"This agreement with Nissan is another part of our comprehensive effort to speed up the adoption of a broad-based electric-powered transportation ecosystem," said David Crane, Chief Executive Officer of NRG. "We have much of the needed infrastructure in place -- an excellent road system, a diverse national portfolio of power generation, and the means to deliver electricity to homes, offices, businesses and streets across the nation. Now we need to focus on tying these elements together with the technology, services and policies needed to power electric transportation."

"We can now see a clear path to having thousands -- even hundreds of thousands -- of zero-emission vehicles on Texas roads in the next several years," said Jason Few, President of Reliant Energy. "Reliant has already introduced smart electricity for homeowners, allowing them to better manage consumption and cost with tools such as digital meters. By adding a robust charging network and services dedicated to electric vehicles, we will be able to offer a viable alternative to fossil-fuel powered transportation, taking advantage of Texas' leadership in zero-carbon power generation."

"Together, Nissan, NRG and Reliant Energy share the vision that electric vehicles offer the best solution to reducing CO2 emissions. The Nissan LEAF is the only all-electric, zero-emission vehicle that will be available to drivers on a mass-market scale and at an affordable price," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

As part of the agreement, Reliant will develop a plan to install and operate public charging stations, initially focused in Houston. In addition, Reliant will work to develop a comprehensive set of electricity services geared to supporting electric vehicles, including home charging equipment. Reliant and Nissan will work to ensure that the infrastructure and services are in place to support the commercial introduction of the Nissan LEAF in late 2010.

Representatives from Reliant, NRG and Nissan made the announcement in Los Angeles at the North American unveiling of the Nissan LEAF, the world's first zero-emission all-electric vehicle designed to be affordably priced. In 2010, Nissan will introduce a five-passenger, compact all-electric passenger vehicle for fleet sales that is capable of achieving 100 miles on a single charge. Charging of the advanced lithium-ion battery is expected to take four to eight hours with a 220-volt line and also will be capable of charging through a standard 120-volt outlet. The vehicle will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

NRG and Reliant Energy

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, 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 and www.reliant.com.

Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero-emission mobility can be found at www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.

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 include expectations regarding the development of electric vehicles and include statements which 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, competition in wholesale and retail power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale and retail power markets, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions, and the condition of the 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.

SOURCE: Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy 
Pat Hammond, 713.497.7723 
or 
NRG, media 
Dave Knox, 713.795.6106 
or 
NRG, investors 
Nahla Azmy, 609.524.4526 
or 
Nissan North America 
Katherine Zachary, 615.725.1447

"The Cool Globes Challenge is a great way for Houston families to learn about the choices they can make to use energy more efficiently and help address climate change," said Reliant Energy President Jason Few. "Cool Globes' innovative and creative approach helps people learn about the small steps they can take in their daily lives, like reducing energy consumption or selecting 100% wind energy from Reliant, to help positively impact the environment."

Families can participate in the challenge Nov. 14 -- Jan. 14 by visiting reliant.com/challenge to learn more details and download a Cool Globes clue card for the challenge. Clue cards are also available at the Alkek Building at Discovery Green.

As part of the challenge, individuals walk through the Cool Globes exhibit using the clue card to identify 10 of the 50 artistically decorated, super-sized globes. Those who correctly identify at least five of the globes will be entered in a drawing to win a trip to the 2010 debut of Cool Globes in Geneva, Switzerland. Completed clue cards can be submitted at reliant.com/challenge or on site at the Alkek Building.

The Cool Globes exhibit travels world wide and depicts simple solutions to global warming and educates individuals and companies about ways they can make their city and homes a greener place to live.

Each globe is unique and has been created by local, national and international artists--and school children. Each globe is five foot in diameter, seven-and-a-half feet tall and weighs 2,300 lbs.

Reliant Energy's globe, titled "Make a Change. Make a Difference," was designed by artist Suzanne Sellers, who is also a Houston native.

On the Reliant Energy globe, Sellers uses bold colors and everyday household devices to remind us of the ways we use energy in our lives and easy ways to use less. For more information about Reliant Energy and Cool Globes, visit reliant.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: Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy 
Pat Hammond, 713-497-7723

"We're committed to making Houston the nation's green energy capital," said Houston Mayor Bill White. "That commitment begins at City Hall and these clean-running electric cars and the charging stations that will be available to all Houstonians will get us farther down that road."

"We envision thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of electric cars on our roads in the coming years, making Houston's air cleaner and the city greener," said Reliant Energy President Jason Few. "This pilot project gives both Reliant and the city of Houston the opportunity to learn more about the performance of electric vehicles and the needs of drivers, while promoting consumer awareness and education about plug-in electric cars. Reliant is committed to making Houston and Texas the electric vehicle capital of the United States. We think big in Texas and we have big plans."

"The more we know about consumer habits, the better we can provide the infrastructure and the products and services to meet the needs of electric vehicle owners and drivers in Texas," said Few. "Ultimately, this is about providing consumers the tools - in this case the charging infrastructure -- and information -- like what we will get from this trial -- so they can make informed choices about how they use energy."

The 10 Reliant-provided charging stations will be located around Houston, with public stations at City Hall, the Health Department office at 8000 Stadium Drive and at the Mayor's Citizens Assistance Office at 9615 Rustic Wood in Kingwood. Reliant chose Campbell, Calif.-based Coulomb Technologies, Inc. to provide its ChargePoint(R) Networked Charging Stations. Coulomb is a leader in networked electric vehicle charging infrastructure and its network will enable the city to administer consumer access to the public stations.

The vehicles selected for conversion are 2009 Toyota Prius hybrids, which are already used extensively by the city. The plug-in conversion module is the Hymotion(TM) L5 provided by A123 Systems, a developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries and battery systems for use in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, as well as for the electric grid and consumer markets.

The converted plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can deliver up to 100 miles per gallon, helping to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a 20-mile electric driving range can reduce vehicle carbon dioxide emissions by up to two-thirds depending on the generation source for the vehicle's electricity when compared with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Electric vehicles also provide long-term affordability. While electric cars generally cost more to purchase, largely due to the high cost of lithium-ion batteries, the vehicles do not require typical engine maintenance, such as oil changes. Electric vehicles are also less expensive to operate because electricity costs less on a per-mile basis than gasoline.

In a related development, Reliant and Nissan announced on Friday they have reached an agreement to work together to make Houston a launch city for the broader use of electric vehicles by the American public, businesses and public organizations. Earlier this week, Reliant's parent company, NRG, joined with automakers, utilities, battery manufacturers, smart grid and infrastructure companies to form the Electrification Coalition. The group's goal: to help guide the transformation of light-duty ground transportation from fossil fuels to electricity.

To learn more about this and other sustainability efforts by the City of Houston, visit www.greenhouston.tx.gov.

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. For more information about NRG, visit 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 including expectations regarding the development of electric vehicles and include statements which 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, competition in wholesale and retail power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale and retail power markets, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions, and the condition of the 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.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6102468&lang=en

SOURCE: NRG Energy

Media 
Reliant Energy 
Pat Hammond, 713-497-7723 
or 
City of Houston 
Frank Michel, 832-393-0800

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/NISSANWORDMARKLOGO )

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn announced the agreement today at the kickoff of the Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, marking the first North American appearance of Nissan LEAF.

The vehicle debut was followed by a panel discussion representing the key interests of the environmental, energy and air-quality communities. Participants included Ghosn, Mary D. Nichols, Chairman, California Air Resources Board; David Crane, President & CEO, NRG Energy, of which Reliant is a subsidiary; and Patricia Monahan, Deputy Director, Clean Vehicles Program and Director of the California Office, Union of Concerned Scientists.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to becoming a global leader in zero emissions," said Ghosn, who also is chairman and CEO of Renault. "Together, Nissan and Reliant Energy share the vision that electric vehicles offer the best solution to reducing CO2 emissions. The Nissan LEAF is the only all-electric, zero-emission vehicle that will be available to drivers on a mass-market scale and at an affordable price."

As part of the agreement, Nissan and Reliant Energy will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for electric cars that encourages home and workplace charging, as well as a public charging infrastructure. The companies will work to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline charging infrastructure deployment. Nissan also has agreed to make available a supply of electric vehicles to Reliant and in its areas of operation.

"This agreement with Nissan is another part of our comprehensive effort to speed up the adoption of broad-based electric-powered transportation ecosystem," said David Crane, CEO of NRG.

"We can now see a clear path to having thousands - even hundreds of thousands - of zero-emission vehicles on Texas roads in the next several years," said Jason Few, President of Reliant Energy.

The Los Angeles debut marked the first stop on a nationwide tour of LEAF. The Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour will make stops in 22 cities, in 11 states, the District of Columbia, and Vancouver, Canada, offering the opportunity for interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students to learn more about Nissan LEAF and the benefits of zero-emission driving. Los Angeles-area stops also include Santa Monica, Glendale and the University of Southern California campus. Details can be found at www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.

Nissan, along with alliance partner Renault, is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. Through the Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour, Nissan will be showcasing the electric vehicle and battery technology as well as the company's zero-emission mobility objectives. Nissan is also furthering the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure through agreements with the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, Washington D.C., Seattle, Raleigh, Vancouver, and Mexico City.

Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero-emission mobility can be found at www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.

Renault-Nissan Alliance

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun zero-emission vehicle initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Mexico, Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China and Hong Kong. The Renault-Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6,090,304 vehicles in 2008. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world's top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability.

SOURCE Nissan North America

http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car