NRG Energy

NRG at a Glance

A publicly traded Fortune 500 company based in Princeton, N.J., NRG Energy, Inc. is an energy provider that owns and operates one of the industry’s largest and most diverse generation portfolios. Our fleet of more than 25,000 megawatts is able to power more than 20 million homes and our retail energy operations provide electricity to nearly two million customers. With our ongoing development of solar, wind, modern natural gas and other clean energy generation, NRG has set the stage to become the premier company moving clean and affordable energy—what it calls smart energy—forward. NRG's retail, electric vehicle services and distributed energy operations will allow us to bring smart energy directly to the doorstep of American consumers and business owners and make the dream of a truly sustainable energy lifestyle come true.

President and Chief Executive Officer: David Crane; Revenues: $8.8 billion (2010); Employees: 4,964 (2010)

Statements on Climate Change

“[A]s global concern over climate change grows, the management, employees and shareholders of NRG are aware that we have a moral and, potentially, a future economic imperative to reduce substantially the carbon intensity of our electric production.” ~David Crane, CEO and President

“A key part of our approach to a sustainable future is the aggressive development and deployment of clean energy technologies, which contribute directly to solving climate change and are increasingly demanded by American consumers and businesses.” ~Steve Corneli, Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Policy and Strategy

“Our government affairs group advocates for laws and regulations that promote a responsible transition to cleaner forms of generation at the federal, state and local level. We know that electricity generation plays a strong role in building a sustainable economy.” ~John O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs

Clean Energy Initiatives

NRG's clean energy projects are creating jobs now and will continue to do so over the next several years, while jump-starting reductions in the cost of clean technologies and in our country's carbon dioxide other air emissions. NRG's investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure goes even further, reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil by encouraging consumers to switch to cars that run on lower emission electricity.

In 2012, NRG expects to spend $705 million on its solar projects—mostly on rooftop projects—compared with $120 million on conventional projects, and from 2013-2014, it intends to spend another $315 million on its solar projects, with $65 million on conventional projects.

NRG’s environmental policy statement

NRG is committed to conducting its operations in a manner that meets or exceeds all applicable environmental laws and regulations:

  • Through diligent efforts designed to quantify and reduce the environmental impacts of its operations.
  • By ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations and environmental protection as the responsibility of each officer and employee.
  • By identifying and responding to regulatory trends that have the potential to significantly impact existing and planned facilities.

This statement is the driving force behind environmental programs at NRG

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions

Substantial science indicates that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities contribute to climate change. As such, NRG is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and believes it can do so while creating value for our shareholders. Since 2000, greenhouse gas emissions from NRG's generation units have fallen 31%, bringing its total global emissions to 57 million metric tons in 2010. By reducing station service, switching to compact fluorescent lighting or light emitting diode bulbs, installing more efficient pumps, fuel switching, converting to hybrid electric vehicles and other econrg projects, NRG avoided emitting 39,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, saved an estimated $3.1 million and conserved 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of energy in 2010.

Achieving the emission reductions needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change will require global deployment of zero- and low-carbon technologies such as new nuclear power plants and high efficiency solar power. Over the next decade, NRG Energy is focused on investing in and, where possible, deploying the most promising emerging technologies. NRG Energy is aggressively working to reduce its overall CO2 emissions intensity to the level of an efficient gas turbine by 2025.

Public Policy Positions

NRG actively supports the development of cost-effective and sensible energy policies that will put America at the forefront of the clean energy economy, enhance our national security and create jobs, while also helping mitigate the risks associated with global climate change.

NRG supports pragmatic, effective energy policies that will help America’s energy entrepreneurs and innovative companies make clean energy competitive with traditional sources. NRG continues to work constructively with city, state and federal policy makers who see a bright future from innovation in domestic clean energy. And NRG is continuing to move clean energy forward, while tailoring the future development of our portfolio for success in a carbon-constrained world.

The government has an important role in supporting America’s clean energy future and NRG remains committed to promoting smart energy policies. However, NRG also believe American consumers are on an irreversible and irresistible drive toward sustainability. NRG is increasingly focused on this consumer-driven, bottom-up solution to climate change by working to provide all Americans with an affordable and clean choice—what it calls the smart choice—for their energy use.

Relevant Links: NRG Energy Website, econrg Web Site, NRG 2010 Corporate Responsibility Report, NRG 2010 Annual Report

Climate and Energy Strategies: