New Options for Texas Small Business Owners to Stabilize Electricity Costs
National Federation of Independent Business and Direct Energy Business Announce Electricity Purchasing Program
HOUSTON, TX – March 31, 2009 – Energy costs rank among the top ten most pressing problems for small business owners according to a recently released Small Business Problems and Priorities Survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). NFIB and Direct Energy Business are working together to offer NFIB members an electricity pricing solution that will protect their bottom lines from electricity price hikes* while enabling small businesses to take advantage of electricity prices typically reserved for large electricity users.
"The unpredictability of electricity prices can make it difficult for business owners to effectively plan their finances as even a small, unexpected rate increase can have a dramatic impact on their bottom line," said Will Newton, executive director, NFIB/Texas. "In the past, small businesses did not have the necessary purchasing power to negotiate electricity rates on their own. But now, through Direct Energy Business, a small business can secure a fixed price for their electricity."
Direct Energy Business is helping NFIB members alleviate one of their most pressing problems by making available to them a unique fixed-rate electricity contract specifically created to meet small business’ needs. NFIB members will have the ability to lock in the rate per kilowatt hour for the supply portion of their electricity bill for an agreed-upon period of time. During this time, the rate for calculating the electricity supply portion of the business’ monthly bill will remain locked in.
"Small businesses are the engine of the American economy," said Rana Ghosh, Senior Director, Direct Energy Business. "As such, Direct Energy Business is committed to providing small businesses with access to affordable electricity supply so they can establish a solid foundation from which to grow without having to worry about electricity price spikes."
Similar to other NFIB programs, Direct Energy Business looks to leverage off the size of the NFIB member group to offer the financial benefits typically available to larger energy consumers.
Small businesses can learn more about the program by visiting www.directenergybusiness.com/NFIB or contacting Direct Energy Business at 866.967.NFIB (6342). NFIB membership is required for participation in the program.
About Direct Energy
Direct Energy Business is one of North America’s largest commercial retail energy suppliers and a Direct Energy company. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Direct Energy Business is dedicated to helping customers make cost-effective choices for their electricity and natural gas requirements. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Direct Energy Business serves nearly 50,000 customers in 14 states, the District of Columbia and five Canadian provinces. Direct Energy is wholly owned by Centrica plc. (LSE:CNA,) one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. To learn more, visit www.directenergybusiness.com.
About National Federation of Independent Business
NFIB is the nation's leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.
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For further information, please contact:
Crystal Jongeward
Direct Energy
416.590.3248
crystal.jongeward at directenergy.com
Laura Stromberg
NFIB
512.476.9847
Laura.Stromberg at NFIB.org
*As a retail energy supplier, Direct Energy Business offers competitive pricing on the rates per kilowatt hour for the generation or supply portion of your bill. Your bill will also include transmission and distribution charges from your regional utility.
