MINNEAPOLIS, July 13, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE)—NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) today issued the following statement in response to news that Niagara Mohawk asked a New York state court for a declaratory judgment;

NRG has not seen the complaint nor has NRG been served.

The New York State Attorney General and the State's Department of Environmental Conservation have filed notices of violation and notice of intent to sue Niagara Mohawk and NRG. The state alleges Niagara Mohawk violated environmental laws, between 1983 and 1998, while Niagara Mohawk owned and operated the Huntley and Dunkirk power generation plants and is seeking relief.

NRG Energy purchased the power plants in 1999, having been assured by Niagara Mohawk that the plants had no outstanding environmental liabilities. NRG has continued to operate these two plants in accordance with this understanding.

NRG is committed to operating its worldwide assets in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

More information on NRG Energy is available at www.nrgenergy.com.

Contacts:

NRG Energy, Inc.

Media Relations
Meredith Moore, 612/373-8892

Investor Relations
Rick Huckle, 612/313-8900