Area Development
Direct Energy, one of North America's largest energy services providers, is investing $7 million to establish a Tempe, Arizona, call center that will create up to 300 jobs in the Phoenix region.

"Our existing Phoenix call center has been successful for Direct Energy and is bursting at the seams," said Eddy Collier, president, Direct Energy Services. "Our new call center is being expanded to cover call taking for our very large Residential Energy business, allowing us to offer a wide range of products and services in one location for the benefit of our customers."

Direct Energy continues to pursue an aggressive organic and acquisitive growth strategy in North America and position itself to meet all the energy needs of services, business, and residential consumers, the company said.

"The new call center shows Direct Energy's commitment to harnessing our energy expertise to make a difference in Arizona among the community, the people we serve, and our employees while also intending to grow our business and footprint in the state through enhanced retail market competition," said Steven Murray, president, Direct Energy Residential.

"Direct Energy's expansion in Arizona speaks to the state's advantageous business operating environment and national competitiveness," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. "We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with Direct Energy, assisting the company as it increases its operations, invests capital in our state, and creates hundreds of jobs for Arizonans."

"We are thankful that Direct Energy has selected Tempe as the place to expand its customer care center," Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell said. "In addition to bringing hundreds of new jobs and opportunity to our city, Direct Energy has a proven track record of community support in the region."