Direct Energy Acquires Airco Mechanical of Austin Texas

HOUSTON, TEXAS, Jul 23 (MARKET WIRE) --
Direct Energy, one of North America's leading energy and energy-related
services companies, announced today that it has acquired the assets of
Austin-based Airco Mechanical, Ltd. The acquisition expands Direct
Energy's Texas operations by adding light commercial expertise to its
existing residential and new home construction capabilities. Airco
Mechanical's management team remains in place and will continue to
operate under the Airco brand.

"Airco is a perfect complement to Direct Energy's existing Texas
businesses. Direct Energy is now able to offer a full complement of
energy and energy-related products and services in the light commercial
sector," said Eric Salzer, Senior Vice President, US Home Services,
Direct Energy. "David Schimsk and his team have assembled a tremendous
group of professionals. We are excited to have them as part of the Direct
Energy family."

Airco Mechanical was founded in 1984 by Jan and David Schimsk and has
operated in Austin and its surrounding area for over 25 years. Airco
Mechanical's operations include heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) and plumbing for the commercial new construction and renovation
markets as well as commercial and residential service and replacement
business.

"As a part of Direct Energy, Airco will be able to offer its customers a
broader range of products and services. Moreover, we will now have the
capital to leverage our experience to expand operations beyond our
current base," added David Schimsk, President, Airco Mechanical.

Direct Energy currently employs over 1,200 people and provides
approximately one million customers across Texas with energy or
energy-related products and services. In Texas, Direct Energy provides
services to homeowners under the following brands: Hallmark Air
Conditioning and Heating, Airtron Heating and Air Conditioning, Jarrell
Plumbing, C.A. Woods, and Wendland Air Conditioning and Heating. In
addition, through its Direct Energy, CPL Retail Energy and WTU Retail
Energy brands, the Company is the third largest retail energy provider in
Texas.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related
services providers with over 5 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 22 states plus DC and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about
Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com.

Contacts:
Direct Energy
Joshua Orzech
(416) 590-3306
Email: joshua.orzech at directenergy.com
Website: www.directenergy.com

Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-