"With Tom's leadership of our professional sales organizations, Reliant is better positioned to fully leverage the benefits of being part of NRG, one of the largest power generators in Texas and the United States, and to bring the benefits of NRG's low- and zero-carbon solutions - including wind, solar, nuclear and biomass generation - to our customers," Few continued.

Gros has more than 20 years experience in high-profile business development, strategic planning, energy and commodity trading, and risk management. Most recently as Managing Director of Strategic Solutions for Tradition Energy - one of the world's largest energy management advisors to commercial, industrial and governmental organizations - he led the effort to leverage the company's wholesale market strengths to successfully differentiate their global retail operations. Before joining Tradition he was Acting CEO of PriceLock, an innovative start-up offering motor fuel risk management programs.

From 2002 to 2007 he held positions of increasing responsibility at Reuters, focusing on commodity and energy information. In his earlier career he founded and led a stand-alone corporation owned by Enron that developed and successfully commercialized software solutions for commodities markets. Gros has bachelor's degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Sloan School at MIT.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Reliant Energy's sales effort as we develop strategies, products and services to meet the energy needs of all of our customers - from the largest and most energy intensive to the residential consumers who make up the vast majority of our customers," said Gros. "Texas' competitive retail market offers opportunities for innovations that will give customers a better understanding of their energy use so that they can make informed decisions about how to manage and use electricity."

About Reliant Energy:

Reliant Energy provides electricity and energy services to more than 1.6 million retail customers--including homes, small and large businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions across Texas. As part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), Reliant Energy is backed by one of the nation's largest power producers. NRG owns and operates more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity, including more than 11,000 megawatts of capacity in Texas. For more information about Reliant Energy products and services, visit www.reliant.com.

SOURCE: Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy 
Pat Hammond, 713-497-7723

"This grant will help us to bring the benefits of smart energy products and services to our customers as soon as possible," said Jason Few, president, Reliant Energy. "We are thrilled to have been chosen and honored to have the opportunity to play a role in this important technological advance. Providing the tools and information that consumers need to make informed choices about using energy is one of the ways we add value for our customers."

Reliant, in collaboration with Tendril Networks, will use the grant to develop of a suite of smart energy products and services enabling customers to manage their electricity usage, promote energy efficiency and lower overall energy costs.

The planned products and services include a weekly usage email, Web portal, home energy monitoring devices, time-of-use rate plan and smart appliances. Some of these services, including the weekly usage email and time of use rate plan, are already available to customers who have smart meters.

About Reliant Energy:

Reliant Energy provides electricity and energy services to more than 1.6 million retail customers--including homes, small and large businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions across Texas. As part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), Reliant Energy is backed by one of the nation's largest power producers. NRG owns and operates more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity, including more than 11,000 megawatts of capacity in Texas. For more information about Reliant Energy products and services, visit www.reliant.com.

Safe Harbor Disclosure

This news release contains forward-looking statements of Reliant Energy, an NRG Energy, Inc. company, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include expectations regarding the development of smart energy products, and typically can be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "forecast," "plan," "believe" and similar terms. Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, construction delays, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions, the condition of capital markets generally, and our ability to access capital markets.

NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results included in NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

EDITORS NOTE: Reliant Energy is hosting a breakfast for members of the news media at its Houston Smart House at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 28 at 2625 Peckham St., Houston, TX., 77098.

SOURCE: Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy 
Pat Hammond, 713-497-7723

--$3,936 million of liquidity as of September 30, 2009, including $2,276 million in cash

--Capital Allocation

--$250 million of common stock, or 8.9 million shares, repurchased during the third quarter

--$250 million of additional common share repurchases planned for the fourth quarter of 2009

--Merrill Lynch Credit Sleeve supporting Reliant Energy unwound ahead of schedule on October 5

--Guidance

--$2,575 million 2009 full year adjusted EBITDA guidance, an increase of $75 million, and $1,650 million cash flow from operations, an increase of $275 million, both from guidance last updated on July 30, 2009

--$2,200 million 2010 adjusted EBITDA guidance with cash from operations targeted at $1,350 million

NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) today reported net income for the three months ended September 30, 2009, of $278 million, or $1.02 per diluted common share, compared to $778 million, or $2.81 per diluted common share, for the third quarter last year. The current quarter benefited from Reliant Energy's results which contributed $393 million in pre-tax income, while the third quarter results in 2008 benefited from $824 million of pre-tax net mark-to-market gains on asset-backed hedges. Non-recurring operating expenses for the third quarter of 2009 included $21 million for Exelon defense costs and $6 million of transaction and integration costs associated with the Company's acquisition of Reliant Energy. Adjusted EBITDA, excluding MtM impacts, was a record of $906 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $682 million in the third quarter of 2008. The $224 million quarter-over-quarter increase was driven by Reliant Energy's adjusted EBITDA contribution of $306 million partially offset by an $82 million decrease in the wholesale portfolio results.

Net income for the first nine months of 2009 was $909 million, or $3.29 per diluted common share, compared to $954 million, or $3.41 per diluted common share, for the same period last year. Non-recurring operating expenses for the first nine months of 2009 included $31 million of Exelon defense costs and $41 million of transaction and integration costs associated with the Company's acquisition of Reliant Energy on May 1, 2009. Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2009 was a record $2,129 million compared to $1,889 million over the same period in 2008. This $240 million increase was driven by Retail Energy's contribution of $536 million offset by a $296 million decline in the performance of the wholesale portfolio, primarily in the Texas and South Central regions.

Cash flow from operations was $1,280 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a $194 million increase from the same period in 2008. This increase was attributable to the financial performance from Reliant Energy. Cash flow also benefited from first quarter collateral returns partially offset by collateral posting obligations under the Merrill Lynch Credit Sleeve. In addition, pension contributions were $35 million lower mainly due to a prepayment in 2008 related to 2009 contributions.

Total generation declined 8% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008, which included a 13% decline in baseload generation. Lower baseload generation attributable to market factors, particularly in the Northeast, had minimal financial impact on the quarter as the portfolio had been fully hedged. Maintenance and unplanned outages during the quarter, primarily in Texas, contributed to the lower generation and impacted the quarter's results. This decrease also was partially offset by a 47% increase in gas fleet generation in Texas primarily due to the newly constructed Cedar Bayou Unit 4 plant.

"NRG's record financial performance has been achieved in the most challenging commodity price and economic environment NRG has ever experienced. Our ability to operate and hedge our generation assets coupled with our financial strength and ability to respond quickly to market opportunities such as the Reliant acquisition sets us apart," commented David Crane, NRG President and Chief Executive Officer. "As we look forward, while the commodity price environment remains challenging in 2010, the opportunities in our sector to enhance shareholder value for a Company in NRG's strong position are immense through our various internal growth opportunities already underway. We are working hard to repeat the success of 2009 in 2010."

Regional Segment Review of Results
Table 1: Three Months Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes
($ in millions)                         Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
Segment                                 9/30/09  9/30/08    9/30/09  9/30/08
Reliant Energy                          176      -          287(5)   -
Texas                                   302      401        712      1,042
Northeast                               124      97         261      263
South Central                           (18)     25         (12)     58
West                                    22       13         32       38
International                           7        25         149      72
Thermal                                 1        4          6        11
Corporate (1)                           (186)    (109)      (414)    (311)
Total, net of MtM Impacts               428      456        1,021    1,173
Add: MtM forward position accruals (2)  (239)    479        70       171
Less: Prior period MtM reversals (3)    (239)    7          (415)    32
Add: Hedge ineffectiveness(4)           16       352        17       (27)
Total                                   444      1,280      1,523    1,285
(1) Includes net interest expense of $144 million and
$89 million for the third quarter of 2009 and 2008, and $341
million and $267 million for the nine months 2009 and 2008,
respectively; and Exelon Defense and Reliant Integration costs of
$27 million for the third quarter of 2009, and $72 million for the
nine months of 2009.
(2) Represents net MtM gains/(losses) on economic
hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
(3) Represents the reversal of MtM gains/(losses)
previously recognized on economic hedges that do not qualify for
hedge accounting treatment.
(4) Represents ineffectiveness gains/(losses) due to a
change in correlation, predominately between natural gas and power
prices, on economic hedges that qualify for hedge accounting
treatment.
(5) Reliant Energy results are for the five months
ended September 30, 2009.

Table 2: Adjusted EBITDA, net of MtM impacts
($ in millions)                 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended
Segment                         9/30/09  9/30/08    9/30/09  9/30/08
Reliant Energy                  306      -          536(2)   -
Texas                           404      465        1,068    1,271
Northeast                       168      141        391      386
South Central                   4        47         57       128
West                            24       17         40       52
International                   9        25         47       72
Thermal                         4        6          17       21
Corporate                       (13)     (19)       (27)     (41)
Adjusted EBITDA, net of MtM(1)  906      682        2,129    1,889
(1) Excludes net domestic forward MtM gains/(losses),
reversal of prior period net MtM gains/(losses), and hedge
ineffectiveness gains/(losses) on economic hedges as shown in
Table 1 above. Detailed adjustments by region are shown in
Appendix A.
(2) Reliant Energy results are for the five months
ended September 30, 2009.

MtM Impacts of Hedging Activities

The Company, in the normal course of business, enters into contracts to lock in forward prices for a significant portion of its expected power generation and to fulfill Reliant Energy's supply requirements. Although these transactions are predominantly economic hedges of our generation portfolio and load requirements, a portion of these forward sales and purchases are not afforded hedge accounting treatment and the MtM change in value of these transactions is recorded to current period earnings. For the third quarter of 2009, we recorded a $16 million forward net MtM gain on our economic hedges, as reversals of previously unrecognized gains and positions acquired as part of the Reliant acquisition offset the net unrealized losses on open positions related to economic hedges. In the third quarter of 2008, there were $824 million net MtM gains on our economic hedges caused by a period of rapidly decreasing power and natural gas prices, including $479 million of unrealized gains on open positions related to economic hedges and $352 million of gains associated with ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges.

During the first nine months of 2009, the Company recognized $502 million of net MtM gains with $448 million associated with the reversal of positions acquired as part of the Reliant acquisition. The same period during 2008 experienced $112 million in net MtM gains, of which $171 million of gains on open positions related to economic hedges.

Reliant Energy: Reliant Energy's adjusted EBITDA for the quarter totaled $306 million due to strong margins accompanied by high customer usage from warmer than normal weather, slightly offset by a decrease in customer count. Reliant announced and enacted price reductions effective June 1 and July 1, 2009, which cumulatively lowered prices by up to 20% for certain customers. Despite higher weather-related demand, power purchase costs remained low during the quarter, thereby enabling higher customer margins. Total revenues for the quarter, excluding contract amortization and unrealized gains and losses, were $1,876 million on 16 TWh sold to both Commercial and Industrial and Mass customers. Cost of energy, excluding contract amortization and unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for energy supply, totaled $1,433 million, resulting in a gross margin of $443 million. Other operating expenses incurred during the quarter totaled $136 million and included $37 million of expenses associated with the call center and billing, credit, and collections; $48 million of selling, general and administrative expense; $24 million of gross receipts tax; and $28 million of bad debt expense.

Texas: Texas adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2009 decreased by $61 million to $404 million compared to the third quarter of 2008. During the quarter, power prices in the Houston Zone, where the majority of our assets are located, were less than half those in the same quarter of 2008. Although NRG's hedging program insulated the region's baseload fleet from these significant price movements, the margins realized on our gas assets in 2008 were not repeated in 2009 despite higher generation. The combined impact of lower power prices and fuel costs resulted in $63 million of lower quarter-over-quarter energy margins. Baseload generation declined compared to 2008 due to maintenance and unplanned outages. Generation from the gas fleet increased quarter-over-quarter with Cedar Bayou Unit 4, which came on line in late June of this year, contributing 454k MWh of generation in addition to strong operating performance from the remainder of the gas fleet. Operating costs increased quarter-over-quarter by $10 million, including a $4 million increase at STP largely due to a Unit 2 outage in September 2009 and higher O&M costs at our WA Parish and Limestone plants.

Northeast: The Northeast region's adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2009 was $168 million, a $27 million increase compared to the same quarter in 2008. Energy margins were $36 million higher in 2009 as the contributions realized from our hedging program and contract revenue more than offset lower market prices and reduced generation. Generation in the third quarter of 2009 was 30% lower than 2008 resulting in a $45 million energy margin decrease. This decrease was offset by $18 million in higher contract revenues due to lower cost to serve load obligations and a $63 million increase in realized margin per MWh due to portfolio hedging.

South Central: Third quarter 2009 adjusted EBITDA was $4 million, $43 million lower than the same period in 2008. The decline in adjusted EBITDA was largely driven by unrealized gains in 2008 related to forward physical power sales that were delivered in 2009. The region's quarterly results were also impacted by higher operating expenses as additional plant maintenance was performed, including a 28 day outage on Big Cajun Unit 1 versus a 21 day outage on Unit 2 in the prior period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Table 3: Corporate Liquidity
($ in millions)                                              Sept. 30, 2009   June 30, 2009    December 31, 2008
Cash and cash equivalents                                    $    2,250       $    2,282       $     1,494
Funds deposited by counterparties                                 293              468               754
Restricted cash                                                   26               19                16
Total Cash                                                   $    2,569       $    2,769       $     2,264
Letter of credit availability                                     756              784               860
Revolver availability                                             904              941               1,000
Total Liquidity                                              $    4,229       $    4,494       $     4,124
Less: Funds deposited as collateral by hedge counterparties       (293  )          (468  )           (760  )
Total Current Liquidity                                      $    3,936       $    4,026       $     3,364

Total liquidity, excluding counterparty collateral received, decreased $90 million to $3.9 billion during the third quarter driven by a $32 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents and a $65 million reduction in synthetic and revolver credit facilities. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the quarter was principally driven by $186 million in capital expenditures, $232 million in cash collateral sweeps to reduce Reliant Energy's exposure with Merrill Lynch, and $250 million of common share repurchases. These cash outflows were partially offset by $558 million in cash flow from operations. The decrease in letters of credit and revolver credit facilities were primarily in support of commercial operations trade positions.

2009 Share Repurchase Plan

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company purchased 8,919,100 of its common shares in open market transactions at a volume weighted average cost of $28.01 per share, for a total of $250 million. Currently, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $500 million of its common shares and intends to complete the remaining $250 million of repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2009. The Company has repurchased an aggregate of $2.2 billion of its common shares at a weighted average cost of $23.91 per share since embarking on common share repurchases in December 2004.

Credit Sleeve Unwound One Year Early

On October 5, 2009, the Company amended the Credit Sleeve and Reimbursement Agreement (CSRA) with Merrill Lynch that provided credit support to Reliant Energy's operations. As a result of this amendment, the Reliant Energy retail entities became part of the corporate collateral package and its credit support needs are now provided by the Company's corporate level liquidity. In connection with the credit sleeve unwind, NRG had a net cash collateral outflow of $374 million to various counterparties with the funds sourced from the June 5, 2009, bond offering that raised approximately $678 million in net proceeds. Simultaneously, Merrill Lynch terminated their liens on approximately $322 million of unrestricted cash held at Reliant Energy, and returned $250 million of posted cash collateral. The CSRA was originally scheduled to mature in October 2010.

Outlook for 2009

Full year 2009 Adjusted EBITDA guidance is estimated to be $2,575 million for the year, a $75 million increase from the guidance issued on July 30, 2009. This increase in guidance is attributable to a $225 million improvement in the Reliant Energy outlook driven by higher than expected summer demand and margins, partially offset by a $150 million decline in the wholesale portfolio as a result of a weak commodity pricing environment and higher operating costs.

In addition to the above, and in connection with the early unwind of the Merrill Lynch Credit Sleeve, certain economic hedges were terminated in the fourth quarter of 2009 prior to their normal maturity. This early settlement resulted in a realized $85 million mark-to-market loss to 2009 results. These charges are expected to be recorded in the fourth quarter 2009 results.

Table 4: 2009 Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Guidance ($ in
millions)
                                                        10/29/09    7/30/09
Wholesale                                               1,950       2,100
Retail                                                  625         400
Adjusted EBITDA guidance(1)                             2,575       2,500
Q4 EBITDA impact of sleeve unwind - hedge terminations  (85      )  0        )
Interest payments                                       (633     )  (631     )
Income tax                                              (75      )  (100     )
Collateral payments/working capital/other changes       (132     )  (394
Cash flow from operations                               1,650       1,375
Maintenance capital expenditures                        (257     )  (264     )
Preferred dividends                                     (33      )  (33      )
Anticipated Permanent Retail Collateral                 0           300
Free cash flow recurring operation                      1,360       1,378
Environmental capital expenditures                      (214     )  (261     )
Reliant Integration Capital                             (20      )  (31      )
Repowering investments, net                             (241     )  (157     )
Free cash flow                                          885         929

(1)Adjusted EBITDA excludes MtM impacts of economic hedges

Outlook for 2010

NRG is initiating 2010 Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Flow from Operations guidance at $2,200 million and $1,350 million, respectively. The outlook for the wholesale operations is a result of lower hedged prices on the overall portfolio in 2010 compared to 2009 and increased coal transportation costs in 2010. Reliant Energy's outlook for 2010 will be lower than 2009 results due to lower margins as a result of the two price reductions that occurred in the summer of 2009, increased supply costs as gas prices are expected to be higher in 2010 versus 2009, and normalized weather conditions.

Table 5: 2010 Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Guidance ($ in
millions)
                                                    10/29/09
Wholesale                                           1,700
Retail                                              500
Adjusted EBITDA guidance(1)                         2,200
Interest payments                                   (628            )
Income tax                                          (150            )
Collateral payments /working capital/other changes  (72             )
Cash flow from operations                           1,350
Maintenance capital expenditures                    (262            )
Preferred dividends                                 (9              )
Free cash flow recurring operations                 1,079
Environmental capital expenditures                  (281            )
Repowering investments, net                         (104            )
Free cash flow                                      694

(1)Adjusted EBITDA excludes MtM impacts of economic hedges

Earnings Conference Call

On October 29, 2009, NRG will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. eastern to discuss these results. Investors, the news media and others may access the live webcast of the conference call and accompanying presentation materials by logging on to NRG's website at http://www.nrgenergy.com and clicking on "Investors." The webcast will be archived on the site for those unable to listen in real time.

About NRG

NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company's power plants provide more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity -- enough to supply more than 20 million homes. NRG's retail business, Reliant Energy, serves more than 1.6 million residential, business, and commercial and industrial customers in Texas. A past recipient of the energy industry's highest honors -- Platts Industry Leadership and Energy Company of the Year awards -- NRG is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of business and environmental organizations calling for mandatory legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.

Safe Harbor Disclosure

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include our adjusted EBITDA, cash flow from operations guidance and free cash flow, the 2009 Capital Allocation Plan and expected earnings, future growth and financial performance, and typically can be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "forecast," "plan," "believe" and similar terms. Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions, competition in wholesale power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale power markets, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions, the condition of capital markets generally, our ability to access capital markets, unanticipated outages at our generation facilities, adverse results in current and future litigation, the inability to implement value enhancing improvements to plant operations and companywide processes, our ability to achieve the expected benefits and timing of our RepoweringNRG projects, acquisitions, dispositions and other development projects as well as the 2009 Capital Allocation Plan, share repurchase under the Capital Allocation Plan may be made from time to time subject to market conditions and other factors, including as permitted by United States securities laws.

NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The adjusted EBITDA guidance, cash flow from operations and free cash flow are estimates as of today's date, October 29, 2009 and are based on assumptions believed to be reasonable as of this date. NRG expressly disclaims any current intention to update such guidance. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results included in NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
                                                                     Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30,
(In millions, except for per share amounts)                          2009             2008             2009             2008
Operating Revenues
Total operating revenues                                             $    2,916       $    2,612       $    6,811       $    5,230
Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of operations                                                        1,893            997              3,901            2,812
Depreciation and amortization                                             212              156              594              478
Selling, general and administrative                                       182              75               396              233
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs                     6                --               41               --
Development costs                                                         12               13               34               29
Total operating costs and expenses                                        2,305            1,241            4,966            3,552
Operating Income                                                          611              1,371            1,845            1,678
Other Income/(Expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates                           6                58               33               35
Gain/(loss) on sale of equity method investment                           --               --               128              --
Other income/(loss), net                                                  5                (7    )          (9    )          14
Interest expense                                                          (178  )          (142  )          (475  )          (442  )
Total other expense                                                       (167  )          (91   )          (323  )          (393  )
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes                     444              1,280            1,522            1,285
Income tax expense                                                        166              502              614              503
Income From Continuing Operations                                         278              778              908              782
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                  --               --               --               172
Net Income                                                                278              778              908              954
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest                    --               --               (1    )          --
Net income attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.                               278              778              909              954
Dividends for preferred shares                                            6                13               27               41
Income Available for NRG Energy, Inc. Common Stockholders            $    272         $    765         $    882         $    913
Earnings per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. Common
Stockholders
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -- basic             249              235              247              236
Income from continuing operations per weighted average common share  $    1.09        $    3.26        $    3.58        $    3.14
-- basic
Income from discontinued operations per weighted average common           --               --               --               0.73
share -- basic
Net Income per Weighted Average Common Share -- Basic                $    1.09        $    3.26        $    3.58        $    3.87
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -- diluted           272              277              274              278
Income from continuing operations per weighted average common share  $    1.02        $    2.81        $    3.29        $    2.79
-- diluted
Income from discontinued operations per weighted average common           --               --               --               0.62
share -- diluted
Net Income per Weighted Average Common Share -- Diluted              $    1.02        $    2.81        $    3.29        $    3.41
Amounts attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes               $    278         $    778         $    909         $    782
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                  --               --               --               172
Net Income                                                           $    278         $    778         $    909         $    954

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                                                                      September 30, 2009  December 31, 2008
(In millions, except shares)                                          (unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents                                             $      2,250        $     1,494
Funds deposited by counterparties                                            293                754
Restricted cash                                                              26                 16
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $40 and         1,119              464
$3, respectively
Inventory                                                                    533                455
Derivative instruments valuation                                             3,199              4,600
Deferred income taxes                                                        101                --
Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities         475                494
Prepayments and other current assets                                         215                215
Total current assets                                                         8,211              8,492
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of            11,610             11,545
$2,876 and $2,343, respectively
Other Assets
Equity investments in affiliates                                             392                490
Capital leases and note receivable, less current portion                     507                435
Goodwill                                                                     1,718              1,718
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $483 and $335,         1,942              815
respectively
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund                                           354                303
Derivative instruments valuation                                             1,039              885
Other non-current assets                                                     181                125
Total other assets                                                           6,133              4,771
Total Assets                                                          $      25,954       $     24,808
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases                  $      537          $     464
Accounts payable                                                             725                451
Derivative instruments valuation                                             3,017              3,981
Deferred income taxes                                                        --                 201
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management                293                760
activities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                               636                724
Total current liabilities                                                    5,208              6,581
Other Liabilities
Long-term debt and capital leases                                            8,229              7,697
Nuclear decommissioning reserve                                              296                284
Nuclear decommissioning trust liability                                      249                218
Deferred income taxes                                                        1,572              1,190
Derivative instruments valuation                                             859                508
Out-of-market contracts                                                      324                291
Other non-current liabilities                                                1,138              669
Total non- current liabilities                                               12,667             10,857
Total Liabilities                                                            17,875             17,438
3.625% convertible perpetual preferred stock                                 247                247
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock                                                              406                853
Common stock                                                                 3                  3
Additional paid-in capital                                                   4,568              4,350
Retained earnings                                                            3,305              2,423
Less treasury stock, at cost -- 26,080,051 and 29,242,483 shares,            (782   )           (823   )
respectively
Accumulated other comprehensive income                                       320                310
Noncontrolling interest                                                      12                 7
Total Stockholders' Equity                                                   7,832              7,123
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                            $      25,954       $     24,808

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
Nine months ended September 30,                                       2009           2008
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income                                                            $     908      $     954
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Distributions and equity in (earnings)/losses of unconsolidated             (33   )        (24   )
affiliates
Depreciation and amortization                                               594            478
Provision for bad debts                                                     37             --
Amortization of nuclear fuel                                                28             31
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums                  35             28
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts                     79             (226  )
Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for unrecognized tax         561            439
benefits
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability                          19             8
Changes in derivatives                                                      (234  )        (144  )
Changes in collateral deposits supporting energy risk management            13             (320  )
activities
Loss on sale of assets                                                      2              13
Gain on sale of equity method investment                                    (128  )        --
Gain on sale of discontinued operations                                     --             (273  )
Gain on sale of emission allowances                                         (8    )        (52   )
Gain recognized on settlement of pre-existing relationship                  (31   )        --
Amortization of unearned equity compensation                                20             21
Changes in option premiums collected, net of acquisition                    (278  )        203
Cash used by changes in other working capital, net of acquisition           (304  )        (50   )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                                   1,280          1,086
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Acquisition of Reliant Energy, net of cash acquired                         (356  )        --
Capital expenditures                                                        (560  )        (649  )
Increase in restricted cash, net                                            (10   )        (3    )
(Increase)/decrease in notes receivable                                     (18   )        20
Purchases of emission allowances                                            (68   )        (6    )
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances                                   20             75
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities                (237  )        (441  )
Proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities        218            434
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations and assets, net of            --             241
cash divested
Proceeds from sale of assets, net                                           6              14
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment                              284            --
Equity investment in unconsolidated affiliates                              --             (17   )
Other investment                                                            (6    )        --
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities                                       (727  )        (332  )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payment of dividends to preferred stockholders                              (27   )        (41   )
Net payments to settle acquired derivatives that include financing          (140  )        (49   )
elements
Payment for CSF I CAGR settlement                                           --             (45   )
Payment for treasury stock                                                  (250  )        (185  )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs               1              8
Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary                 50             50
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                    843            20
Payment of deferred debt issuance costs                                     (29   )        (2    )
Payments for short and long-term debt                                       (248  )        (202  )
Net Cash Provided by/(Used by) Financing Activities                         200            (446  )
Change in cash from discontinued operations                                 --             43
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                3              --
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                   756            351
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period                            1,494          1,132
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period                            $     2,250    $     1,483

Appendix Table A-1: Third Quarter 2009 Regional EBITDA
Reconciliation
The following table summarizes the calculation of adjusted EBITDA
and provides a reconciliation to net income/(loss)
(dollars in millions)                                      Reliant Energy  Texas  Northeast  South Central  West  International  Thermal  Corporate  Total
Net Income (Loss)                                          393             196    50         (34)           16    6              2        (351)      278
Plus:
Income Tax                                                 -               -      -          -              -     1              -        165        166
Interest Expense                                           15              (12)   15         14             (1)   2              1        130        164
Amortization of Finance Costs                              -               -      -          -              -     -              -        10         10
Amortization of Debt (Discount)/Premium                    -               -      -          -              -     -              -        4          4
Depreciation Expense                                       42              119    29         16             2     -              2        2          212
ARO Accretion Expense                                      -               1      -          -              1     -              -        -          2
Amortization of Power Contracts                            85              (17)   -          (8)            -     -              -        -          60
Amortization of Fuel Contracts                             (12)            1      -          -              -     -              -        -          (11)
Amortization of Emission Allowances                        -               10     -          -              -     -              -        -          10
EBITDA                                                     523             298    94         (12)           18    9              5        (40)       895
Exelon Defense Costs                                       -               -      -          -              -     -              -        21         21
Reliant Energy Transaction and Integration Costs           -               -      -          -              -     -              -        6          6
Adjusted EBITDA                                            523             298    94         (12)           18    9              5        (13)       922
Less: MtM forward position accruals                        (21)            (130)  (66)       (16)           (7)   -              1        -          (239)
Add: Prior period MtM reversals                            (238)           (7)    7          -              (1)   -              -        -          (239)
Less: Hedge Ineffectiveness                                -               17     (1)        -              -     -              -        -          16
Adjusted EBITDA, excluding MtM impacts of economic hedges  306             404    168        4              24    9              4        (13)       906

Appendix Table A-2: Third Quarter 2008 Regional EBITDA
Reconciliation
The following table summarizes the calculation of adjusted EBITDA
and provides a reconciliation to net income/(loss)
(dollars in millions)                                      Texas  Northeast  South Central  West  International  Thermal  Corporate  Total
Net Income (Loss)                                          576    296        25             13    19             4        (155)      778
Plus:
Income Tax                                                 450    -          -              -     6              -        46         502
Interest Expense                                           23     16         13             2     -              -        79         133
Amortization of Finance Costs                              -      -          -              -     -              -        6          6
Amortization of Debt (Discount)/Premium                    -      -          -              -     -              (1)      4          3
Depreciation Expense                                       108    26         16             2     -              3        1          156
ARO Accretion Expense                                      1      2          -              -     -              -        -          3
Amortization of Power Contracts                            (69)   -          (7)            -     -              -        -          (76)
Amortization of Fuel Contracts                             (9)    -          -              -     -              -        -          (9)
Amortization of Emission Allowances                        10     -          -              -     -              -        -          10
Adjusted EBITDA                                            1,090  340        47             17    25             6        (19)       1,506
Less: MtM forward position accruals                        301    178        -              -     -              -        -          479
Add: Prior period MtM reversals                            5      2          -              -     -              -        -          7
Less: Hedge Ineffectiveness                                329    23         -              -     -              -        -          352
Adjusted EBITDA, excluding MtM impacts of economic hedges  465    141        47             17    25             6        (19)       682

Appendix Table A-3: Year-to-date September 30, 2009 Regional
EBITDA Reconciliation
The following table summarizes the calculation of adjusted EBITDA
and provides a reconciliation to net income/(loss)
(dollars in millions)                                      Reliant Energy  Texas  Northeast  South Central  West  International  Thermal  Corporate  Total
Net Income (Loss)                                          807             511    303        (42)           32    143            6        (851)      909
Plus:
Income Tax                                                 -               171    -          -              -     6              -        437        614
Interest Expense                                           29              16     41         38             -     6              4        306        440
Amortization of Finance Costs                              -               -      -          -              -     -              -        24         24
Amortization of Debt (Discount)/Premium                    -               -      -          -              -     -              -        11         11
Depreciation Expense                                       85              353    88         50             6     -              7        5          594
ARO Accretion Expense                                      -               3      1          -              2     -              -        -          6
Amortization of Power Contracts                            160             (49)   -          (19)           -     -              -        -          92
Amortization of Fuel Contracts                             (25)            4      -          -              -     -              -        -          (21)
Amortization of Emission Allowances                        -               29     -          -              -     -              -        -          29
EBITDA                                                     1,056           1,038  433        27             40    155            17       (68)       2,698
Exelon Defense Costs                                       -               -      -          -              -     -              -        31         31
Reliant Energy Transaction and Integration Expenses        -               -      -          -              -     -              -        41         41
Currency Loss on MIBRAG Sale Proceeds                      -               -      -          -              -     20             -        -          20
Settlement of Pre-Existing Contract with Reliant Energy    -               -      -          -              -     -              -        (31)       (31)
Gain on Sale of Equity Method Investments                  -               -      -          -              -     (128)          -        -          (128)
Adjusted EBITDA                                            1,056           1,038  433        27             40    47             17       (27)       2,631
Less: MtM forward position accruals                        72              (43)   70         (30)           (1)   -              2        -          70
Add: Prior period MtM reversals                            (448)           5      27         -              (1)   -              2        -          (415)
Less: Hedge Ineffectiveness                                -               18     (1)        -              -     -              -        -          17
Adjusted EBITDA, excluding MtM impacts of economic hedges  536             1,068  391        57             40    47             17       (27)       2,129

Appendix Table A-4: Year-to-date September 30, 2008 Regional
EBITDA Reconciliation
The following table summarizes the calculation of adjusted EBITDA
and provides a reconciliation to net income/(loss)
(dollars in millions)                                      Texas  Northeast  South Central  West  International  Thermal  Corporate  Total
Net Income (Loss)                                          626    310        58             38    229            11       (318)      954
Plus:
Income Tax                                                 481    -          -              -     15             -        7          503
Interest Expense                                           85     44         38             6     -              3        238        414
Amortization of Finance Costs                              -      -          -              -     -              -        17         17
Amortization of Debt (Discount)/Premium                    -      -          -              -     -              (1)      12         11
Depreciation Expense                                       334    77         50             6     -              8        3          478
ARO Accretion Expense                                      2      2          -              2     -              -        -          6
Amortization of Power Contracts                            (215)  -          (18)           -     -              -        -          (233)
Amortization of Fuel Contracts                             (7)    -          -              -     -              -        -          (7)
Amortization of Emission Allowances                        30     -          -              -     -              -        -          30
EBITDA                                                     1,336  433        128            52    244            21       (41)       2,173
(Income)/loss from Discontinued Operations                 -      -          -              -     (172)                   -          (172)
Adjusted EBITDA                                            1,336  433        128            52    72             21       (41)       2,001
Less: MtM forward position accruals                        114    57         -              -     -              -        -          171
Add: Prior period MtM reversals                            21     11         -              -     -              -        -          32
Less: Hedge Ineffectiveness                                (28)   1          -              -     -              -        -          (27)
Adjusted EBITDA, excluding MtM impacts of economic hedges  1,271  386        128            52    72             21       (41)       1,889

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non GAAP financial measures. These measurements are not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance. The presentation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that NRG's future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented because NRG considers it an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes debt-holders frequently use EBITDA to analyze operating performance and debt service capacity. EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

* EBITDA does not reflect cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments;

* EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs;

* EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on debts or the cash income tax payments;

* Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and

* Other companies in this industry may calculate EBITDA differently than NRG does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to use to invest in the growth of NRG's business. NRG compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. See the statements of cash flow included in the financial statements that are a part of this news release.

Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a further supplemental measure of operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for discontinued operations, write downs and gains or losses on the sales of equity method investments; Exelon defense costs, and Texas retail acquisition and integration costs; and factors which we do not consider indicative of future operating performance. The reader is encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and the reasons NRG considers it appropriate for supplemental analysis. As an analytical tool, adjusted EBITDA is subject to all of the limitations applicable to EBITDA. In addition, in evaluating adjusted EBITDA, the reader should be aware that in the future NRG may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this news release.

Free cash flow recurring operations is cash flow from operations less maintenance capital expenditures and preferred stock dividends and is used by NRG predominantly as a forecasting tool to estimate cash available for debt reduction and other capital allocation alternatives. The reader is encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and the reasons NRG considers it appropriate for supplemental analysis. In addition, in evaluating free cash flow recurring operations, the reader should be aware that in the future NRG may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Free cash flow is cash flow from operations less capital expenditures, preferred stock dividends and repowering capital expenditures net of project funding and is used by NRG predominantly as a forecasting tool to estimate cash available for debt reduction and other capital allocation alternatives. The reader is encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and the reasons NRG considers it appropriate for supplemental analysis. Because we have mandatory debt service requirements (and other non-discretionary expenditures) investors should not rely on free cash flow as a measure of cash available for discretionary expenditures. In addition, in evaluating free cash flow, the reader should be aware that in the future NRG may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this news release.

SOURCE: NRG Energy, Inc.

Media: 
Meredith Moore, 609-524-4522 
or 
Lori Neuman, 609-524-4525 
or 
Dave Knox, 713-795-6106 
or 
Investors: 
Nahla Azmy, 609-524-4526 
or 
David Klein, 609-524-4527 
or 
Erin Gilli, 609-524-4528

"We've offered other electronic payment card options to our customers for some time now, but more and more of our small and mid-size commercial customers have expressed an interest in using a MasterCard, so we have responded by adding it as an additional payment card option," said Elizabeth Killinger, vice president, Retail Operations, Reliant Energy. "Our commercial customers appreciate the convenience and flexibility of paying their electricity bills with a payment card, as a way to save time and money and to manage their businesses more efficiently. We see partnering with MasterCard as an attractive opportunity to provide solutions for our small and mid-size business customers."

Reliant Energy has offered electronic payment options, including fee-free card-based payments, to its residential customer base since 2001. With this announcement, Reliant Energy's small and mid-size commercial customers can now also make one-time payments and recurring payments using a MasterCard card.

Consumer preference for electronic payments to pay bills continues to grow, alongside a growing trend towards recurring payments. From 2001 to 2008, paper-based payments decreased from 78 percent to 38 percent of all bill payments, according to a 2008 study by Hitachi Consulting, while electronic payments grew from 22 percent to 62 percent. According to MasterCard research, 43 percent of credit cardholders and 54 percent of debit cardholders use or would consider recurring payments, and 30 percent would switch service providers if a competitor offered recurring payments.

"By offering the option to pay their bills with a MasterCard card, Reliant Energy is providing its small and mid-size commercial customers with a convenient way to track their payments through monthly statements, earn rewards, and avoid the hassles and postage costs of paying by check," said Mathias Lilja, vice president, U.S. Commerce Development, MasterCard Worldwide. "As customer preference to pay bills electronically continues to grow, we are pleased that Reliant Energy sees value in a program that will meet its customers' demands for added payment flexibility and deliver broad operational efficiencies and cost savings."

In 2006, MasterCard introduced its Utility Industry Program, which offers targeted incentives to utility providers through special merchant interchange rates, reduced fee structures and specialized service industry support services, making it increasingly beneficial for utilities to accept MasterCard payment cards and offer them as a payment option to their customers. MasterCard also has in place similar programs with merchants in the rent and property management, telecommunications, cable and insurance categories.

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R), MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

About Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy provides electricity and energy services to more than 1.6 million retail customers--including homes, small and large businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions across Texas. As part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), Reliant Energy is backed by one of the nation's largest power producers. NRG owns and operates more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity, including more than 11,000 megawatts of capacity in Texas. For more information about Reliant Energy products and services, visit www.reliant.com.

SOURCE MasterCard Worldwide

http://www.mastercard.com/index.html