Direct Energy Wins Smart Energy Consumer Collaboratives' Best Practices Awards

Direct Energy announced that it is the winner of the Underserved Markets Award in Smart Energy Consumer Collaboratives’ Best Practices Awards, for its digital Neighbor-to-Neighbor bill assistance program

"The digital transformation of Direct Energy's bill assistance program has opened the door for millennial and Generation X consumers, in particular, to directly support their neighbors and others who may need energy assistance, like in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey," said Patty Durand, President & CEO, Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative.

Direct Energy’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor program was originally started in 2003, and was only open to current customers to contribute until 2017, when the program was made accessible via a new platform to anyone who would like to contribute. Under the new platform, Direct Energy created an online contribution center to collect monetary donations, which are calculated and translated into kilowatt-hours and the number of days of electricity the donations provide. Contributions are distributed to 34 community action agencies across Texas, and the program has assisted more than 57,000 customers pay their electric bills. The new platform enabled Direct Energy to quickly create an avenue for contributions after Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast. To date, more than 15,000 users have visited the site to donate and learn more about the program.

"It is an honor to receive the Underserved Markets award from the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative," said Manu Asthana, president, Direct Energy Home. "We lead the industry through energy innovation and connected experiences that make a difference in people’s lives. Our Neighbor-to-Neighbor program is just one example of how we are doing just that."