Flash: Direct Energy Customer Count up 3%

Direct Energy grew its residential energy customer base by 3% during the first half of 2014, parent Centrica reported this morning in an interim results update.

Direct Energy residential energy customer count was 3.454 million as of June 30, 2014, versus 3.360 million as of December 31, 2013.

Direct Energy credited the acquisition of aggregation customers in Ohio for the growth.

Direct Energy is now providing a geographic break-out of residential energy accounts:

Direct Residential Energy Customers in Thousands:
Type                    12/31/13         6/30/14
Texas                     787             793
Canada regulated          766             758
Canada deregulated        480             446
US North East           1,327           1,457
Total                   3,360           3,454

Regarding its previously reported launch of bundled energy and protection plan products, Direct said that it has sold 20,000 in the year to date. "We have also now sold over 10,000 smart thermostats so far this year in Alberta, and have signed an exclusive partnership with Nest to sell 100,000 additional units across North America over the next 18 months," Direct said.

Additional details on Direct Energy interim results will be covered by EnergyChoiceMatters.com tomorrow.