Direct Energy customers in Ohio help provide light to those in need

Most of us take it for granted there is light to walk, read, cook and work by once the sun goes down. That’s not the case in many developing countries or areas devastated by natural disaster, where electricity isn’t available. But Direct Energy and its customers are doing something about that through a program providing inflatable, solar Luci lights to people who live without electricity.

Customers in Ohio, and elsewhere in the U.S., who sign up for Give Brighter electricity and natural gas plans will both receive a Luci light and have one donated on their behalf. This leverages a partnership with MPOWERD, the company behind Luci lights.

More than 3,500 lights with an estimated value greater than $41,000 have already been sent or committed this year to go to areas including non-governmental organizations working in areas of Haiti devastated by Hurricane Matthew, school children in Malawi, women entrepreneurs in South Sudan and families in South America.

“This program has been so well-received by the Texas market, we wanted to extend the opportunity to all our customers in the United States to give back,” said Cullen Hay, General Manager - U.S. Energy, Direct Energy. “We hope that this program not only helps the 1.5 billion people living without electricity, but also helps to bring an added value to our customers.’

Created by MPOWERD, Luci lights use solar power and can brighten a room for up to 18 hours after charging in the sun for 8 hours. MPOWERD works with non-profit community partners to distribute the lights to people in need. The lights enable people to continue their day past sunset, so children can study, entrepreneurs can keep working, and health clinics can stay open.

"Not only has Direct Energy's ongoing contribution to our Give Luci program been heartwarming, but it has bolstered our global efforts in distributing light to those who don't have access to clean energy. They've led the way and set the moral standard around the imperative for corporations to materially participate in solving global issues," said John Salzinger, Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer, MPOWERD.

To learn more about this program, please visit www.directenergy.com/givebrighter.