Direct Energy will continue serving customers as usual following strike announcement by a segment of employees

TORONTO, April 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Direct Energy confirmed today its Ontario-based Home Services business will continue to serve its customers as usual despite the announcement that CEP Local 975 has gone on strike, effective April 18, 2012 at 12:01 a.m.

"Our customers will be taken care of," said Rob Comstock, Senior Vice President, Canadian Home and Business Services. "While we remain focused on negotiating a workable Agreement that is in the best interests of our customers, employees and the company, as a responsible business we have a robust plan in place to minimize disruption."

Direct Energy has been in negotiations with CEP Local 975 since June following the expiry of its Collective Agreement in March 2011.

"We recognize the impact of labour disruption on all parties involved. We will continue to make ourselves available to bargain with union representatives at any date and time in the hopes of avoiding a lengthy disruption," said Comstock.

For information about the status of collective bargaining, visit www.directenergy.com/labour. For questions relating to service delivery, customers can visit www.directenergy.ca, call 1-800-266-3939 or email [email protected].

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is North America's largest energy and energy-related services 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 (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 states plus DC and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.

SOURCE Direct Energy

Anne-Julie Gratton, [phone], [email protected]

http://www.directenergy.com