INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY NEWS

PRESS RELEASE

Happy Green Year!

Direct Energy offers tips to help consumers make and keep a green resolution for 2008

-- Upgrade to ENERGYSTAR appliances: ENERGYSTAR labeled products can cut your energy bills by up to 30 percent when you're ready to replace your heating and cooling systems -- as well as appliances, lighting, windows, office equipment, and home electronics Consider investing in new appliances if your budget allows since you should see immediate energy savings.

-- Use the dishwasher more: One load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37 percent less water than washing dishes by hand. However, if you fill the wash and rinse basins instead of letting the water run, you'll use half as much water as a dishwasher.

-- Unplug the charger on your cell phone: When portable devices such as a Blackberry(TM), cell phone, or iPod(TM) are finished charging, disconnect the device and unplug the charger. Even if the device isn't connected, energy continues to seep out through the charger itself.

-- Purchase a Rug in the season's newest color -- Green. A rug is not only a decorator's must have, but it also helps insulate your floors and cut down on the noise too.

-- Let the sunshine in. Open the drapes or blinds on sunny days and bask in the 'free' heat. Keep those south-facing windows squeaky clean to let the light through. Remember to close the drapes or blinds when the sun sets.

-- Renewable energy does not only include solar panels and windmills on your home. Start thinking about what is right for you and your family. Direct Energy also purchases electricity from renewable energy sources
with solar panels, windmills and other technologies. By purchasing a Direct Energy product, you are also purchasing renewable energy.



For those who really want to challenge themselves in 2008, Direct Energy encourages consumers to join Energy Star's "Change a Light" campaign and pledge to save on their personal energy usage. Take the pledge to change even one incandescent light bulb in your house to a CFL bulb. You are guaranteed to achieve savings in energy consumption, and reduce your energy costs. To learn more information and to register your effort, log on to http://www.directenergy.com/ or energystar.gov. It only takes 30 seconds to add your name to the citizens' commitment web pledge form.


Editor's Note:


Survey information and energy efficiency and conservation tips were obtained from the following sources*:

http://www.tillerllc.com/
http://www.energystar.gov/
http://www.energy.gov/applianceselectronics.htm
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/holiday.html

*Direct Energy is not affiliated with the organizations in the Web sites listed above.


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 , one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in Texas, the northeastern United States and across Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, visit http://www.directenergy.com/


Source: Direct Energy

CONTACT: Lisa Dornan, +1-713-877-3925, lisa.dornan@directenergy.com, or Priscilla Tinsley, +1-713-877-3733, priscilla.tinsley@directenergy.com, both of Direct Energy

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