–NRG and Reliant empower customers with latest in smart home and renewable energy innovations–

HOUSTON – July 8, 2015 – Homeowners, gadget enthusiasts and design aficionados can now walk into the smart energy home of their dreams. NRG has partnered with MainStreet America, a home improvement theme park in Houston, to outfit an NRG Smart Home where consumers can interact with the latest home automation, energy management, home security, backup power and renewable energy solutions offered by NRG and Reliant.

The NRG Smart Home at MainStreet America represents NRG’s leadership in this Era of Personal Power and its dynamic strategy to bring consumers the future of energy, by integrating products and services that fit a variety of homeowner lifestyles and needs.

“NRG and Reliant are committed to powering people’s homes and their lives with simple and convenient ways to manage energy and automate their homes,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of NRG Retail and Reliant. “As a native Houstonian, I am so excited about our partnership with MainStreet America because it gives fellow Houston residents and visitors a chance to see what’s possible and experience these new technologies first-hand. With this hands-on experience, I hope this helps consumers make better choices about the solutions that are right for their homes and lives.”

The home features a variety of products and services from NRG and Reliant:

• Home energy management, including smart thermostats that adjust based on your location and smart plugs that can be managed through a mobile app;
• Home security, including wireless door locks, indoor/outdoor cameras and image sensors, all of which can be installed by NRG and Reliant and monitored and controlled through a mobile app;
• Backup generators and simple battery solutions that can reduce the impact of power outages, which can be particularly helpful as we all prepare for hurricane season;
• Home solar alternatives like a solar-powered canopy that provides shade and generates power, as well as rooftop solar along with a solar buy-back program that demonstrates how power can be generated and monetized in a home;
• An electric vehicle charging station for those who choose an electric vehicle;
• Portable solar solutions that enable anyone to generate power wherever the sun shines.

Since opening in November 2012, MainStreet America and its park of unique homes has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors interested in the latest trends in home building, decorating and remodeling.

“Bringing our visitors the latest in home design and innovations is what we strive for every day, and partnering with NRG lets us feature exciting new products for our guests from a trusted consumer brand,” said Mike Feigin, Founder and CEO, MainStreet America. “We look forward to helping consumers interested in smart home solutions learn more about how they work and the ease of implementation in any residence.”

Visitors can learn more about NRG and Reliant products and services through the TED (Technological Education Device) located at MainStreet America. TED is able to scan selected products in each home and provide their brand names, list of features and purchase information.

About NRG
NRG is leading customer-driven change in the U.S. energy industry by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices, while building on the strength of the nation’s largest and most diverse competitive power portfolio. A Fortune 200 company, we create value through reliable and efficient conventional generation while driving innovation in solar and renewable power, electric vehicle ecosystems, carbon capture technology and customer-centric energy solutions. Our retail electricity providers serve almost 3 million residential and commercial customers throughout the country. More information is available at nrg.com. Connect with NRG Energy on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy and @NRGMedia.

About Reliant, an NRG Company
Reliant provides electricity, smart energy solutions and energy services to business and residential customers across Texas. Reliant is part of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 200 company that is at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Backed by a diverse portfolio of nearly 140 power generating facilities that can support millions of homes and businesses nationwide, NRG’s retail businesses, including> Reliant, serve almost 3 million residential and commercial customers throughout the country. Collectively, NRG’s retail brands are the largest providers of electricity in Texas. For more information about Reliant products and services, please visit reliant.com and connect with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and on Twitter @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007

About MainStreet America
MainStreet America is where members shop for everything needed to upgrade their home. Twelve fully furnished showcase homes provide unique showrooms where members can shop and be inspired by the latest interior design and products. Members have access to unique furnishings, design services and home improvement projects. Enjoy dining at the restaurant, book a hands-on cooking experience, or relax in the members’ lounge. Come discover the incredible facilities and amenities that make MainStreet America a one-of–a-kind destination for EVERYTHING HOME!

Media Contacts:
Bobby Zafarnia
713.537.2159
Bobby.Zafarnia@nrg.com
Twitter: @reliantmedia

Amanda Manyoma
281.825.4407
amanyoma@mainstreetamerica.com