Latest news with #DirectEnergy
Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Direct Energy Honours Alberta Community Heroes through Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award
CALGARY, Alberta, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) are proud to announce Abbie and Glen Warren, Daniel Lauper and Peter O'Brien as the recipients of the 2025 Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award. In recognition of their outstanding community service, Direct Energy has donated $5,000 to each recipient's chosen nonprofit organization. 'At the heart of every strong community are people who give selflessly—supporting their neighbours, lifting others up and creating meaningful change,' said Tanis Kozak, Head of Energy, Direct Energy Canada. 'Each of our Volunteer Citizen of the Year recipients displays this passion for helping others. Their dedication to building enriches the lives of those around them and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.' Since 2004, the Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award has recognized individuals making a meaningful contribution to their community through volunteer work. This year, Direct Energy expanded the program to Calgary and Edmonton, receiving hundreds of nominations from across Alberta. Learn more about the three recipients who were chosen for their exemplary volunteerism below: Abbie and Glen Warren of Sherwood Park have been committed volunteers at A Safe Place since 2009. A Safe Place offers emergency shelter, support and a path forward for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The Warrens contribute their time 3-4 days per week—picking up donations, sorting groceries, preparing food, assembling care bags and more. Their empathy, care and dedication have touched countless lives and made them a vital part of the A Safe Place community. Daniel Lauper of Linden has dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the Linden & District Agricultural Society —a cornerstone of the region known for fostering rural spirit through events, programs and facilities that enhance agricultural awareness and support community development. As president, Daniel has led important infrastructure upgrades, including building a 1.9km path connecting the village's two care facilities, and a complete overhaul of the community's ice rink that he continues to maintain and convert seasonally. Daniel also organizes major local events, including Linden's Sports Day and an annual town breakfast, that feeds more than two-thirds of the community. His energy and hands-on leadership continue to shape Linden as a vibrant place to live. Peter O'Brien of Canmore turned personal loss into purpose through his dedicated commitment to the Bow Valley SPCA . Following the passing of his wife in 2022, their shared passion for animal welfare inspired Peter to devote up to 25 hours a week to the organization—Canada's first no-kill, no-cage animal shelter, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need. From greeting visitors and organizing fundraisers to supporting animal rehabilitation and offering hands-on care, Peter plays an essential role in the shelter's day-to-day operations. Beyond the SPCA, he also volunteers with several other nonprofits, making a lasting impact on the lives of both animals and fellow community members in the Canmore region. 'At Direct Energy, we believe in the power of community—and in the Albertans who help make theirs stronger and more connected every day,' Kozak said. 'These inspiring individuals exemplify what it means to give back, and we're honoured to further their efforts with a $5,000 donation to each of their chosen nonprofits.' # # # About Direct Energy Direct Energy is one of North America's leading retail providers of energy and energy-related services for homes and businesses. Direct Energy is part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 500 company operating in the United States and Canada, delivering innovative solutions that help people, organizations, and businesses achieve their goals, while also advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice. NRG Energy is a leading energy and home services company powered by people and our purpose is to power a brighter future together — one that is safe, smart, and sustainable. Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 8 provinces in Canada. About the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Alberta's community newspapers reflect the images, thoughts and everyday happenings of the communities they serve. While these communities may vary in size; from tiny, isolated locations to bustling suburban centres, they share one important feature - a strong weekly newspaper. Today there are 85 member newspapers throughout Alberta and the Northwest Territories. They boast a combined circulation of over 600,000. The smallest newspaper circulates 200 copies each week; the largest - over 20,000. Attachment
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Direct Energy Honours Alberta Community Heroes through Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award
Abbie and Glen Warren, Daniel Lauper and Peter O'Brien recognized for their dedication to building safer, stronger and more compassionate communities 2025 Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award recipients CALGARY, Alberta, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) are proud to announce Abbie and Glen Warren, Daniel Lauper and Peter O'Brien as the recipients of the 2025 Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award. In recognition of their outstanding community service, Direct Energy has donated $5,000 to each recipient's chosen nonprofit organization. 'At the heart of every strong community are people who give selflessly—supporting their neighbours, lifting others up and creating meaningful change,' said Tanis Kozak, Head of Energy, Direct Energy Canada. 'Each of our Volunteer Citizen of the Year recipients displays this passion for helping others. Their dedication to building enriches the lives of those around them and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.' Since 2004, the Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award has recognized individuals making a meaningful contribution to their community through volunteer work. This year, Direct Energy expanded the program to Calgary and Edmonton, receiving hundreds of nominations from across Alberta. Learn more about the three recipients who were chosen for their exemplary volunteerism below: Abbie and Glen Warren of Sherwood Park have been committed volunteers at A Safe Place since 2009. A Safe Place offers emergency shelter, support and a path forward for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The Warrens contribute their time 3-4 days per week—picking up donations, sorting groceries, preparing food, assembling care bags and more. Their empathy, care and dedication have touched countless lives and made them a vital part of the A Safe Place community. Daniel Lauper of Linden has dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the Linden & District Agricultural Society—a cornerstone of the region known for fostering rural spirit through events, programs and facilities that enhance agricultural awareness and support community development. As president, Daniel has led important infrastructure upgrades, including building a 1.9km path connecting the village's two care facilities, and a complete overhaul of the community's ice rink that he continues to maintain and convert seasonally. Daniel also organizes major local events, including Linden's Sports Day and an annual town breakfast, that feeds more than two-thirds of the community. His energy and hands-on leadership continue to shape Linden as a vibrant place to live. Peter O'Brien of Canmore turned personal loss into purpose through his dedicated commitment to the Bow Valley SPCA. Following the passing of his wife in 2022, their shared passion for animal welfare inspired Peter to devote up to 25 hours a week to the organization—Canada's first no-kill, no-cage animal shelter, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need. From greeting visitors and organizing fundraisers to supporting animal rehabilitation and offering hands-on care, Peter plays an essential role in the shelter's day-to-day operations. Beyond the SPCA, he also volunteers with several other nonprofits, making a lasting impact on the lives of both animals and fellow community members in the Canmore region. 'At Direct Energy, we believe in the power of community—and in the Albertans who help make theirs stronger and more connected every day,' Kozak said. 'These inspiring individuals exemplify what it means to give back, and we're honoured to further their efforts with a $5,000 donation to each of their chosen nonprofits.' # # # About Direct Energy Direct Energy is one of North America's leading retail providers of energy and energy-related services for homes and businesses. Direct Energy is part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 500 company operating in the United States and Canada, delivering innovative solutions that help people, organizations, and businesses achieve their goals, while also advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice. NRG Energy is a leading energy and home services company powered by people and our purpose is to power a brighter future together — one that is safe, smart, and sustainable. Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 8 provinces in Canada. About the Alberta Weekly Newspapers AssociationAlberta's community newspapers reflect the images, thoughts and everyday happenings of the communities they serve. While these communities may vary in size; from tiny, isolated locations to bustling suburban centres, they share one important feature - a strong weekly newspaper. Today there are 85 member newspapers throughout Alberta and the Northwest Territories. They boast a combined circulation of over 600,000. The smallest newspaper circulates 200 copies each week; the largest - over 20,000. Attachment 2025 Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award recipients CONTACT: Jeanie Davey Direct Energy 445-544-1670 news@
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
‘No one wants to see that on their credit report': Direct Energy customers frustrated after being mistakenly reported to credit bureau
'I was so stressed out,' said Terri Wattie, a Calgary resident who recently found a derogatory mark on her credit report, courtesy of Direct Energy. She said she received an email from her credit monitoring app on May 30, alerting her of the mark. 'It didn't equal up,' said Wattie, adding that she always pays her bills on time. 'No one wants to see that on their credit report. It's quite humiliating to get an email like that.' Wattie didn't know the derogatory mark on her credit report was a mistake until she read CTV News Edmonton's story about the incident. 'If it wasn't for that, I honestly would not have had any idea what was going on because Direct Energy did not reach out to me,' said Wattie. In a statement, Direct Energy confirmed that during a reconciliation with its third-party collections agency, ICE Collections, a 'subset' of customers were 'inadvertently' reported to the credit bureau. CTV News Edmonton reached out to ICE Collections but did not receive a response. Kristy Kolodychuk also received a notification from her credit monitoring app, alerting her that a Direct Energy bill had gone to collections. The Fort Saskatchewan resident hasn't been a Direct Energy customer since February 2024. 'I never got any correspondence from Direct Energy,' said Kolodychuk, adding that the company sent her an email after she had called them and asked for one for her records. 'I'm just very surprised that a company like this has some kind of privacy breach and doesn't actually individually reach out to their customers or at least send a mass email the moment it happens,' said Kolodychuk. Direct Energy said the incident was not a breach. 'We want to assure customers that they were not subject to any collections activities,' said Megan Talley of Direct Energy. Had she been trying to get a mortgage or a loan, Kolodychuk said she would be in some 'serious trouble.' Wattie and her husband were planning to buy a new car in the coming weeks. The couple was worried the derogatory mark on their credit report would impact their interest rates. 'If we were applying for a mortgage, everything could have gone out the window,' said Wattie. 'I don't think they realize how much of a stressful situation this is for people.' Direct Energy plagued with problems Since moving customer service centres to foreign countries, customer complaints have ballooned. Lea Williams-Doherty reports. Since the incident on May 30, both Kolodychuk's and Wattie's credit reports were wiped clean of the derogatory mark. 'All erroneous entries have been completely expunged from customers' credit reports,' said Talley. 'It's as if it was never there.' Talley said only those who were actively monitoring their credit reports would have noticed. Direct Energy did not make reports of the incident, and said it was made aware by customers contacting the company directly. Since Kolodychuk hasn't been a Direct Energy customer for over a year, the utilities company agreed to send her a cheque with the $200 credit. But she was perplexed as to why they would still have her information on file. 'Our record retention policy is informed by legal and audit obligations,' said Talley. 'For former Direct Energy customers, that ranges from three to seven years, depending on the type of record.' Wattie was told she would receive a $200 credit to use on her bill as compensation for the incident. But she doesn't think it's enough. '$200 in this day and age is nothing,' said Wattie. 'Half the time, $200 doesn't even cover half of a month's bill.' 'For the stress and anguish I went through over the last week, I really don't think that's sufficient.' She said she might consider a different provider after this incident. Direct Energy said it was sorry for the inconvenience, and if customers still have concerns, to contact its customer service team. Equifax Canada encourages consumers to request and review their credit reports on a regular basis. 'By doing this, consumers can ensure that their report contains accurate and complete information,' said a statement from Equifax Canada. Equifax said if a consumer finds information on their credit report that is believed to be inaccurate or incomplete, they can file a dispute with Equifax and/or the company that reported it.
Globe and Mail
31-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Direct Energy Regulated Services Announces Natural Gas Rates for June 2025
CALGARY, Alberta, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Direct Energy Regulated Services has announced default natural gas rates for June 2025. These rates will apply to customers who do not currently have a competitive supplier within the ATCO Gas North and South service territories. The method DERS uses to calculate the rates has been verified and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission. North Service Territory The North territory includes customers living in and north of the City of Red Deer. For customers in the ATCO Gas North service territory, the June regulated natural gas rate is decreasing from the May rate of $2.419 per GJ to $1.775 per GJ. This rate reflects a market price for June supplies of approximately $1.821 per GJ as reported by the NGX, and incorporates an adjustment of $-0.047 per GJ for May and prior months. The typical residential gas bill for June based on an average 3 GJ of consumption would be approximately $72 in the North. South Service Territory The South territory includes customers living south of the City of Red Deer. For customers in the ATCO Gas South service territory, the June regulated natural gas rate is decreasing from the May rate of $2.419 per GJ to $1.775 per GJ. This rate reflects a market price for June supplies of approximately $1.821 per GJ as reported by the NGX, and incorporates an adjustment of $-0.047 per GJ for May and prior months. The typical residential gas bill for June based on an average 3 GJ of consumption would be approximately $58 in the South. Typical bill amounts between ATCO North and South regions may differ due to variances in transmission and distribution service provider (TDSP) charges levied by ATCO Gas.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Direct Energy Regulated Services Announces Natural Gas Rates for June 2025
CALGARY, Alberta, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Direct Energy Regulated Services has announced default natural gas rates for June 2025. These rates will apply to customers who do not currently have a competitive supplier within the ATCO Gas North and South service territories. The method DERS uses to calculate the rates has been verified and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission. North Service TerritoryThe North territory includes customers living in and north of the City of Red Deer. For customers in the ATCO Gas North service territory, the June regulated natural gas rate is decreasing from the May rate of $2.419 per GJ to $1.775 per GJ. This rate reflects a market price for June supplies of approximately $1.821 per GJ as reported by the NGX, and incorporates an adjustment of $-0.047 per GJ for May and prior months. The typical residential gas bill for June based on an average 3 GJ of consumption would be approximately $72 in the North. South Service TerritoryThe South territory includes customers living south of the City of Red Deer. For customers in the ATCO Gas South service territory, the June regulated natural gas rate is decreasing from the May rate of $2.419 per GJ to $1.775 per GJ. This rate reflects a market price for June supplies of approximately $1.821 per GJ as reported by the NGX, and incorporates an adjustment of $-0.047 per GJ for May and prior months. The typical residential gas bill for June based on an average 3 GJ of consumption would be approximately $58 in the South. Typical bill amounts between ATCO North and South regions may differ due to variances in transmission and distribution service provider (TDSP) charges levied by ATCO Gas. To learn more about regulated gas supply and view a complete list of competitive retailers, visit the Alberta government's customer choice website at CONTACT: Megan Talley Direct Energy 1-346-847-4325 news@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
