Duke Energy Trading and Marketing, L.L.C. (DETM) continued itsstrategy of allying with local direct marketing and energycompanies as a way of tackling the retail market by entering intoan energy management and marketing agreement with United GasManagement of Pittsburgh. DETM plans to support United inaggregating residential natural gas customers in selected areas ofthe country.

DETM, which is 60% owned by Duke Energy and 40% by MobilCorporation, will manage the supply, storage and transportation ofnatural gas on behalf of United in the United States. Last month,the company formed an alliance with Orlando, FL-based Enviro-Checkto sell gas and energy services to the multi-family housing (MFH)industry. DETM markets natural gas and electric power and providescomprehensive related services, including risk management and totalenergy management throughout North America. But earlier this yearthe company decided a direct entrance into the retail market wasnot the way to go.

DETM found that an energy management and marketing alliance is amore effective approach in entering new, small end-user markets,said Kevin Howell, DETM senior vice president. “This alliance is astrong entry into the residential gas market where DETM will beproviding natural gas for homeowners through United’s directmarketing.”

United Gas Management Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., is aprivately-held natural gas retailer currently serving an estimated50,000 customers in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Through United EnergyManagement Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary based in Daly City,CA, it also offers combined natural gas and electricity supplyservices to residential and small commercial customers in thewestern United States.

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