HARRISBURG - More electricity options will be available to residential customers in the PPL service area when rate caps expire at the end of this year. Direct Energy, a leading energy retailer best known in the state for its presence as an energy supplier for commercial and industrial customers, is expanding its service to bring electricity options to residential customers in PPL territory, the company announced at a news conference Monday.

The company, with a regional office in Pittsburgh,  currently has residential customers in the Pike County.

"Direct Energy's been eagerly waiting on an opportunity to compete at the residential level in Pennsylvania," said Phil Tonge, President of Direct Energy's residential business, during a news conference attended by Secretary of Environmental Protection John Hanger and State Rep. Joseph Preston. "Thanks to the legislative and regulatory commitment to competition, residents in Eastern Pennsylvania now have choice when it comes to their electricity supply. Our company is committed to Pennsylvania's vision for a competitive electricity market, and bringing additional options to meet the diverse needs of our customers."

Coming out of the gate, Direct Energy is offering three different plans to customers:

• A 12-month product that includes a fixed-price of $0.0899 per kWh for the first three months followed by a fixed-price of $0.0949 per kWh for the remaining nine months.
• A 12-month renewable product where every year of the plan Direct Energy will purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to match the customer's monthly electricity consumption. The product offers a fixed-price of $0.1009 per kWh for the first three months followed by a fixed-price of $0.1149 per kWh for the remaining nine months.
• A 36-month fixed plan that offers customers a fixed price of $0.0999 per kWh guaranteed for three years of electricity supply.

"When rate caps expire, consumers should compare offers and choose a plan that will meet their needs. Some offers may save them money. Other products may reduce pollution from the generation of electricity. Always a great thing to do is conserve electricity which both saves money and reduces pollution," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger.

To help consumers better understand energy choice and make a smooth transition to a competitive market, Direct Energy will host a series of educational town hall meetings December 8 through 10 where consumers will be able to get simple answers to their questions about the changes in the Pennsylvania electricity market. For a complete list of meeting dates and locations customers can log on to: www.directenergy.com/SimpleAnswers