NRG ENERGY INC

Previous wording

As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to NRG's condensed consolidated statements of operations to this Form 10-Q, which present the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Also refer to NRG's 2023 Form 10-K, which includes detailed discussions of various items impacting the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition, including: General section; Strategy section; Business Overview section, including how regulation, weather, and other factors affect NRG's business; and Critical Accounting Estimates section.

Current wording

As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to NRG's condensed consolidated statements of operations to this Form 10-Q, which present the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Also refer to NRG's 2023 Form 10-K, which includes detailed discussions of various items impacting the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition, including: General section; Strategy section; Business Overview section, including how regulation, weather, and other factors affect NRG's business; and Critical Accounting Estimates section.

Previous wording

Maryland Legislation — On May 9, 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 1 into law, which restricts the competitive retail electric and natural-gas market in Maryland, affecting residential customers but not commercial and industrial customers. The new law contains provisions which will come into force by January 1, 2025. The legislation imposes a price cap on residential contracts tied to a trailing 12-month historical average of utility rates, with only a limited exception for renewable power products. Renewable products must now have their price pre-approved pursuant to a process to be established and run by the Maryland Public Service Commission and source their renewable electricity certificates from within the PJM region. The law also requires that any variable-price contract not contain a change in price more than once a year, except time-of-use contracts, and limits contract terms to 12 months. It requires affirmative consent for the renewal of customer contracts for renewable power products. The law also imposes licensing requirements on energy salespersons. The law states that it does not impair existing contracts. The Maryland Public Service Commission is expected to conduct rulemakings to determine the details of a variety of the law’s provisions, but timing is not yet certain.

Current wording

Maryland Legislation — On May 9, 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 1 into law, which restricts the competitive retail electric and natural-gas market in Maryland, affecting residential customers but not commercial and industrial customers. Key provisions of the law take effect January 1, 2025. The legislation imposes a price cap on residential contracts tied to a trailing 12-month historical average of utility rates, with only a limited exception for renewable power products. Renewable products must now have their price pre-approved pursuant to a process to be established and run by the Maryland Public Service Commission and source their renewable electricity certificates from within the PJM region. The law also requires that any variable-price contract not contain a change in price more than once a year, except time-of-use contracts, and limits contract terms to 12 months. It requires affirmative consent for the renewal of customer contracts for renewable power products. The law also imposes licensing requirements on energy salespersons. The law states that it does not impair existing contracts. On October 1, 2024, Green Mountain Energy Company, a subsidiary of NRG, along with a retail trade association to which NRG belongs, filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of Senate Bill 1.

Previous wording

Public Utility Commission of Texas’ Actions with Respect to Wholesale Pricing and Market Design —The PUCT continues to analyze and implement multiple options for promoting increased reliability in the wholesale electric market, including the adoption of a reliability standard for resource adequacy and market-based mechanisms to achieve this standard. The Commission is expected to adopt a reliability standard by the end of 2024. During the 88th Regular Session, the Texas Legislature authorized implementation of the Performance Credit Mechanism ("PCM"), which will measure real-time contribution to system reliability and provide compensation for resources to be available, subject to certain "guardrails" such as an absolute annual net cost cap, as part of its adoption of the PUCT Sunset Bill (House Bill 1500). The Texas Legislature also directed the PUCT to implement additional market design changes such as the creation of a new ancillary service called Dispatchable Reliability Reserve Service ("DRRS") to further increase ERCOT's capability to manage net load variability and firming requirements for new generation resources which penalize poor performance during periods of low grid reserves. The PUCT directed ERCOT to implement DRRS as a standalone product which will delay implementation until 2026 or 2027.

Current wording

Public Utility Commission of Texas’ Actions with Respect to Wholesale Pricing and Market Design —The PUCT continues to analyze and implement multiple options for promoting increased reliability in the wholesale electric market, including the adoption of a reliability standard for resource adequacy and market-based mechanisms to achieve this standard. The Commission adopted a reliability standard that became effective in September 2024. In 2023, the Texas Legislature authorized implementation of the Performance Credit Mechanism ("PCM"), which will measure real-time contribution to system reliability and provide compensation for resources to be available, subject to certain "guardrails" such as an absolute annual net cost cap, as part of its adoption of the PUCT Sunset Bill (House Bill 1500). The Texas Legislature also directed the PUCT to implement additional market design changes such as the creation of a new ancillary service called Dispatchable Reliability Reserve Service ("DRRS") to further increase ERCOT's capability to manage net load variability and firming requirements for new generation resources which penalize poor performance during periods of low grid reserves. The PUCT directed ERCOT to implement DRRS as a standalone product which will delay implementation until 2026 or 2027.

Previous wording

Through Senate Bill 2627, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Energy Fund, which received voter approval in November 2023, and will provide grants and low-interest loans (3%) to incentivize the development of more dispatchable generation and smaller backup generation in ERCOT. The PUCT adopted a rule in March 2024, which establishes the application and participation requirements and the process by which the Texas Energy Fund loan proceeds for dispatchable generation in ERCOT will be distributed. The initial window for submitting loan applications was opened on June 1, 2024 and closed on July 27, 2024. NRG, through its subsidiaries, has filed for loan proceeds for three separate projects, totaling more than 1,500 MWs of capacity. The PUCT also adopted a rule for the completion bonus grant program in April 2024, which provides for opportunities for grants of $120,000 per MW for dispatchable generation projects interconnected before June 1, 2026, or $80,000 per MW for dispatchable generation projects interconnected on or after June 1, 2026 but before June 1, 2029, subject to performance requirements. Applications for completion bonus grants can be submitted beginning in January 2025.

Current wording

Texas Energy Fund —Through Senate Bill 2627, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Energy Fund, which received voter approval in November 2023, and will provide grants and low-interest loans (3%) to incentivize the development of more dispatchable generation and smaller backup generation in ERCOT. The PUCT adopted a rule in March 2024, which establishes the application and participation requirements and the process by which the Texas Energy Fund loan proceeds for dispatchable generation in ERCOT will be distributed. The initial window for submitting loan applications was opened on June 1, 2024 and closed on July 27, 2024. NRG, through its subsidiaries, filed for loan proceeds for three separate projects, totaling more than 1,500 MWs of capacity. The PUCT also adopted a rule for the completion bonus grant program in April 2024, which provides for opportunities for grants of $120,000 per MW for dispatchable generation projects interconnected before June 1, 2026, or $80,000 per MW for dispatchable generation projects interconnected on or after June 1, 2026 but before June 1, 2029, subject to performance requirements. Applications for completion bonus grants can be submitted beginning in January 2025. Availability of grant funds may be impacted by the 10,000 MW collective cap on the ERCOT loan and grant program.

Previous wording

Real-time Co-optimization of Energy and Ancillary Services ("RTC") – ERCOT is progressing with a multi-year project to upgrade their systems to co-optimize the dispatch of energy and ancillary services in real-time. The RTC project will also replace the Operating Reserve Demand Curve with demand curves for each ancillary service product which will act as the primary scarcity pricing mechanism when energy or ancillary services are in shortage. ERCOT anticipates commencing market trials for testing the RTC project in Spring 2025 with production go-live in late 2025 or early 2026.

Current wording

Real-time Co-optimization of Energy and Ancillary Services ("RTC") – ERCOT is progressing with a multi-year project to upgrade their systems to co-optimize the dispatch of energy and ancillary services in real-time. The RTC project will also replace the Operating Reserve Demand Curve with demand curves for each ancillary service product which will act as the primary scarcity pricing mechanism when energy or ancillary services are in shortage. ERCOT anticipates commencing market trials for testing the RTC project in Spring 2025 with production to go-live in late 2025.

Previous wording

Supreme Court of Texas Ruling on Pricing during Winter Storm Uri — On June 14, 2024, the Supreme Court of Texas issued an order affirming the validity of two orders issued by the PUCT on February 15 and 16, 2021, respectively, governing scarcity pricing in the ERCOT wholesale electricity market during Winter Storm Uri. The Supreme Court's order reversed the judgment of the Third Court of Appeals, which held that the PUCT exceeded its statutory authority by ordering the market price of energy to be set at the high system wide offer cap due to scarcity conditions as a result of firm load shed occurring in ERCOT. In addition to holding that the PUCT's orders were consistent with the agency's statutory authority, the Supreme Court of Texas's order found that the PUCT had substantially complied with the Administrative Procedure Act's procedural rulemaking requirements, which was an issue that the Third Court of Appeals did not reach.

Current wording

Supreme Court of Texas Ruling on Pricing during Winter Storm Uri — On June 14, 2024, the Supreme Court of Texas issued an order affirming the validity of two orders issued by the PUCT on February 15 and 16, 2021, respectively, governing scarcity pricing in the ERCOT wholesale electricity market during Winter Storm Uri. The Supreme Court's order reversed the judgment of the Third Court of Appeals, which held that the PUCT exceeded its statutory authority by ordering the market price of energy to be set at the high system wide offer cap due to scarcity conditions as a result of firm load shed occurring in ERCOT. In addition to holding that the PUCT's orders were consistent with the agency's statutory authority, the Supreme Court of Texas's order found that the PUCT had substantially complied with the Administrative Procedure Act's procedural rulemaking requirements.

Previous wording

Revisions to PJM Local Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement — The Base Residual Auction for the 2024/2025 delivery year commenced on December 7, 2022 and closed on December 13, 2022. On December 19, 2022, PJM announced that it would delay the publication of the auction results. On December 23, 2022, PJM made a filing at FERC to revise the definition of Locational Deliverability Area ("LDA") Reliability Requirement in the Tariff. This would allow PJM to exclude certain resources from the calculation of the Local Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement. On February 21, 2023, FERC accepted PJM's filing. Multiple parties, including NRG, filed for rehearing. Rehearing was denied by operation of law, and multiple parties, including the Company, filed appeals to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. On March 12, 2024, the court vacated the portion of the FERC orders that allow PJM to apply the Local Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement to the 2024/2025 capacity auction. On March 29, 2024, PJM filed a petition seeking confirmation as to the capacity commitments rules for the 2024/2025 auction. On April 22, 2024, multiple parties filed a complaint seeking to find the revised rate unjust and unreasonable and implement rates consistent with FERC's February 2023 decision, which was denied on July 9, 2024. On May 6, 2024, FERC directed PJM to recalculate the 2024/2025 auction results under the Initial LDA Reliability Requirement rules, and further directed PJM to rerun the Third Incremental Auction. PJM published the revised Base Residual Auction and Third Incremental Auction results on May 8, 2024 and May 23, 2024, respectively. On June 14, 2024, multiple parties filed appeals to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals seeking review of the May 6, 2024 FERC orders approving PJM's petition to restore the original capacity commitment rules for PJM to recalculate the 2024/2025 Base Residual Auction and the rerun of the 2024/2025. As a result, the capacity for the 2024/2025 delivery year in the Delmarva Power and Light South zone resulted in higher prices. This outcome may change depending upon the disposition of the outstanding complaint and appeals.

Current wording

Revisions to PJM Local Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement — The Base Residual Auction ("BRA") for the 2024/2025 delivery year commenced on December 7, 2022 and closed on December 13, 2022. On December 19, 2022, PJM announced that it would delay the publication of the auction results. On December 23, 2022, PJM made a filing at FERC to revise the definition of Locational Deliverability Area ("LDA") Reliability Requirement in the Tariff. This would allow PJM to exclude certain resources from the calculation of the Local Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement. On February 21, 2023, FERC accepted PJM's filing. Multiple parties, including NRG, filed for rehearing. Rehearing was denied by operation of law, and multiple parties, including the Company, filed appeals to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. On March 12, 2024, the court vacated the portion of the FERC orders that allow PJM to apply the Local Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement to the 2024/2025 capacity auction. On March 29, 2024, PJM filed a petition seeking confirmation as to the capacity commitments rules for the 2024/2025 auction. On April 22, 2024, multiple parties filed a complaint seeking to find the revised rate unjust and unreasonable and implement rates consistent with FERC's February 2023 decision, which was denied on July 9, 2024. Those parties filed an appeal to the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on November 5, 2024.

Previous wording

PJM Base Residual Auction Revisions and Delay —On April 11, 2023, PJM filed, and FERC subsequently approved, to delay the Base Residual Auctions for the 2025/2026 to 2028/2029 delivery years. On October 13, 2023, PJM made two filings proposing to develop market reforms to improve the operation of the capacity market through changes to the Market Seller Offer Cap rules, changes to PJM's resource adequacy risk modeling and capacity accreditation processes, and changes to capacity performance enhancements. On January 30, 2024, FERC accepted certain reforms to PJM's resource adequacy risk modeling and accreditation processes; on February 6, 2024, FERC rejected PJM's proposed changes to certain Market Seller Offer Cap rules and capacity performance enhancements. The approved changes were in effect for the 2025/2026 Base Residual Auction that occurred in July 2024.

Current wording

PJM Base Residual Auction Revisions and Delay —On April 11, 2023, PJM filed, and FERC subsequently approved, to delay the BRAs for the 2025/2026 to 2028/2029 delivery years. PJM subsequently made a filing at FERC proposing to develop market reforms. FERC ultimately rejected some of those changes and accepted some of those changes. The approved changes were in effect for the 2025/2026 BRA that occurred in July 2024. PJM sought FERC's approval to delay the 2026/2027 BRA until June 2025. The request is pending at FERC.

Previous wording

A number of regulations that affect the Company have been and continue to be revised by the EPA, including requirements regarding coal ash, GHG emissions, NAAQS revisions and implementation and effluent limitation guidelines. NRG will evaluate the impact of these regulations as they are revised but cannot fully predict the impact of each until anticipated revisions and legal challenges are finally resolved. The Company’s environmental matters are described in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business -Environmental Mattersand Item 1A, Risk Factors. These matters have been updated in Note 16, Environmental Matters, to the condensed consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-Q and as follows.

Current wording

A number of regulations that affect the Company have been and continue to be revised by the EPA, including requirements regarding coal ash, GHG emissions, NAAQS revisions and implementation and effluent limitation guidelines. NRG will evaluate the impact of these regulations as they are revised but cannot fully predict the impact of each until anticipated revisions, legal challenges and reconsiderations are resolved. The Company’s environmental matters are described in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business -Environmental Mattersand Item 1A, Risk Factors. These matters have been updated in Note 16, Environmental Matters, to the condensed consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-Q and as follows.

Previous wording

CPP/ACE Rules— The attention in recent years on GHG emissions has resulted in federal and state regulations. In 2019, the EPA promulgated the ACE rule, which rescinded the CPP, which had sought to broadly regulate CO 2 emissions from the power sector. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated the ACE rule (but on February 22, 2021, at the EPA's request, stayed the issuance of the portion of the mandate that would vacate the repeal of the CPP). On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the "generation shifting" approach in the CPP exceeded the powers granted to the EPA by Congress. The Court did not address the related issues of whether the EPA may adopt only measures applied at each source. On May 9, 2024, the EPA promulgated a rule that repealed the ACE rule and significantly revised the manner in which new combustion-turbine and existing steam EGU's GHG emissions will be regulated including capturing and storing/sequestering CO 2 in some instances. This rule has been challenged by numerous parties in the D.C. Circuit including 27 states with 22 states intervening in support of the rule. The EPA has stated that it will address GHG emissions from existing combustion turbines in a future rule.

Current wording

CPP/ACE Rules— The attention in recent years on GHG emissions has resulted in federal and state regulations. In 2019, the EPA promulgated the ACE rule, which rescinded the CPP, which had sought to broadly regulate CO 2 emissions from the power sector. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated the ACE rule (but on February 22, 2021, at the EPA's request, stayed the issuance of the portion of the mandate that would vacate the repeal of the CPP). On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the "generation shifting" approach in the CPP exceeded the powers granted to the EPA by Congress. The Court did not address the related issues of whether the EPA may adopt only measures applied at each source. On May 9, 2024, the EPA promulgated a rule that repealed the ACE rule and significantly revised the manner in which new combustion-turbine and existing steam EGU's GHG emissions will be regulated including capturing and storing/sequestering CO 2 in some instances. This rule has been challenged by numerous parties in the D.C. Circuit including 27 states with 22 states intervening in support of the rule. The Company anticipates that the new U.S. presidential administration will revisit this rule.

Previous wording

CSAPR — On March 15, 2023, the EPA signed and released a prepublication of a final rule that sought to significantly revise the CSAPR to address the good-neighbor obligations of the 2015 ozone NAAQS for 23 states after earlier having disapproved numerous state plans to address the issue. Several states, including Texas, challenged the EPA's disapproval of their state plans. On May 1, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed the EPA's disapproval of Texas' and Louisiana's state plans, which disapprovals are a condition precedent to the EPA imposing its plan on Texas and Louisiana. Several other states are also similarly situated because of similar stays. Nonetheless, on June 5, 2023, the EPA promulgated this rule. On July 31, 2023, the EPA promulgated an interim final rule that addresses the various judicial orders that have stayed several State-Implementation-Plan disapprovals by limiting the effectiveness of certain requirements of the final rule promulgated on June 5, 2023 in Texas and several other states. On June 27, 2024, the United States Supreme Court stayed the final rule in the 11 states where the rule had not already been stayed. The Company cannot predict the outcome of the legal challenges to the: (i) various state disapprovals; (ii) the final rule promulgated on June 5, 2023; and (iii) the interim final rule promulgated on July 31, 2023 that seeks to address the judicial orders.

Current wording

CSAPR — On March 15, 2023, the EPA signed and released a prepublication of a final rule that sought to significantly revise the CSAPR to address the good-neighbor obligations of the 2015 ozone NAAQS for 23 states after earlier having disapproved numerous state plans to address the issue. Several states, including Texas, challenged the EPA's disapproval of their state plans. On May 1, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed the EPA's disapproval of Texas' and Louisiana's state plans, which disapprovals are a condition precedent to the EPA imposing its plan on Texas and Louisiana. Several other states are also similarly situated because of similar stays. Nonetheless, on June 5, 2023, the EPA promulgated this rule. On July 31, 2023, the EPA promulgated an interim final rule that addresses the various judicial orders that have stayed several State-Implementation-Plan disapprovals by limiting the effectiveness of certain requirements of the final rule promulgated on June 5, 2023 in Texas and several other states. On June 27, 2024, the United States Supreme Court stayed the final rule in the 11 states where the rule had not already been stayed. The Company cannot predict the outcome of the legal challenges to the: (i) various state disapprovals; (ii) the final rule promulgated on June 5, 2023; and (iii) the interim final rule promulgated on July 31, 2023 that seeks to address the judicial orders. The Company anticipates that the new U.S. presidential administration will revisit this rule.

Previous wording

MATS— On May 7, 2024, the EPA promulgated a final rule that amends the MATS rule by, among other things, increasing the stringency of the filterable particulate matter standard at coal-burning units. The deadline for complying with this more stringent standard is 2027. Twenty three states have challenged this rule in the D.C. Circuit. Accordingly, the outcome of this rulemaking may be uncertain for several years.

Current wording

MATS— On May 7, 2024, the EPA promulgated a final rule that amends the MATS rule by, among other things, increasing the stringency of the filterable particulate matter standard at coal-burning units. The deadline for complying with this more stringent standard is 2027. Twenty three states have challenged this rule in the D.C. Circuit. Accordingly, the outcome of this rulemaking is uncertain. The Company anticipates that the new U.S. presidential administration will revisit this rule.

Previous wording

In April 2015, the EPA finalized the rule regulating byproducts of coal combustion (e.g., ash and gypsum) as solid wastes under the RCRA. On July 30, 2018, the EPA promulgated a rule that amended the ash rule by extending some of the deadlines and providing more flexibility for compliance. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit found, among other things, that the EPA had not adequately regulated unlined ponds and legacy surface impoundments. On August 28, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part A: Deadline to Initiate Closure," which amended the April 2015 Rule to address the August 2018 D.C. Circuit decision and extend some of the deadlines. On November 12, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternative Demonstration for Unlined Surface Impoundments," which further amended the April 2015 Rule to, among other things, provide procedures for requesting approval to operate existing ash impoundments with an alternate liner. On May 8, 2024, the EPA promulgated a rule that establishes requirements for: (i) inactive (or legacy) surface impoundments at inactive facilities and (ii) coal combustion residual ("CCR") management units (regardless of how or when the CCR was placed) at regulated facilities. The rule also creates an obligation to conduct site assessments (at all active and certain inactive facilities) to determine whether CCR management units are present. The rule has been challenged in the D.C. Circuit and may be uncertain for several years.

Current wording

In April 2015, the EPA finalized the rule regulating byproducts of coal combustion (e.g., ash and gypsum) as solid wastes under the RCRA. On July 30, 2018, the EPA promulgated a rule that amended the ash rule by extending some of the deadlines and providing more flexibility for compliance. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit found, among other things, that the EPA had not adequately regulated unlined ponds and legacy surface impoundments. On August 28, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part A: Deadline to Initiate Closure," which amended the April 2015 Rule to address the August 2018 D.C. Circuit decision and extend some of the deadlines. On November 12, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternative Demonstration for Unlined Surface Impoundments," which further amended the April 2015 Rule to, among other things, provide procedures for requesting approval to operate existing ash impoundments with an alternate liner. On May 8, 2024, the EPA promulgated a rule that establishes requirements for: (i) inactive (or legacy) surface impoundments at inactive facilities and (ii) coal combustion residual ("CCR") management units (regardless of how or when the CCR was placed) at regulated facilities. The rule also creates an obligation to conduct site assessments (at all active and certain inactive facilities) to determine whether CCR management units are present. The rule has been challenged in the D.C. Circuit and the outcome of the legal challenges is uncertain. The Company anticipates that the new U.S. presidential administration will revisit this rule.

Previous wording

ELG— In 2015, the EPA revised the ELG for Steam Electric Generating Facilities, which imposed more stringent requirements (as individual permits were renewed) for wastewater streams from FGD, fly ash, bottom ash and flue gas mercury control. In 2017, the EPA promulgated a final rule that, among other things, postponed the compliance dates to preserve the status quo for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water by two years to November 2020 until the EPA amended the rule. On October 13, 2020, the EPA amended the 2015 ELG rule by: (i) altering the stringency of certain limits for FGD wastewater; (ii) relaxing the zero-discharge requirement for bottom ash transport water; and (iii) changing several deadlines. In October 2021, NRG informed its regulators that the Company intends to comply with the ELG by ceasing combustion of coal by the end of 2028 at its domestic coal units outside of Texas, and installing appropriate controls by the end of 2025 at its two plants that have coal-fired units in Texas. On May 9, 2024, the EPA promulgated a rule that revises the ELG by, among other things, further restricting the discharge of (i) FGD wastewater, (ii) bottom ash transport water, and (iii) combustion residual leachate. The rule was challenged in numerous courts, but the cases have been consolidated in the Eighth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals. The Company expects that the outcome of the legal challenges will be uncertain for several years.

Current wording

ELG— In 2015, the EPA revised the ELG for Steam Electric Generating Facilities, which imposed more stringent requirements (as individual permits were renewed) for wastewater streams from FGD, fly ash, bottom ash and flue gas mercury control. In 2017, the EPA promulgated a final rule that, among other things, postponed the compliance dates to preserve the status quo for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water by two years to November 2020 until the EPA amended the rule. On October 13, 2020, the EPA amended the 2015 ELG rule by: (i) altering the stringency of certain limits for FGD wastewater; (ii) relaxing the zero-discharge requirement for bottom ash transport water; and (iii) changing several deadlines. In October 2021, NRG informed its regulators that the Company intends to comply with the ELG by ceasing combustion of coal by the end of 2028 at its domestic coal units outside of Texas, and installing appropriate controls by the end of 2025 at its two plants that have coal-fired units in Texas. On May 9, 2024, the EPA promulgated a rule that revises the ELG by, among other things, further restricting the discharge of (i) FGD wastewater, (ii) bottom ash transport water, and (iii) combustion residual leachate. The rule was challenged in numerous courts, but the cases have been consolidated in the Eighth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals. The outcome of the legal challenges is uncertain. The Company anticipates that the new U.S. presidential administration will revisit this rule.

Previous wording

Houston Nonattainment for 2008 Ozone Standard — During the fourth quarter of 2022, the EPA changed the Houston area's classification from Serious to Severe nonattainment for the 2008 Ozone Standard. Accordingly, Texas is required to develop a new control strategy and submit it to the EPA.

Current wording

Houston Nonattainment for 2008 Ozone Standard — In 2022, the EPA changed the Houston area's classification from Serious to Severe nonattainment for the 2008 Ozone Standard. Accordingly, Texas is required to develop a new control strategy and submit it to the EPA.

Previous wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company completed $90 million of open market share repurchases at an average price of $80.76 per share. Through July 31, 2024, an additional $86 million share repurchases were executed at an average price of $76.27 per share. See Note 9, Changes in Capital Structure for additional discussion.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company completed $319 million of open market share repurchases at an average price of $79.26 per share. Through October 31, 2024, an additional $225 million share repurchases were executed at an average price of $89.23 per share. See Note 9, Changes in Capital Structure for additional discussion.

Previous wording

In the first quarter of 2024, NRG increased the annual common stock dividend to $1.63 from $1.51 per share, representing an 8% increase from 2023. The Company expects to target an annual dividend growth rate of 7-9% per share in subsequent years.

Current wording

In the first quarter of 2024, NRG increased the annual common stock dividend to $1.63 from $1.51 per share, representing an 8% increase from 2023. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, NRG will increase the annual dividend by 8% to $1.76 per share. The Company expects to target an annual dividend growth rate of 7-9% per share in subsequent years.

Previous wording

Through April 2024, the Company repurchased $343 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Senior Notes, for $603 million, which included the payment of $3 million of accrued interest, using cash on hand and a portion of the proceeds from the Term Loans. For further discussion, see Note 7, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases.

Current wording

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company repurchased $343 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Senior Notes, for $603 million, which included the payment of $3 million of accrued interest, using cash on hand and a portion of the proceeds from the Term Loans. For further discussion, see Note 7, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases.

Previous wording

Load Growth —The electric industry is expected to experience a surge in demand driven primarily by new manufacturing, industrial and data center facilities (inclusive of generative artificial intelligence ("gen AI")). The EIA's 2023 Annual Energy Outlook, combined with external forecasts of gen AI, shows the potential for 500 TWh of incremental load across the U.S. through 2030, as compared to 2023. ERCOT's current long term load forecast shows peak demand increasing from 86 GW in 2024 to 137 GW in 2028. This load growth will require significant planning and construction of new generation and transmission. ERCOT has announced its New Era of Planning effort to prepare for the possibility of very large and rapid load growth.

Current wording

Load Growth —The electric industry is expected to experience a surge in demand driven primarily by new manufacturing, industrial and data center facilities (inclusive of generative artificial intelligence ("gen AI")). The U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2023 Annual Energy Outlook, combined with external forecasts of gen AI, shows the potential for 500 TWh of incremental load across the U.S. through 2030, as compared to 2023. ERCOT's current long term load forecast shows peak demand increasing from 86 GW in 2024 to 137 GW in 2028. This load growth will require significant planning and construction of new generation and transmission. ERCOT has announced its New Era of Planning effort to prepare for the possibility of very large and rapid load growth.

Previous wording

Gross margin increased $1.0 billion and economic gross margin increased $159 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Gross margin decreased $1.5 billion and economic gross margin increased $116 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities includes asset-backed hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges. Total net mark-to-market results increased by $811 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities includes asset-backed hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges. Total net mark-to-market results decreased by $1.6 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the $75 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period. The $11 million loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period, as well as a decrease in the value of East and West open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices. This was partially offset by an increase in the value of Texas open positions as a result of increases in ERCOT power prices and the reversal of acquired loss positions.

Current wording

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the $8 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period. The $1.6 billion loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in power prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period.

Previous wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the $84 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of East open positions as a result of decreases in PJM power prices. The $791 million gain in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of open positions in Texas as a result of increases in ERCOT power prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period.

Current wording

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the $70 million loss in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in the value of open positions as a result of increases in PJM power prices. The $17 million gain in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of Texas and East open positions as a result of increases in ERCOT and PJM power prices, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period.

Previous wording

Other cost of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased by $10 million, when compared to the same period in 2023, due to the following:

Current wording

Other cost of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased by $17 million, when compared to the same period in 2023, due to the following:

Previous wording

Depreciation and amortization decreased by $30 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to lower amortization as a result of the expected roll off of the acquired Vivint Smart Home intangibles.

Current wording

Depreciation and amortization decreased by $7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to the following:

Previous wording

Selling, general and administrative costs increased by $70 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to the following:

Current wording

Selling, general and administrative costs increased by $43 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to the following:

Previous wording

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs of $6 million and $22 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, include:

Current wording

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs of $7 million and $18 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, include:

Previous wording

The gain on sale of assets of $202 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was due to the $199 million gain related to the sale of land and related assets from the Astoria site, as well as other assets sales of $3 million.

Current wording

The gain on sale of assets of $208 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was due to the sale of the Airtron business unit.

Previous wording

Interest expense increased by $12 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to a decrease in unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, partially offset by lower interest primarily due to the repayment on the borrowings in connection with the Vivint Smart Home acquisition.

Current wording

Interest expense increased by $40 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to unrealized losses on interest rate swaps for the 2024 period as compared to unrealized gains in the 2023 period.

Previous wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, income tax expense of $314 million was recorded on pre-tax income of $1.1 billion. For the same period in 2023, an income tax expense of $89 million was recorded on pre-tax income of $397 million. The effective tax rates were 29.8% and 22.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, income tax benefit of $247 million was recorded on pre-tax loss of $1.0 billion. For the same period in 2023, an income tax expense of $65 million was recorded on pre-tax income of $408 million. The effective tax rates were 24.4% and 15.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the state tax expense and permanent differences. For the same period in 2023, the effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the state tax expense.

Current wording

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the state tax expense. For the same period in 2023, the effective tax rate was lower than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to a decrease in state tax expense resulting from a decrease in year-to-date financial statement losses.

Previous wording

The following table summarizes average on peak power prices for each of the major markets in which NRG operates for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

Current wording

The following table summarizes average on peak power prices for each of the major markets in which NRG operates for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

Previous wording

The following table summarizes the average Henry Hub natural gas price for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Current wording

The following table summarizes the average Henry Hub natural gas price for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

Previous wording

The following tables present the composition and reconciliation of gross margin and economic gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Current wording

The following tables present the composition and reconciliation of gross margin and economic gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

Previous wording

The following table represents the weather metrics for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

Current wording

The following table represents the weather metrics for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

Previous wording

Gross margin increased $3.7 billion and economic gross margin increased $484 million, both of which include intercompany sales, during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Gross margin increased $2.2 billion and economic gross margin increased $642 million, both of which include intercompany sales, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities includes asset-backed hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges. Total net mark-to-market results increased by $3.2 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Current wording

Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities includes asset-backed hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges. Total net mark-to-market results increased by $1.7 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the $24 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was primarily driven by an increase in the value of newly executed East open positions and decreases in PJM power prices, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period. The $1.3 billion gain in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of Texas open positions as a result of increases in ERCOT power prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the $32 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in power prices, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period. The $315 million loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in power prices, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period.

Previous wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the $166 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven by an increase in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in power and natural gas prices. The $2.0 billion loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in the value of East and West open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period. This was partially offset by an increase in the value of Texas open positions as a result of increase in ERCOT power prices and the reversal of acquired loss positions.

Current wording

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the $96 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven by an increase in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in power prices. The $2.0 billion loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period, as well as a decrease in the value of East and West/Other open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices. This was partially offset by an increase in the value of Texas open positions as a result of increases in ERCOT power prices.

Previous wording

In accordance with ASC 815, the following table represents the results of the Company's financial and physical trading of energy commodities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. The realized and unrealized financial and physical trading results are included in revenue. The Company's trading activities are subject to limits based on the Company's Risk Management Policy.

Current wording

In accordance with ASC 815, the following table represents the results of the Company's financial and physical trading of energy commodities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The realized and unrealized financial and physical trading results are included in revenue. The Company's trading activities are subject to limits based on the Company's Risk Management Policy.