MINNEAPOLIS, Feb 26, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) announced today that its Independent Directors Committee (the Committee) has retained Credit Suisse First Boston as its financial advisor, and Sullivan & Cromwell as its legal counsel. The Committee hired the financial and legal advisors to assist in evaluating Xcel Energy's (NYSE:XEL) announced exchange offer to acquire all of NRG's outstanding common stock.

Once Xcel formally launches its exchange offer, the Committee will evaluate the offer and determine whether to recommend acceptance or rejection of the offer, express no opinion and remain neutral on the offer, or whether it is unable to take a position with respect to the offer.

The Committee requests that shareholders defer making a determination whether to accept or reject the offer until being advised of the Committee's recommendation.

Contacts:

NRG Energy, Inc.

Media Relations
Lesa Bader, 612.373.6992

Investor Relations
Rick Huckle, 612/313-8900