BALTIMORE, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy, North America's largest competitive energy and services company, announced today that it has expanded its business to include virtually the entire state of Maryland and will begin offering electricity to residential and small commercial customers in the Pepco service area.

The expansion into Pepco service territory follows on the success of Direct Energy's entries into BG&E, Allegheny Power and Delmarva Power & Light service territories. Direct Energy now serves nearly all of the state of Maryland representing approximately 2 million potential residential customers.

"It's been three months since Direct Energy entered the Maryland residential marketplace as an energy supplier, and we have added thousands of customers who are now benefiting from greater choice and increased competition," said Steven Murray, president of Direct Energy Residential. "Customers throughout Maryland now have access to innovative and cost-effective electricity plans from Direct Energy, and we are excited about being able to give more people the option to make a choice."

Direct Energy is offering a Guaranteed Savings Plan to residential and small commercial customers in the Pepco service area. Customers who choose Direct Energy as their electricity supplier will receive a 7 percent discount off the Pepco Standard Offer Service Rate through May 2011.

Direct Energy already has a strong presence in Maryland, providing innovative electricity supply products for business and commercial customers through Direct Energy Business, as well as a variety of energy service solutions through its Home Services Group. Direct Energy's Home Services business - Chilltroll and Masters, Inc. - have provided indoor air quality, heating and cooling installations and related energy efficiency services to residential customers in Maryland for more than 25 years. Additionally, Direct Energy recently announced the completion of its acquisition of Clockwork Home Services Inc., making the combined company the largest provider of heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical services in the United States and Canada. Clockwork's businesses operate under the brands One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Mister Sparky.

Customers can learn more details about Direct Energy's products and services by calling 1-888-200-7930 or by visiting the company's website at: www.directenergy.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.

SOURCE Direct Energy