“Free First Tuesdays” at the Houston Zoo, Brought to You by Reliant, an NRG Company

—Houston’s Top Attraction More Accessible for Park Visitors, Zoo to
Unveil Expanded Elephant Habitat This Spring—

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#FreeFirstTuesdays–The Houston Zoo and Reliant are going wild! Together they have teamed up
to extend the “Free First Tuesdays” program into 2017, giving visitors
regular access to the park free of charge. Recognized for a ninth
consecutive year of record attendance, the Houston Zoo attracted 2.5
million visitors in 2016.

“The Houston Zoo is one of those iconic destinations cherished by
Houstonians and visitors alike,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president,
Reliant and NRG Retail. “It’s also the perfect place for families to
experience the great outdoors right in the heart of the city. That’s why
we support the Houston Zoo, as it helps connect people with nature and
is one of the reasons Houston is a world-class city.”

On the first Tuesday of each month, visitors receive free zoo admission
from noon until close. Guests may get a ticket to enter at the zoo gate
or order online
ahead of time. To avoid overcrowding, June, July, August and
December are not included.

There’s another reason to visit the Houston Zoo this spring, as they
will open their expanded McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. The habitat
doubles the existing space and features a boardwalk with an unobstructed
view of the elephants’ 130,000-gallon pool and expanded yard.

“Our mission at the Houston Zoo is to connect communities with animals,
inspiring action to save wildlife,” said Nick Espinosa, vice president
of development, Houston Zoo. “Each and every day, the Houston Zoo
creates lasting memories that inspire people to protect animals – both
around the world and in their own backyards. As the only nonprofit,
privately funded zoological park in the Texas Gulf Coast area, the
Houston Zoo relies on generous community partners to provide annual
operating, program and capital support. We couldn’t do what we do
without Reliant, and look forward to a fun year of ‘Free First Tuesdays’
in 2017!”

Reliant and the Houston Zoo have joined forces on other projects in
recent years, including the conversion of a fleet of 30 electric carts
to emission-free solar-powered vehicles, which can run for 10-12 hours
when fully charged. The conversion resulted in the ability to move feed,
supplies and even animals around the park using renewable energy. Dozens
of Reliant employees have also volunteered at the zoo to help maintain
and preserve different animal exhibitions.

For more information about the zoo, visit www.houstonzoo.org.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922 and operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc.,
the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species,
the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of
stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and
encourage their curiosity. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the
zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800
species. The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in
beautiful Hermann Park. The zoo is open daily at 9 a.m. and closed
Thanksgiving and Christmas. www.houstonzoo.org

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as
your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing
excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better
future for all living things. With 223 accredited members, AZA is a
leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals
in their native habitats.

About Reliant, an NRG company

Reliant brings electricity, smart energy solutions and home 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
companies, including Reliant, deliver electricity and home security
services and serve almost 3 million customers in 10 states and the
District of Columbia. NRG retail brands collectively 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 Twitter @reliantenergy.
PUCT Certificate #10007.

Contacts

Reliant
Megan Talley, 713-537-2160
Megan.Talley@nrg.com
Twitter:
@reliantenergy