DALLAS, Sept. 21 -- Direct Energy Business Services announced today that it has formed an alliance with Printing Industries of the Gulf Coast (PIGC), a trade association serving graphic communications firms in the Texas Gulf Coast area. The agreement designates Direct Energy Business Services as the preferred electricity supplier of the PIGC, enabling members enrolling for electricity with Direct Energy Business Services to receive a discounted price. "Direct Energy Business Services was able to offer a combination of savings, service and expertise unmatched by competitors," said Deryl Brown, vice president and general manager, Direct Energy Business Services. "We are excited about adding PIGC members to our growing family of Texas customers." Established in 1918 by local printers as the Printer's Education and Publicity Bureau, the organization affiliated with Printing Industries of America in 1920 and remains the official representative of the graphic communications industry with more than 1,200 firms in the PIGC territory. "Forming an alliance with Direct Energy Business Services enables our members to take advantage of the competitive electricity market to lower energy costs at their facilities," said Tim Tully, president, PIGC. In Texas, Direct Energy Business Services has offices in Dallas and Houston and is focusing its marketing efforts on mid- to large-sized commercial and industrial customers. Product offerings include various length-of-term contracts and price protection plans, which are designed to help businesses stabilize their electricity prices in order to regain control over their cost structure and profit margins.