Direct Energy’s Pittsburgh headquarters is expanding with the addition of 9,000 square-feet of office space in the Federated Building downtown and the hiring of 66 employees.
Company growth is a reflection, in part, of the changes brought about by deregulation 10 years ago, explains Bethany Ruhe, company spokesperson. While utilities like Duquesne and Columbia Gas continue to operate the lines of distribution, consumers can now choose a gas and/or electricity supplier. That’s Direct Energy’s niche, offering consumers, businesses and industries rate deals, green programs and custom options.
The company has grown to become one of the largest competitive energy suppliers in North America of electricity, natural gas and related services, serving more than 50,000 customers and 5 million residential consumers. DE opened its Pittsburgh office following the purchase of Strategic Energy in 2008. While the office primarily handles business customers, DE also recently relocated its Ohio residential office here to serve customers in the northeast.
“A lot of what we do is geared toward helping customers achieve their energy efficiency goals,” Ruhe explains. “At Direct Energy, we want to be more than just the lowest price. We do it through innovative products and special services. We work very hard to make it as easy as possible for customers.”
The biggest hurdle is educating people to shop for electricity, much as one would for a mortgage or insurance, she adds. Direct Energy helps customers build customized solutions based on each customer’s individual energy strategy, which may incorporate renewable energy certificates and other programs.
Direct Energy has grown substantially in the last three years, adding more than 100 people and employing upwards of 400 in the region. And this little known fact: DE greened the city during the G20 Summit, purchasing renewable energy credits that provided sustainable energy to the city while world leaders were here.
Direct Energy employs 6,000 worldwide and has a corporate business office in Toronto and parent company in the UK.
Source: Bethany Ruhe, Direct Energy
Writer: Deb Smit
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