Energy America Completion

Centrica PLC
22 January 2001



22 January 2001



Centrica completes North American acquisition



Centrica plc has assumed full ownership and management control of Energy
America LLC, the energy retailing company that sells gas and electricity to
around 400,000 residential and small business customers in the USA.

On 12 December, 2000, Centrica announced it intended to acquire the
outstanding 72.5 per cent stake of the joint venture from Sempra Energy, for a
consideration of approximately $56m (£38.62m) in cash. Following receipt of
the applicable regulatory consents the transaction completed on 19 January.

This follows Centrica's acquisition of Direct Energy Marketing Limited in
August last year, which included a 27.5 per cent interest in Energy America.


Enquiries

Investor relations     Chris Milburn          01753 758114