SOURCE: Direct Energy

Catherine Carlton, [phone], [email protected], or Alexa Valencia, [phone], [email protected], or Micah Hirschfield, [phone], [email protected], all of Direct Energy

http://www.directenergy.com