FROM TUESDAY: Direct Energy and SolarCity Sign Multimillion Dollar Deal to Provide Solar Electricity to Businesses

DirectEnergy and SolarCity(R) (Nasdaq: SCTY) have undertaken a broad agreement toprovide solar electricity directly to businesses. The two companies havecreated a dedicated investment fund capable of financing up to $124 millionin solar projects for Direct Energy's commercial and industrial (C&I)customers, which is partially funded with up to $50 million from DirectEnergy. While many retail electricity providers ask customers to pay a pricepremium for a "green energy" option, SolarCity can make it possible for manyof Direct Energy's customers to pay less than current rates for cleanpower*. Through the arrangement, eligible Direct Energy C&I customers willbe able to utilize solar power with little or no upfront cost, depending onthe customer's choice of plans. Customers will be given a choice to pre-payfor their solar electricity or pay a monthly payment, with installation,insurance, repairs and monitoring service included. Solar energy's use of free, abundant sunlight and rapidly falling technologyand operations costs have made it cost-competitive with power generated fromfossil fuels in a growing number of markets nationwide. SolarCity'svertically integrated service model, combined with Direct Energy's energyexpertise, North American footprint, customer relationships and financialstability are attractive to customers in a fragmented solar market. "Solar is a viable opportunity that positions Direct Energy Business as atotal energy management service provider for commercial and industrialcustomers," said Mike Senff, head of U.S. sales, marketing and 360Direct forDirect Energy Business. "Solar complements Direct Energy Business' otherproduct offerings while supporting our customers' corporate sustainabilitygoals." SolarCity is America's No. 1 full-service solar power provider in the U.S.with more than 68,000 customers across 14 states, including more than 1,000commercial and government customers. SolarCity has created 28 investmentfunds to date. Direct Energy Business serves commercial and industrialcustomers in 14 states, the District of Columbia and five Canadianprovinces, providing electricity and natural gas supply and energymanagement services to more than 180,000 customers. Direct Energy Businessis part of Direct Energy, North America's largest competitive retail energysupplier, with more than six million customer relationships across thecontinent. "This unique relationship demonstrates how traditional energy companies andrenewable energy companies can work together to make clean energy moreaccessible and affordable," said Jimmy Chuang, vice president of structuredfinance for SolarCity. "Direct Energy is giving business and industrialcustomers direct access to cheaper, cleaner energy. SolarCity gains animportant new avenue to provide its groundbreaking services to businesses ata lower cost." *Please note, this is not a guarantee for future energy costs. About Direct Energy Direct Energy is North America's largest provider of heating & cooling,plumbing and electrical services and a leading energy and energy-relatedservices provider with over six million residential and commercial customerrelationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support inmanaging their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products andservices. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE:CNA), one of the world's leadingintegrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 U.S. states plusthe District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more aboutDirect Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.