Gateway Energy Honors U.S. Military With Special Benefit

November 6, 2009

MONTEBELLO, N.Y., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Gateway Energy Services Corporation is honoring the men and women of the U.S. military who have given so much to our country by offering them a discount on their energy costs.

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The Gateway Energy Military Discount Program will give a 5% discount on its monthly rate for natural gas and electricity to new and current customers who are active U.S. military and reserve personnel, honorably discharged U.S. veterans, and surviving spouses or parents of U.S. military personnel. Current customers on a fixed-rate plan can switch to a variable once their term expires in order to get the military benefit. All customers must show proof of eligibility: military ID or military discharge papers (DD form 214 or similar).

Customers new to Gateway are also eligible for special sign-up incentives, including a Visa Prepaid Card worth up to $75. Current customers are also eligible for the incentive if they have one service and sign up for the other.

This benefit takes effect on November 11, Veterans Day.

"I can think of no better day on which to make this announcement than on the day when our nation recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women," said President and CEO Steve Maslak. "The armed services have given Gateway some of our best and brightest employees. This 5% benefit is our way of saying thank you."

Gateway Energy counts veterans from all branches of the military among its employees. Several have served in war time, including Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Some continue to serve through participation in the Reserves.

"We know how difficult it can be for soldiers and their families," said Bill Cateno, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "It can be hard for a young soldier to come home from a tour of duty and establish credit. It can be draining for a spouse to support the family while their loved one is deployed. It can be frightening for a widow to make ends meet on a small stipend."

"Many companies offer discounts to active or retired military," said Cateno, an Air Force Vietnam-era veteran. "Our research shows that we are the only energy marketer who offers an across-the-board benefit plan to all military. It's the least we can do for the men and women who serve us at home, abroad and right here at Gateway."

Cateno has spearheaded other Company initiatives, including a recruiting campaign launched at a job fair at Fort Drum, N.Y., to not only procure quality employees but also to help these men and women transition to civilian life. Because of this commitment, Gateway Energy will be spotlighted as a premier company to work for in Civilian Jobs magazine in January 2010.

Gateway Energy will roll out the military benefit in all its service territories on November 11 utilizing grocery receipt coupons, door-to-door teams, the Web (www.gesc.com/military) and press via the media and veterans groups.

About Gateway Energy Services

Gateway Energy Services Corporation, based in Montebello, Rockland County, N.Y., is one of the largest independent retail energy suppliers in North America, providing natural gas and electricity to residential and business customers in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1997, Gateway Energy provides competitive energy products to consumers giving them more control over their energy costs. (www.gesc.com)

SOURCE Gateway Energy Services Corporation