Direct Energy shows prominently in such news sites as USA Today for showcasing new devices that save energy including a smart grid that alerts home owners to energy emergencies through their programmable thermostats. According to Centrica.Com (of which Direct Energy is a sub-group), Direct Energy showed strong growth and accounted for 27% of the group's revenue.

On the Other: Direct Energy Abuses Contracts

According to OntarioTenants.CA, in 2003 Direct Energy received a fine for the abuse of 21 contracts which trapped customers into long-term energy deals based on the idea that Direct Energy was protecting the customer against rising natural gas prices. Direct Energy would then terminate the contract if natural gas prices became too high. And then in 2004---according to AllBusiness.Com---Texas regulators fined Direct Energy $750,000 for retaliating against customers who complained about having their energy bill switched or modified without notification.

Bottom Line

Direct Energy has initiated some questionable business practices but seems like a strong company. As long as you do not sign a long term contract with them, Direct Energy is worth comparison pricing against other energy companies.

Source:

DirectEnergy.Com: About Direct Energy

Content.USAToday.Com: Direct Energy in the News

Centrica.Com: Direct Energy 2008 Performance Results

More Information:

AllBusiness.Com: Texas Regulators Fine Direct Energy $750,000 for Slamming Customers

OntarioTenants.Ca: Energy Marketers Fined Over Forgeries