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HOUSTON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--eVgo, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG), has launched EVs for Trees to help raise funds to plant and maintain trees in Texas. In 2011, Texas suffered one of the worst droughts in recorded history and in 2012, tornadoes in North Texas caused devastating damage. The drought and tornadoes together destroyed more than 500 million trees statewide a" 10% of the stateas total -- according to the Texas Forest Service.

"There are many exciting reasons to drive an EV"

eVgo has partnered with local tree planting organizations, retail energy providers and auto dealerships to provide drivers with an added incentive to test drive an electric vehicle (EV) through the EVs for Trees program. When you test drive a 100% electric Mitsubishi aia or Nissan LEAF between now and December 1^st at a participating EVs for Trees dealership, the dealer will donate $25 to The Texas Tree Foundation in North Texas or Trees for Houston. Additionally, if the driver is a Green Mountain Energy or Reliant customer, these companies will donate an extra $25. Each driveras participation could result in as much as a $75 donation to their local tree organization if both EVs featured in the program are test driven.

aThere are many exciting reasons to drive an EV,a said Arun Banskota, president of eVgo. aEVs are fun to drive because of their silent ride, continuous torque and precise handling. Also, EVs deliver great economic, health and environmental benefits by providing significantly reduced fueling and maintenance costs as well as zero tailpipe emissions. The EVs for Trees program adds the benefit of making a difference in your local community. Electric cars and trees are a perfect fit. Both EVs and trees improve air quality in our cities.a

Throughout the program, EVs for Trees test drive vouchers will be available for download online at [ www.EVsforTrees.com ] and will be given out at eVgo exhibits at approximately 80 events across Texas, including the State Fair. No purchase is necessary; drivers can simply take the voucher to a participating dealer and test drive an electric car to generate a donation to Trees for Houston or The Texas Tree Foundation.

The EVs for Trees program will generate funding to care for distressed trees and plant new trees.

About eVgo

eVgo is creating the nationas first privately funded, comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem. The eVgo^(SM) network gives EV owners new freedom and range confidence via home charging and fast-charging stations conveniently located at major retailers, employers and along highways across eVgo cities. eVgo allows EV owners to avoid paying large up-front costs for a home charger and provides unlimited use remote charginga"all for one low monthly fee. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit [ www.eVgoNetwork.com ].

About NRG

NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. A Fortune 500 company, NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for our customers: whether as one of the largest solar power developers in the country, or by building the first privately funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure or by giving customers the latest smart energy solutions to better manage their energy use. Our diverse power generating facilities can support more than 20 million homes and our retail electricity providers a" Reliant, Green Mountain Energy Company and Energy Plus a" serve more than two million customers. More information is available at [ www.nrgenergy.com ].

About Texas Trees Foundation

Texas Trees Foundation is a private nonprofit dedicated to creating healthy communities by protecting and enhancing the urban forest while investing in people. More information is available at [ www.texastrees.org ].

About Trees for Houston

Trees for Houston is a non-profit organizationdedicated toplanting, protecting and promotingtrees. In their 29 years, they have planted over430,000 trees to benefit the Houston community. More information is available at [ www.treesforhouston.org ].

About Green Mountain Energy

Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, as well as a variety of carbon offset products and sustainable solutions for businesses. One of Green Mountainas largest customers is the aworldas most famous office building,a the Empire State Building in New York City. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid over 19.4 billion pounds of CO₂ emissions. More information is available at [ www.GreenMountain.com ]

About Reliant

Reliant provides electricity, energy services and smart energy solutions to more than 1.5 million retail customers including homes, businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions in Texas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. More information is available at [ www.reliant.com ].

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