NRG ENERGY'S NRZ UNITS ASSIGNED NEW IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

MINNEAPOLIS (September 5, 2003) -- NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) today announced that it has been informed by the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation that a new identification number, know as a "CUSIP," has been assigned to the NRZ Corporate Units which trade on the "over-the-counter" market under the symbol "NRZEQ." The new CUSIP is expected to make it easier for owners of the Corporate Units to trade them. Trading of the units is expected to continue in the "over-the-counter" market, through broker-dealers. The new CUSIP No. is 629 377 AN 2. Previously, the Corporate Units were identified by CUSIP Nos. 629 377 201 and 629 377 409.

In May 2003, NRG filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. The bankruptcy petition was a "termination event" under the terms of the Corporate Units, and investors are no longer committed to convert the Corporate Units into equity. Following the termination event, only the debenture component of the Corporate Units continues to exist, and hence the Units are expected to trade as debentures, and not as equities. The new CUSIP is appropriate for a debenture, and is expected to facilitate trading.

The rights of the holders of the Corporate Units in the reorganization process are not affected by the change in the CUSIP. For complete details please refer to NRG's draft Disclosure Statement, available at www.kccllc.net/nrg.

NRG Energy, Inc. owns and operates a diverse portfolio of power-generating facilities located primarily in the United States. Its operations include competitive energy production and cogeneration facilities, thermal energy production and energy resource recovery facilities.

Certain statements included in this news release are 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. Forward-looking statements above include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the Corporate Units will trade over-the-counter. Factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements above include, among others, that sufficient market makers will not make a market in the Corporate Units.

NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, 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 not be construed as exhaustive. For more information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results, review NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Contacts:

Investor Inquiries Paul Barbian, 612.373.8815 Media Inquiries Lesa Bader, 612.373.6992