A fixed rate of $10.78 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) has been set for the first 13 months of the two-year natural gas endorsement program. The rate covers the November 2008 through November 2009 bill cycles, and excludes taxes and fees for services provided by the utility.

Mike Beck, vice president and general manager of Direct Energy, said: This endorsement program speaks volumes about the benefits of competition and how residents and small business owners experience them first-hand. Through an open market, Direct Energy was able to develop products and services that match the diverse energy needs of Fairlawn customers.