Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

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Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of NRG Energy, Inc. and related notes thereto, together with the reports thereon of KPMG LLP, Philadelphia, PA, Auditor Firm ID: 185, are included herein:

Consolidated Statements of Operations — Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020

Consolidated Balance Sheets — As of December 31, 2022 and 2021

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity — Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule

The following Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of NRG Energy, Inc. is filed as part of Item 15 of this report and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore, have been omitted.

(a)(3) Exhibits: See Exhibit Index submitted as a separate section of this report.

(b) Exhibits

See Exhibit Index submitted as a separate section of this report.

(c) Not applicable

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

NRG Energy, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NRG Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 23, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Evaluation of the sufficiency of audit evidence over revenues

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had $31.543 billion of revenues. Revenue is derived from various revenue streams in different geographic markets and the Company’s processes and related information technology (IT) systems used to record revenue differ for each of these revenue streams.

We identified the evaluation of the sufficiency of audit evidence over revenues as a critical audit matter which required a high degree of auditor judgment due to the number of revenue streams and IT systems involved in the revenue recognition process. This included determining the revenue streams over which procedures were to be performed and evaluating the nature and extent of evidence obtained over the individual revenue streams as well as revenue in the aggregate. It also included the involvement of IT professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to assist in the performance of certain procedures.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We, with the assistance of IT professionals, applied auditor judgment to determine the revenue streams over which procedures were performed as well as the nature and extent of such procedures. For each revenue stream over which procedures were performed, we

evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s revenue recognition processes; involved IT professionals, who assisted in testing certain IT applications used by the Company in its revenue recognition processes; and assessed recorded revenue for a selection of transactions by comparing the amounts recognized to underlying documentation, including contracts with customers. In addition, we evaluated the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained over revenues by assessing the results of procedures performed, including the appropriateness of such evidence.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2004.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 23, 2023

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts)202220212020
Revenues
Total revenues$31,543$26,989$9,093
Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of operations (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)27,44620,4826,540
Depreciation and amortization634785435
Impairment losses20654475
Selling, general and administrative costs1,2281,293810
Provision for credit losses11698108
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs529323
Total operating costs and expenses29,57723,8957,991
Gain on sale of assets522473
Operating Income2,0183,3411,105
Other Income/(Expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates61717
Impairment losses on investments——(18)
Other income, net566367
Loss on debt extinguishment—(77)(9)
Interest expense(417)(485)(401)
Total other expense(355)(482)(344)
Income Before Income Taxes1,6632,859761
Income tax expense442672251
Net Income$1,221$2,187$510
Income Per Share
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic236245245
Income per Weighted Average Common Share — Basic$5.17$8.93$2.08
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted236245246
Income per Weighted Average Common Share — Diluted$5.17$8.93$2.07

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Net Income$1,221$2,187$510
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments(35)(5)8
Defined benefit plans(16)85(22)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income(51)80(14)
Comprehensive Income$1,170$2,267$496

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31,
(In millions)20222021
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$430$250
Funds deposited by counterparties1,708845
Restricted cash4015
Accounts receivable, net4,7733,245
Uplift securitization proceeds receivable from ERCOT—689
Inventory751498
Derivative instruments7,8864,613
Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities260291
Prepayments and other current assets383395
Total current assets16,23110,841
Property, plant and equipment, net1,6921,688
Other Assets
Equity investments in affiliates133157
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net225271
Goodwill1,6501,795
Intangible assets, net2,1322,511
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund8381,008
Derivative instruments4,1082,527
Deferred income taxes1,8812,155
Other non-current assets256229
Total other assets11,22310,653
Total Assets$29,146$23,182

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

As of December 31,
(In millions, except share data)20222021
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases$63$4
Current portion of operating lease liabilities8381
Accounts payable3,6432,274
Derivative instruments6,1953,387
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities1,708845
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities1,2901,324
Total current liabilities12,9827,915
Other Liabilities
Long-term debt and finance leases7,9767,966
Non-current operating lease liabilities180236
Nuclear decommissioning reserve340321
Nuclear decommissioning trust liability477666
Derivative instruments2,2461,412
Deferred income taxes13473
Other non-current liabilities983993
Total other liabilities12,33611,667
Total Liabilities25,31819,582
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 423,897,001 and 423,547,174 shares issued; and 229,561,030 and 243,753,899 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively44
Additional paid-in capital8,4578,531
Retained earnings1,408464
Treasury stock, at cost; 194,335,971 and 179,793,275 shares at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively(5,864)(5,273)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(177)(126)
Total Stockholders' Equity3,8283,600
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$29,146$23,182

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income$1,221$2,187$510
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Distributions from and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates72045
Depreciation and amortization634785435
Accretion of asset retirement obligations553045
Provision for credit losses11698108
Amortization of nuclear fuel545154
Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts233948
Loss on debt extinguishment—779
Amortization of in-the-money contracts and emission allowances15810670
Amortization of unearned equity compensation282122
Net gain on sale of assets and disposal of assets(102)(261)(23)
Impairment losses20654493
Changes in derivative instruments(3,221)(3,626)137
Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits382604228
Changes in collateral deposits in support of risk management activities896797127
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability94051
Oil lower of cost or market adjustment——29
Uplift securitization proceeds received/(receivable) from ERCOT689(689)—
Cash (used)/provided by changes in other working capital, net of acquisition and disposition effects:
Accounts receivable - trade(1,560)(1,232)—
Inventory(252)(61)27
Prepayments and other current assets17314
Accounts payable1,295476(56)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(29)(55)(42)
Other assets and liabilities(161)(89)(84)
Cash provided by operating activities$360$493$1,837
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Payments for acquisitions of assets, businesses and leases$(62)$(3,559)$(284)
Capital expenditures(367)(269)(230)
Net purchases of emissions allowances(6)—(10)
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(454)(751)(492)
Proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities448710439
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed and fees10983081
Changes in investments in unconsolidated affiliates——2
Cash used by investing activities$(332)$(3,039)$(494)
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net receipts/(payments) from settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements$1,995$938$(7)
Payments for share repurchase activity(606)(48)(229)
Payments of dividends to common stockholders(332)(319)(295)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt—1,1003,234
Payments for short and long-term debt(5)(1,861)(335)
Payments for debt extinguishment costs—(65)(5)
Payments of debt issuance costs(9)(18)(75)
Repayments of Revolving Credit Facility——(83)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock—11
Purchase of and distributions to noncontrolling interests from subsidiaries——(2)
Cash provided/(used) by financing activities$1,043$(272)$2,204
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(3)(2)(2)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash1,068(2,820)3,545
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period1,1103,930385
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at End of Period$2,178$1,110$3,930

For further discussion of supplemental cash flow information see Note 26, Cash Flow Information

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In millions)Common StockAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained Earnings/ (Accumulated Deficit)Treasury StockAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossTotal Stock-holders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2019$4$8,501$(1,616)$(5,039)$(192)$1,658
Net income510510
Other comprehensive loss(14)(14)
Repurchase of partners' equity interest in VIE1818
Shares reissuance for ESPP44
Share repurchases(197)(197)
Equity-based awards activity, net(a)(3)(3)
Issuance of common stock11
Common stock dividends and dividend equivalents declared(b)(297)(297)
Balance at December 31, 2020$4$8,517$(1,403)$(5,232)$(206)$1,680
Net income2,1872,187
Other comprehensive income8080
Shares reissuance for ESPP134
Share repurchases(44)(44)
Equity-based awards activity, net(a)1212
Issuance of common stock11
Common stock dividends and dividend equivalents declared(b)(320)(320)
Balance at December 31, 2021$4$8,531$464$(5,273)$(126)$3,600
Net income1,2211,221
Other comprehensive loss(51)(51)
Shares reissuance for ESPP246
Share repurchases(595)(595)
Equity-based awards activity, net(a)2424
Common stock dividends and dividend equivalents declared(b)(334)(334)
Adoption of ASU 2020-06(100)57(43)
Balance at December 31, 2022$4$8,457$1,408$(5,864)$(177)$3,828

(a)Includes $(6) million, $(9) million and $(27) million of equivalent shares purchased in lieu of tax withholding on equity compensation issuances for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively

(b)Dividends per common share were $1.40, $1.30 and $1.20 for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Nature of Business

General

NRG Energy, Inc., or NRG or the Company, is a consumer services company built on dynamic retail brands. NRG brings the power of energy to customers by producing and selling energy and related products and services, nation-wide in the U.S. and Canada in a manner that delivers value to all of NRG's stakeholders. NRG sells power, natural gas, home and power services, and develops innovative, sustainable solutions, predominately under the brand names NRG, Reliant, Direct Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Stream, and XOOM Energy. The Company has a customer base that includes approximately 5.4 million Home customers as well as commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers, supported by approximately 16 GW of generation.

On December 6, 2022, NRG and Vivint Smart Home, Inc. announced the entry into a definitive agreement under which the Company will acquire Vivint, a smart home platform company, in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition will accelerate the realization of NRG’s consumer-focused growth strategy and create a leading essential home services platform fueled by market-leading brands, unparalleled insights, proprietary technologies and complementary sales channels. Close of the acquisition is targeted for the first quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

The Company manages its operations based on the combined results of the retail and wholesale generation businesses with a geographical focus.

The Company's business is segmented as follows:

  • Texas, which includes all activity related to customer, plant and market operations in Texas;

  • East, which includes all activity related to customer, plant and market operations in the East;

  • West/Services/Other, which includes the following assets and activities: (i) all activity related to customer, plant and market operations in the West and Canada, (ii) the Services businesses (iii) activity related to the Cottonwood facility, (iv) the remaining renewables activity, including the Company’s equity method investment in Ivanpah Master Holdings, LLC, and (v) activity related to the Company’s equity method investment for the Gladstone power plant in Australia; and

  • Corporate activities.

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The ASC, established by the FASB, is the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities. In addition, the rules and interpretative releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants.

The consolidated financial statements include NRG's accounts and operations and those of its subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority of the voting interests of an entity. However, a controlling financial interest may also exist through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. As such, NRG applies the guidance of ASC 810, Consolidations, or ASC 810, to determine when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or not controlled through its voting interests, referred to as a VIE, should be consolidated.

Winter Storm Uri Uplift Securitization Proceeds

The Texas Legislature passed HB 4492 in May 2021 for ERCOT to mitigate exceptionally high price adders and ancillary service costs incurred by LSEs during Winter Storm Uri. HB 4492 authorized ERCOT to obtain $2.1 billion of financing to distribute to LSEs that were charged and paid to ERCOT those highly priced ancillary service and ORDPA during Winter Storm Uri.

In December 2021, ERCOT filed with the PUCT a calculation of each LSE’s share of proceeds based on the settlement methodology. The Company accounted for the proceeds by analogy to the contribution model within ASC 958-605, Not-for-Profit Entities- Revenue Recognition and the grant model within IAS 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, as a reduction to expenses in the consolidated statements of operations in the 2021 annual period for which the proceeds were intended to compensate. The Company received proceeds of $689 million from ERCOT in June 2022.

Credit Losses

In accordance with ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, or ASU No. 2016-13, retail trade receivables are reported on the balance sheet net of the allowance for credit losses. The Company accrues an allowance for current expected credit losses based on (i) estimates of uncollectible revenues by analyzing accounts receivable aging and current and reasonable forecasts of expected economic factors including, but not limited to, unemployment rates and weather-related events, (ii) historical collections and delinquencies, and (iii) counterparty credit ratings for commercial and industrial customers. The Company writes off customer contract receivable balances against the allowance for credit losses when it is determined a receivable is uncollectible.

The following table represents the activity in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Beginning balance$683$67$43
Acquired balance from Direct Energy—112—
Provision for credit losses(a)11698108
Write-offs(593)(224)(101)
Recoveries collected323017
Ending balance**(a)**$133$683$67

(a)Includes bilateral finance hedging risk of $(70) million and $403 million accounted for under ASC 815 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the provision for credit losses included the Company's loss mitigation efforts recognized as income of $126 million related to Winter Storm Uri. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the provision for credit losses included $596 million of expense due to the impacts of Winter Storm Uri. The increase in write-offs for the periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were primarily due to the resolution of credit losses that occurred during Winter Storm Uri.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase.

Funds Deposited by Counterparties

Funds deposited by counterparties consist of cash held by the Company as a result of collateral posting obligations from its counterparties. Though some amounts are segregated into separate accounts, not all funds are contractually restricted. Based on the Company's intention, these funds are not available for the payment of general corporate obligations; however, they are available for liquidity management. Depending on market fluctuations and the settlement of the underlying contracts, the Company will refund this collateral to the hedge counterparties pursuant to the terms and conditions of the underlying trades. Since collateral requirements fluctuate daily and the Company cannot predict if any collateral will be held for more than twelve months, the funds deposited by counterparties are classified as a current asset on the Company's balance sheet, with an offsetting liability for this cash collateral received within current liabilities.

Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and funds deposited by counterparties reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statements of cash flows.

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Cash and cash equivalents$430$250$3,905
Funds deposited by counterparties1,70884519
Restricted cash40156
Cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows$2,178$1,110$3,930

Restricted cash consists primarily of funds held to satisfy the requirements of certain financing agreements and funds held within the Company's projects that are restricted in their use.

Inventory

Inventory is valued at the lower of weighted average cost or market, and consists principally of natural gas, fuel oil, coal, spare parts, and finished goods. The Company removes natural gas inventory as goods are delivered to customers and as they are used in the production of electricity or steam. The Company removes fuel oil and coal inventories as they are used in the production of electricity. Spare parts inventory is valued at weighted average cost. The Company removes these inventories when they are used for repairs, maintenance or capital projects. The Company expects to recover the natural gas, fuel oil, coal and spare parts costs in the ordinary course of business. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined on a first in first out basis for finished goods and weighted average cost method for all other inventories. The Company removes these inventories as they are sold to customers. Sales of inventory are classified as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or, in the case of business acquisitions, fair value; however, impairment adjustments are recorded whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. NRG also classifies nuclear fuel related to the Company's 44% ownership interest in STP as part of the Company's property, plant, and equipment. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized as incurred, while repairs and maintenance that do not improve or extend the life of the respective asset are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation, other than nuclear fuel, is computed using the straight-line method, while nuclear fuel is amortized based on units of production over the estimated useful lives. Certain assets and their related accumulated depreciation amounts are adjusted for asset retirements and disposals with the resulting gain or loss included in cost of operations in the consolidated statements of operations.

Business Interruption Insurance

The Company carries insurance policies to cover insurable risks including, but not limited to, business interruption. As a result of damage at the Limestone 1 and W.A. Parish 8 units, the Company recorded business interruption insurance settlements of $81 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Business interruption insurance is recorded to cost of operations in the consolidated statements of operations and cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Asset Impairments

Long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate carrying values may not be recoverable. Such reviews are performed in accordance with ASC 360. An impairment loss is indicated if the total future estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from an asset are less than its carrying value. An impairment charge is measured by the difference between an asset's carrying amount and fair value with the difference recorded in operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Fair values are determined by a variety of valuation methods, including third-party appraisals, sales prices of similar assets and present value techniques.

Investments accounted for by the equity method are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, or ASC 323, which requires that a loss in value of an investment that is an other-than-temporary decline should be recognized. The Company identifies and measures losses in the value of equity method investments based upon a comparison of fair value to carrying value. For further discussion of these matters, refer to Note 11, Asset Impairments.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized as interest expense on a basis that approximates the effective interest method over the term of the related debt. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt, or as an asset if the issuance costs relate to revolving debt agreements or certain other financing arrangements.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets represent contractual rights held by the Company. The Company recognizes specifically identifiable intangible assets including emission allowances, customer and supply contracts, customer relationships, marketing partnerships, trade names and fuel contracts when specific rights and contracts are acquired. These intangible assets are amortized based on expected volumes, expected delivery, expected discounted future net cash flows, straight line or units of production basis. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had accumulated amortization related to its intangible assets of $2.1 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.

Emission allowances held-for-sale, which are included in other non-current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet, are not amortized; they are carried at the lower of cost or fair value and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360.

Goodwill

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, or ASC 350, the Company recognizes goodwill for the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. NRG performs goodwill impairment tests annually, during the fourth quarter, and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. If it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, there is no goodwill impairment.

In the absence of sufficient qualitative factors indicating that it is more-likely-than-not that no impairment occurred, the Company performs a quantitative assessment by determining the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value to its book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the book value exceeds fair value, the Company recognizes an impairment loss equal to the difference between book value and fair value.

For further discussion of goodwill impairment losses recognized refer to Note 11, Asset Impairments.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, or ASC 740, which requires that the Company use the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provide deferred income taxes for all significant temporary differences.

The Company has two categories of income tax expense or benefit — current and deferred, as follows:

  • Current income tax expense or benefit consists solely of current taxes payable less applicable tax credits, and

  • Deferred income tax expense or benefit is the change in the net deferred income tax asset or liability, excluding amounts charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income

The Company reports some of its revenues and expenses differently for financial statement purposes than for income tax return purposes, resulting in temporary and permanent differences between the Company's financial statements and income tax returns. The tax effects of such temporary differences are recorded as either deferred income tax assets or deferred income tax liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company measures its deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities using income tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the deferred tax is realized.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, which applies to all tax positions related to income taxes. Under ASC 740, tax benefits are recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the authorities. The benefit recognized from a position is the amount of benefit that has surpassed the more-likely-than-not threshold, as it is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

In accordance with ASC 740 and as discussed further in Note 20, Income Taxes, changes to existing net deferred tax assets or valuation allowances or changes to uncertain tax benefits, are recorded to income tax (benefit)/expense.

Contract and Emission Credit Amortization

Assets and liabilities recognized through acquisitions related to the purchase and sale of energy and energy-related products in future periods for which the fair value has been determined to be significantly less or more than market are amortized to revenues or cost of operations over the term of each underlying contract based on actual generation and/or contracted volumes.

Emission credits represent the right to emit a specified amount of certain pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, over a compliance period. Emission credits held for use are amortized to cost of operations based on the weighted average cost of the allowances held.

Gross Receipts and Sales Taxes

In connection with its retail sales, the Company records gross receipts taxes on a gross basis in revenues and cost of operations in its consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Company's revenues and cost of operations included gross receipts taxes of $218 million, $184 million, and $107 million, respectively. Additionally, the Company records sales taxes collected from its taxable retail customers and remitted to the various governmental entities on a net basis; thus, there is no impact on the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

Cost of Operations

Cost of operations includes cost of fuel, purchased energy and other costs of sales, mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, contract and emission credit amortization, operations and maintenance, and other cost of operations.

Cost of Fuel, Purchased Energy and Other Cost of Sales

Cost of fuel is primarily the costs associated with procurement, transportation and storage of natural gas, nuclear fuel, oil and coal to operate the generation portfolio, which is expensed as the fuel is consumed. Purchased energy primarily relates to purchases to supply the Company's customer base, which includes spot market purchases, as well as contracts of various quantities and durations, including Renewable PPAs with third-party developers, which are accounted for as NPNS (see further discussion in Derivative Instruments below). Other cost of sales primarily consists of TDSP expenses.

The cost of fuel is based on actual and estimated fuel usage for the applicable reporting period. The cost to deliver energy and related services to customers is based on actual and estimated supply volumes for the applicable reporting period. A portion of the cost of energy, $202 million, $189 million, and $98 million as of December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, was accrued and consisted of estimated transmission and distribution charges not yet billed by the transmission and distribution utilities.

In estimating supply volumes, the Company considers the effects of historical customer volumes, weather factors and usage by customer class. Transmission and distribution delivery fees are estimated using the same method used for electricity sales and services to retail customers. In addition, ISO fees are estimated based on historical trends, estimated supply volumes and initial ERCOT ISO settlements. Volume estimates are then multiplied by the supply rate and recorded as cost of operations in the applicable reporting period.

Derivative Instruments

The Company accounts for derivative instruments under ASC 815, which requires the Company to record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value in earnings, unless they qualify for the NPNS exception. The Company's primary derivative instruments are power and natural gas purchase or sales contracts, fuels purchase contracts and other energy related commodities used to mitigate variability in earnings due to fluctuation in market prices. In addition, in order to mitigate foreign exchange risk associated with the purchase of USD denominated natural gas for the Company's Canadian business, NRG enters into foreign exchange contract agreements.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company did not have derivative instruments that were designated as cash flow or fair value hedge.

Revenues and expenses on contracts that qualify for the NPNS exception are recognized when the underlying physical transaction is delivered. While these contracts are considered derivative instruments under ASC 815, they are not recorded at fair value, but on an accrual basis of accounting. If it is determined that a transaction designated as NPNS no longer meets the scope exception, the fair value of the related contract is recorded on the balance sheet and immediately recognized through earnings.

NRG's trading activities are subject to limits in accordance with the Company's Risk Management Policy. These contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized in earnings.

Mark-to-Market for Economic Hedging Activities

NRG enters into derivative instruments to manage price and delivery risk, optimize physical and contractual assets in the portfolio and manage working capital requirements. The mark-to-market for economic hedging activities are recognized to revenues or cost of operations during the reporting period.

Operations and Maintenance and Other Cost of Operations

Operations and maintenance costs include major and other routine preventative (planned outage) and corrective (forced outage) maintenance activities to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the Company's generation portfolio in compliance with all local, state and federal requirements. Operations and maintenance costs are also costs associated with retaining and maintaining the Company's customer base, such as call center support, portfolio maintenance and data analytics. Other cost of operations primarily includes gross receipts taxes, insurance, property taxes and asset retirement obligation expense.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses

The local currencies are generally the functional currency of NRG's foreign operations. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period rates of exchange. Revenues, expenses, and cash flows are translated at the weighted-average rates of exchange for the period. The resulting currency translation adjustments are not included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the period, but are accumulated and reported as a separate component of

stockholders' equity until sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the foreign entity takes place. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are reported within other income/(expense) in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2022, amounts recognized as foreign currency transaction losses were $(7) million. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, amounts recognized as foreign currency transaction gains/(losses) were immaterial. The Company's cumulative translation adjustment balances as of December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were $55 million, $(8) million, and $(2) million, respectively.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trust funds, accounts receivable, notes receivable, derivatives, and investments in debt securities. Trust funds are held in accounts managed by experienced investment advisors. Certain accounts receivable, notes receivable, and derivative instruments are concentrated within entities engaged in the energy industry. These industry concentrations may impact the Company's overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. Receivables and other contractual arrangements are subject to collateral requirements under the terms of enabling agreements. However, the Company believes that the credit risk posed by industry concentration is offset by the diversification and creditworthiness of its customer base. See Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a further discussion of derivative concentrations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. See Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a further discussion of fair value of financial instruments.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company accounts for AROs in accordance with ASC 410-20, Asset Retirement Obligations, or ASC 410-20. Retirement obligations associated with long-lived assets included within the scope of ASC 410-20 are those for which a legal obligation exists under enacted laws, statutes, and written or oral contracts, including obligations arising under the doctrine of promissory estoppel, and for which the timing and/or method of settlement may be conditional on a future event. ASC 410-20 requires an entity to recognize the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.

Upon initial recognition of a liability for an ARO, the Company capitalizes the asset retirement cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same amount. Over time, the liability is accreted to its future value, while the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. See Note 14, Asset Retirement Obligations, for a further discussion of AROs.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company offers pension benefits through a defined benefit pension plan. In addition, the Company provides postretirement health and welfare benefits for certain groups of employees. The Company accounts for pension and other postretirement benefits in accordance with ASC 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits, or ASC 715*.* The Company recognizes the funded status of the Company's defined benefit plans in the statement of financial position and records an offset for gains and losses as well as all prior service costs that have not been included as part of the Company's net periodic benefit cost to other comprehensive income. The determination of the Company's obligation and expenses for pension benefits is dependent on the selection of certain assumptions. These assumptions determined by management include the discount rate, the expected rate of return on plan assets and the rate of future compensation increases. The Company's actuarial consultants assist in determining assumptions for such items as retirement age. The assumptions used may differ materially from actual results, which may result in a significant impact to the amount of pension obligation or expense recorded by the Company.

The Company measures the fair value of its pension assets in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC 820.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, or ASC 718*.* The fair value of the Company's performance stock units is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model. NRG uses the Company's common stock price on the date of grant as the fair value of the Company's deferred stock units. The fair value of the Company's restricted stock units is derived from the closing price of NRG's common stock at the grant date. Forfeiture rates are estimated based on an analysis of the Company's historical forfeitures, employment turnover, and expected future behavior. The Company recognizes compensation expense for both graded and cliff vesting awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method

The Company has investments in various domestic energy projects, as well as one Australian project. The equity method of accounting is applied to such investments in affiliates, which include joint ventures and partnerships, because the ownership structure prevents the Company from exercising a controlling influence over the operating and financial policies of the projects. Under this method, equity in pre-tax income or losses of domestic partnerships and, generally, in the net income or losses of its Australian project, are reflected as equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Distributions from equity method investments that represent earnings on the Company's investment are included within cash flows from operating activities and distributions from equity method investments that represent a return of the Company's investment are included within cash flows from investing activities.

Tax Equity Arrangements

The Company’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries represented third-party interests in the net assets under certain tax equity arrangements, which were consolidated by the Company, that had been entered into to finance the cost of solar energy systems under operating leases. The amounts reported as redeemable noncontrolling interests represented the amounts the investors that were party to the tax equity arrangements would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet date under the liquidation provisions of the contractual agreements, assuming the net assets of the funding structures were liquidated at their recorded amounts. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased its partners' equity interest, which was the Company's last remaining tax equity arrangement.

Sale-Leaseback Arrangements

NRG is party to sale-leaseback arrangements that provide for the sale of certain assets to a third-party and simultaneously leases back the same asset to the Company. If the seller-lessee transfers control of the underlying assets to the buyer-lessor, the arrangement is accounted for under ASC 842-40, Sale-Leaseback Transactions. These arrangements are classified as operating leases on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10, Leases, for further discussion.

Marketing and Advertising Costs

The Company expenses its marketing and advertising costs as incurred and includes them within selling, general and administrative expenses. The costs of tangible assets used in advertising campaigns are recorded as fixed assets or deferred advertising costs and amortized as advertising costs over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the advertising campaign. The Company has several long-term sponsorship arrangements. Payments related to these arrangements are deferred and expensed over the term of the arrangement. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were $82 million, $109 million, and $74 million, respectively.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for its business combinations in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, or ASC 805, which requires an acquirer to recognize and measure in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value at the acquisition date. The Company also recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired or a gain from a bargain purchase in the business combination. In addition, transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

In recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, the Company uses estimates based on the best information available. Estimates are used for such items as plant depreciable lives, tax provisions, uncollectible accounts, actuarially determined benefit costs, the valuation of energy commodity contracts, environmental liabilities, legal costs incurred in connection with recorded loss contingencies, and assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, among others. In addition, estimates are used to test long-lived assets and goodwill for impairment and to determine the fair value of impaired assets. As better information becomes available or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised. Consequently, operating results can be affected by revisions to prior accounting estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes. The reclassifications did not affect results from operations, net assets or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Developments - Guidance Adopted in 2022

ASU 2020-06 — In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), or ASU 2020-06. The guidance in ASU 2020-06 reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. In addition, ASU 2020-06 improves and amends the related earnings per share guidance. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2022 using the modified retrospective approach. As a result of the provisions of the amended guidance, the Company recorded a $100 million decrease to additional paid-in capital, a $57 million decrease to debt discount, a $57 million increase to retained earnings, and a $14 million decrease to long-term deferred tax liabilities. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 did not have a material impact on the Company's statements of operations, statements of cash flows or earnings per share amounts.

Recent Accounting Developments - Guidance Not Yet Adopted

ASU 2021-08 — In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2021-08. Under current GAAP, an acquirer generally recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, including contract assets and contract liabilities arising from revenue contracts with customers and other similar contracts that are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASC 606, at fair value on the acquisition date. ASU 2021-08 requires that an entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC 606. At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with ASC 606 as if it had originated the contracts, which should generally result in an acquirer recognizing and measuring the acquired contract assets and contract liabilities consistent with how they were recognized and measured in the acquiree’s financial statements. This update also provides certain practical expedients for acquirers when recognizing and measuring acquired contract assets and contract liabilities from revenue contracts in a business combination. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The Company will evaluate the impacts of the amendments for business combinations occurring after the effective date.

Note 3 — Revenue Recognition

The Company's policies with respect to its various revenue streams are detailed below. The Company generally applies the invoicing practical expedient to recognize revenue for the revenue streams detailed below, except in circumstances where the invoiced amount does not represent the value transferred to the customer.

Retail Revenue

Gross revenues for energy sales and services to retail customers are recognized as the Company transfers the promised goods and services to the customer. For the majority of its electricity and natural gas contracts, the Company’s performance obligation with the customer is satisfied over time and performance obligations for its electricity and natural gas products are recognized as the customer takes possession of the product. The Company also allocates the contract consideration to distinct performance obligations in a contract for which the timing of the revenue recognized is different. Additionally, customer discounts and incentives reduce the contract consideration and are recognized over the term of the contract.

Energy sales and services that have been delivered but not billed by period end are estimated. Accrued unbilled revenues are based on estimates of customer usage since the date of the last meter reading provided by the independent system operators, utilities, or electric distribution companies. Volume estimates are based on daily forecasted volumes and estimated customer usage by class. Unbilled revenues are calculated by multiplying these volume estimates by the applicable rate by customer class. Estimated amounts are adjusted when actual usage is known and billed.

As contracts for retail electricity and natural gas can be for multi-year periods, the Company has performance obligations under these contracts that have not yet been satisfied. These performance obligations have transaction prices that are both fixed and variable, and that vary based on the contract duration, customer type, inception date and other contract-specific factors. For the fixed price contracts, the amount of any unsatisfied performance obligations will vary based on customer usage, which will depend on factors such as weather and customer activity and therefore it is not practicable to estimate such amounts.

Energy Revenue

Both physical and financial transactions consist of revenues billed to a third-party at either market or negotiated contract terms to optimize the financial performance of the Company's generating facilities. Electric energy revenue is recognized upon transmission to the customer over time, using the output method for measuring progress of satisfaction of performance obligations. Physical transactions, or the sale of generated electricity to meet supply and demand, are recorded on a gross basis in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company applies the invoicing practical expedient in recognizing energy revenue. Under the practical expedient, revenue is recognized based on the invoiced amount which is equal to the value

to the customer of NRG’s performance obligation completed to date. Financial transactions used to hedge the sale of electricity are recorded net within revenues in the consolidated statements of operations in accordance with ASC 815.

Ancillary revenues, included in Other revenue, are recognized over time as the obligation is fulfilled, using the output method for measuring progress of satisfaction of performance obligations.

Capacity Revenue

The Company's largest sources of capacity revenues are capacity auctions in PJM, ISO-NE and NYISO. Capacity revenues also include revenues billed to a third-party at either market or negotiated contract terms for making installed generation and demand response capacity available in order to satisfy system integrity and reliability requirements. Capacity revenues are recognized over time, using the output method for measuring progress of satisfaction of performance obligations. The Company applies the invoicing practical expedient in recognizing capacity revenue. Under the practical expedient, revenue is recognized based on the invoiced amount which is equal to the value to the customer of NRG’s performance obligation completed to date.

Performance Obligations

As of December 31, 2022, estimated future fixed fee performance obligations are $77 million, $23 million, and $2 million for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. These performance obligations are for cleared auction MWs in the PJM, NYISO and MISO capacity auctions and are subject to penalties for non-performance.

Disaggregated Revenue

The following tables represent the Company’s disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:

For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate/EliminationsTotal
Retail revenue
Home(a)$6,388$2,088$2,286$(1)$10,761
Business3,22913,7681,964—18,961
Total retail revenue(b)9,61715,8564,250(1)29,722
Energy revenue(b)111641466321,250
Capacity revenue(b)—23240—272
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(c)2(30)(56)1(83)
Contract amortization—(40)1—(39)
Other revenue(b)3271045(15)421
Total revenue10,05716,7634,7061731,543
Less: Revenues accounted for under topics other than ASC 606 and ASC 815—(7)41135
Less: Realized and unrealized ASC 815 revenue(2)84(93)3120
Total revenue from contracts with customers$10,059$16,686$4,758$(15)$31,488
(a) Home includes Services
(b) The following amounts of retail, energy, capacity and other revenue relate to derivative instruments and are accounted for under ASC 815:
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate/EliminationsTotal
Retail revenue$—$110$—$—$110
Energy revenue—(31)(8)31(8)
Capacity revenue—33——33
Other revenue(4)2(29)(1)(32)
(c) Revenue relates entirely to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments accounted for under ASC 815
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate/EliminationsTotal
Retail revenue
Home(a)$5,659$1,832$2,059$(1)$9,549
Business2,74510,0301,237—14,012
Total retail revenue8,40411,8623,296(1)23,561
Energy revenue(c)32950837171,215
Capacity revenue(c)—71857—775
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(d)(3)(88)(86)13(164)
Contract amortization—(26)(4)—(30)
Other revenue(b)(c)1,5655125(9)1,632
Total revenue10,29513,0253,6591026,989
Less: Revenues accounted for under topics other than ASC 606 and ASC 815—(25)3—(22)
Less: Realized and unrealized ASC 815 revenue130184(96)16234
Total revenue from contracts with customers$10,165$12,866$3,752$(6)$26,777
(a) Home includes Services
(b) Other Revenue in Texas includes ancillary revenues of $1.3 billion driven by high pricing during Winter Storm Uri
(c) The following amounts of energy, capacity and other revenue relate to derivative instruments and are accounted for under ASC 815:
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate/EliminationsTotal
Energy revenue$—$131$2$3$136
Capacity revenue—149——149
Other revenue133(8)(12)—113
(d) Revenue relates entirely to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments accounted for under ASC 815
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate/EliminationsTotal
Retail revenue
Home(a)$5,020$1,210$103$(2)$6,331
Business1,03495——1,129
Total retail revenue6,0541,305103(2)7,460
Energy revenue(b)24183333(1)539
Capacity revenue(b)—62061(1)680
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(c)288(3)895
Contract amortization—————
Other revenue(b)2325342(8)319
Total revenue6,3122,249536(4)9,093
Less: Revenues accounted for under topics other than ASC 606 and ASC 815—117—18
Less: Realized and unrealized ASC 815 revenue30314383385
Total revenue from contracts with customers$6,282$1,934$481$(7)$8,690
(a) Home includes Services
(b) The following amounts of energy, capacity and other revenue relate to derivative instruments and are accounted for under ASC 815:
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate/EliminationsTotal
Energy revenue$—$67$43$(5)$105
Capacity revenue—156——156
Other revenue283(2)—29
(c) Revenue relates entirely to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments accounted for under ASC 815

Contract Balances

The following table reflects the contract assets and liabilities included in the Company's balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:

(In millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Deferred customer acquisition costs$126$133
Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers4,7043,057
Accounts receivable, net - Accounted for under topics other than ASC 60664182
Accounts receivable, net - Affiliate56
Total accounts receivable, net$4,773$3,245
Unbilled revenues (included within Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers)$1,952$1,574
Deferred revenues (a)$186$227

(a) Deferred revenues from contracts with customers for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were approximately $175 million and $224 million, respectively

The revenue recognized from contracts with customers during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 relating to the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of each period was $184 million and $23 million, respectively. The change in deferred revenue balances during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was primarily due to the usage of customer bill credits by certain C&I customers, which were as a result of power pricing during Winter Storm Uri.

The Company's customer acquisition costs consist of broker fees, commission payments and other costs that represent incremental costs of obtaining the contract with customers for which the Company expects to recover. The Company amortizes these amounts over the estimated life of the customer contract. As a practical expedient, the Company expenses the incremental costs of obtaining a contract if the amortization period of the asset would have been one year or less.

When the Company receives consideration from the customer that is in excess of the amount due, such consideration is reclassified to deferred revenue, which represents a contract liability. Generally, the Company will recognize revenue from contract liabilities in the next period as the Company satisfies its performance obligations.

**Note 4 —**Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions

2023 Anticipated Acquisition

Vivint Smart Home Acquisition

On December 6, 2022, the NRG and Vivint Smart Home, Inc. announced the entry into a definitive merger agreement under which the Company will acquire Vivint, a smart home platform company, in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition will accelerate the realization of NRG's consumer-focused growth strategy and create a leading essential home services platform fueled by market-leading brands, unparalleled insights, proprietary technologies and complementary sales channels. Close of the acquisition is targeted for the first quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions. The Company will pay $12 per share, or approximately $2.8 billion in cash, and expects to fund the acquisition using proceeds from newly issued debt and preferred equity, drawing on its Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables Securitization Facilities, and through cash on hand. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2023, NRG increased its Revolving Credit Facility by $600 million to meet the additional liquidity requirements related to the acquisition. For further discussion see Note 13, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases.

In connection with the merger agreement, NRG entered into a commitment letter for a senior secured 364-day bridge term loan facility in a principal amount not to exceed $2.1 billion for the purposes of financing the Vivint acquisition, paying fees and expenses in connection with the acquisition, and certain other third-party payments in respect of arrangements of Vivint.

Acquisition costs of $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 are included in acquisition-related transaction and integration costs in the Company's Consolidated Statement of operations.

2021 Acquisitions

Direct Energy Acquisition

On January 5, 2021, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Direct Energy, which had been a North American subsidiary of Centrica. Direct Energy is a leading retail provider of electricity, natural gas, and home and business energy related products and services in North America, with operations in all 50 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces. The acquisition increased NRG's retail portfolio by over 3 million customers and strengthened its integrated model. It also broadened the Company's presence in the Northeast and into states and locales where it did not previously operate, supporting NRG's objective to diversify its business.

The Company paid an aggregate purchase price of $3.625 billion in cash and total purchase price adjustment of $99 million, resulting in an adjusted purchase price of $3.724 billion.

Acquisition costs of $25 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are included in acquisition-related transaction and integration costs in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

The acquisition has been recorded as a business combination under ASC 805 with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The purchase price was allocated as follows as of December 31, 2021:

(In millions)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$152
Funds deposited by counterparties21
Restricted cash9
Accounts receivable, net1,802
Inventory106
Derivative instruments1,014
Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities233
Prepayments and other current assets173
Total current assets3,510
(In millions)
Property, plant and equipment, net151
Other Assets
Goodwill(a)1,250
Intangible assets, net:
Customer relationships(b)1,277
Customer and supply contracts(b)610
Trade names(b)310
Renewable energy credits124
Total intangible assets, net2,321
Derivative instruments531
Other non-current assets31
Total other assets4,133
Total Assets$7,794
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable$1,116
Derivative instruments1,266
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities21
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities670
Total current liabilities3,073
Other Liabilities
Derivative instruments562
Deferred income taxes320
Other non-current liabilities115
Total other liabilities997
Total Liabilities$4,070
Direct Energy Purchase Price$3,724

(a)Goodwill arising from the acquisition was attributed to the value of the platform acquired and the synergies expected from combining the operations of Direct Energy with NRG's existing businesses. Goodwill was allocated to the Texas, East, and West/Services/Other segments of $427 million, $648 million and $175 million, respectively. Goodwill deductible for tax purposes was $322 million

(b)As of January 5, 2021, the weighted average amortization period for total amortizable intangible assets was 12 years

2020 Acquisitions

Midwest Generation Lease Purchase

On September 29, 2020, Midwest Generation acquired all of the ownership interests in the Powerton facility and Units 7 and 8 of the Joliet facility, which were being leased through 2034 and 2030, respectively, for approximately $260 million. The purchase was funded with cash-on-hand. Upon closing, lease expense related to these facilities, which totaled approximately $14 million in 2019, and the operating lease liability of $148 million were eliminated.

Dispositions

2023 Dispositions

Sale of Astoria

On January 6, 2023, the Company closed on the sale of land and related assets from the Astoria site, within the East region of operations, for initial proceeds of $212 million, subject to transaction fees of $3 million and certain indemnifications. As part of the transaction, NRG entered into an agreement to lease the land back for the purpose of operating the Astoria gas turbines through the planned April 30, 2023 retirement date. The operating lease agreement is expected to end six months after the facility's actual retirement date.

2022 Dispositions

Sale of Watson

On June 1, 2022, the Company closed on the sale of its 49% ownership in the Watson natural gas generating facility for $59 million. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of $46 million.

2021 Dispositions

Sale of 4,850 MW of Fossil generating assets

On December 1, 2021, the Company closed the previously announced sale of approximately 4,850 MWs of fossil generating assets from its East and West regions to Generation Bridge, an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners. Proceeds of $760 million were reduced by working capital and other adjustments of $140 million, resulting in net proceeds of $620 million. The Company recorded a gain of $207 million from the sale, which includes the $39 million indemnification liability recorded as discussed below. As part of the transaction, NRG entered into a tolling agreement for the 866 MW Arthur Kill plant in New York City through April 2025.

As part of the agreement to sell the fossil generating assets, NRG has agreed to indemnify Generation Bridge for certain future environmental compliance costs up to $39 million. The indemnity term will expire on December 1, 2028. The Company has recorded the liability within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities.

Sale of Agua Caliente

On February 3, 2021, the Company closed on the sale of its 35% ownership in the Agua Caliente solar project to Clearway Energy, Inc. for $202 million. NRG recognized a gain on the sale of $17 million, including cash disposed of $7 million.

2020 Dispositions

Sale of Home Solar

In the third quarter of 2020, the Company concluded its Home Solar business was held for sale and recorded an impairment loss of $29 million, as further discussed in Note 11, Asset Impairments. On November 13, 2020, the Company completed the sale of the Home Solar business for cash proceeds of $66 million, resulting in a $2 million loss on the sale. In connection with the sale, the Company extinguished debt of $27 million and recognized a $5 million loss on the extinguishment.

Note 5 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments

For cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties, restricted cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable, restricted cash, and cash collateral paid and received in support of energy risk management activities, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

The estimated carrying value and fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current portion, is as follows:

As of December 31,
20222021
(In millions)Carrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value
Convertible Senior Notes$575$576$518$677
Other long-term debt, including current portion7,5236,4327,5227,650
Total long-term debt, including current portion (a)$8,098$7,008$8,040$8,327

(a) Excludes deferred financing costs, which are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheets

The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is based on quoted market prices and is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Accounting under ASC 820

ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:

  • Level 1 — quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. NRG's financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include active exchange-traded securities, energy derivatives, and trust fund investments.

  • Level 2 — inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data. NRG's financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include fixed income securities, exchange-based derivatives, and over the counter derivatives such as swaps, options and forward contracts.

  • Level 3 — unobservable inputs for the asset or liability only used when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. NRG's financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include infrequently-traded, non-exchange-based derivatives and commingled investment funds, and are measured using present value pricing models.

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement in its entirety falls, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Debt securities, equity securities, and trust fund investments, which are comprised of various U.S. debt and equity securities, and derivative assets and liabilities, are carried at fair market value.

The following tables present assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy:

As of December 31, 2022
Fair Value
(In millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Investments in securities (classified within other current and non-current assets)$19$—$19$—
Nuclear trust fund investments:
Cash and cash equivalents1515——
U.S. government and federal agency obligations86842—
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities101—101—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities35—35—
Corporate debt securities114—114—
Equity securities403403——
Foreign government fixed income securities1—1—
Other trust fund investments (classified within other non-current assets):
U.S. government and federal agency obligations11——
Derivative assets:
Foreign exchange contracts18—18—
Commodity contracts11,9761,9298,7961,251
Measured using net asset value practical expedient:
Equity securities - nuclear trust fund investments83
Equity securities (classified within other non-current assets)6
Total assets$12,858$2,432$9,086$1,251
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts$2$—$2$—
Commodity contracts8,4391,2446,449746
Total liabilities$8,441$1,244$6,451$746
As of December 31, 2021
Fair Value
(In millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Investments in securities (classified within other current or non-current assets)$32$15$17$—
Nuclear trust fund investments:
Cash and cash equivalents3333——
U.S. government and federal agency obligations1121111—
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities100—100—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities44—44—
Corporate debt securities122—122—
Equity securities494494——
Foreign government fixed income securities4—4—
Other trust fund investments (classified within other non-current assets):
U.S. government and federal agency obligations11——
Derivative assets:
Foreign exchange contracts1—1—
Commodity contracts7,1399815,701457
Measured using net asset value practical expedient:
Equity securities - nuclear trust fund investments99
Equity securities (classified within other non-current assets)7
Total assets$8,188$1,635$5,990$457
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts$1$—$1$—
Commodity contracts4,7986264,008164
Total liabilities$4,799$626$4,009$164

The following table reconciles, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the beginning and ending balances for financial instruments that are recognized at fair value in the consolidated financial statements using significant unobservable inputs:

Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Derivatives (a)
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)20222021
Beginning balance$293$(16)
Contracts added from Direct Energy acquisition—(15)
Total gains realized/unrealized included in earnings53145
Purchases(110)93
Transfers into Level 3 (b)26471
Transfers out of Level 3 (b)515
Ending balance$505$293
Gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of year-end$204$120

(a)Consists of derivatives assets and liabilities, net

(b)Transfers into/out of Level 3 are related to the availability of external broker quotes, and are valued as of the end of the reporting period. All transfers into/out of Level 3 are from/to Level 2

Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings that are related to the energy derivatives are recorded in revenues and cost of operations.

Non-derivative fair value measurements

The trust fund investments are held primarily to satisfy NRG's nuclear decommissioning obligations. These trust fund investments hold debt and equity securities directly and equity securities indirectly through commingled funds. The fair values of equity securities held directly by the trust funds are based on quoted prices in active markets and are categorized in Level 1. In addition, U.S. government and federal agency obligations are categorized as Level 1 because they trade in a highly liquid and transparent market. The fair values of corporate debt securities are based on evaluated prices that reflect observable market information, such as actual trade information of similar securities, adjusted for observable differences and are categorized in Level 2. Certain equity securities, classified as commingled funds, are analogous to mutual funds, are maintained by investment companies, and hold certain investments in accordance with a stated set of fund objectives. The fair value of the equity securities classified as commingled funds are based on net asset values per fund share (the unit of account), derived from the quoted prices in active markets of the underlying equity securities. However, because the shares in the commingled funds are not publicly quoted and not traded in an active market, the commingled funds are measured using net asset value practical expedient. See also Note 7, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund.

Derivative fair value measurements

A portion of the Company's contracts are exchange-traded contracts with readily available quoted market prices. A majority of NRG's contracts are non-exchange-traded contracts valued using prices provided by external sources, primarily price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter and on-line exchanges. For the majority of NRG markets, the Company receives quotes from multiple sources. To the extent that NRG receives multiple quotes, the Company's prices reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices obtained from all sources that NRG believes provide the most liquid market for the commodity. If the Company receives one quote, then the mid-point of the bid-ask spread for that quote is used. The terms for which such price information is available vary by commodity, region and product. A significant portion of the fair value of the Company's derivative portfolio is based on price quotes from brokers in active markets who regularly facilitate those transactions and the Company believes such price quotes are executable. The Company does not use third-party sources that derive price based on proprietary models or market surveys. The remainder of the assets and liabilities represents contracts for which external sources or observable market quotes are not available. These contracts are valued based on various valuation techniques including but not limited to internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. Contracts valued with prices provided by models and other valuation techniques make up 10% of derivative assets and 9% of derivative liabilities. The fair value of each contract is discounted using a risk free interest rate. In addition, the Company applies a credit reserve to reflect credit risk, which for foreign exchange contracts is calculated utilizing the bilateral method based on published default probabilities. For commodities, to the extent that NRG's net exposure under a specific master agreement is an asset, the Company uses the counterparty's default swap rate. If the exposure under a specific master agreement is a liability, the Company uses NRG's default swap rate. For foreign exchange contracts and commodities, the credit reserve is added to the discounted fair value to reflect the exit price that a market participant would be willing to receive to assume NRG's liabilities or that a market participant would be willing to pay for NRG's assets. As of December 31, 2022, the credit reserve resulted in a $9 million decrease primarily within cost of operations. As of December 31, 2021, the credit reserve resulted in $11 million decrease primarily within cost of operations.

The fair values in each category reflect the level of forward prices and volatility factors as of December 31, 2022 and may change as a result of changes in these factors. Management uses its best estimates to determine the fair value of commodity and derivative contracts NRG holds and sells. These estimates consider various factors including closing exchange and over-the-counter price quotations, time value, volatility factors and credit exposure. It is possible, however, that future market prices could vary from those used in recording assets and liabilities from energy marketing and trading activities and such variations could be material.

NRG's significant positions classified as Level 3 include physical and financial natural gas and power contracts executed in illiquid markets as well as financial transmission rights, or FTRs. The significant unobservable inputs used in developing fair value include illiquid natural gas and power location pricing, which is derived as a basis to liquid locations. The basis spread is based on observable market data when available or derived from historic prices and forward market prices from similar observable markets when not available. For FTRs, NRG uses the most recent auction prices to derive the fair value.

The following tables quantify the significant unobservable inputs used in developing the fair value of the Company's Level 3 positions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:

Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2022
Fair ValueInput/Range
(In millions)AssetsLiabilitiesValuation TechniqueSignificant Unobservable InputLowHighWeighted Average
Natural Gas Contracts$340$448Discounted Cash FlowForward Market Price (per MMBtu)$2$48$6
Power Contracts843216Discounted Cash FlowForward Market Price (per MWh)343148
FTRs6882Discounted Cash FlowAuction Prices (per MWh)(32)6100
$1,251$746
Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2021
Fair ValueInput/Range
(In millions)AssetsLiabilitiesValuation TechniqueSignificant Unobservable InputLowHighWeighted Average
Natural Gas Contracts$16$1Discounted Cash FlowForward Market Price (per MMBtu)$3$40$15
Power Contracts392121Discounted Cash FlowForward Market Price (per MWh)321235
FTRs4942Discounted Cash FlowAuction Prices (per MWh)(122)430
$457$164

The following table provides sensitivity of fair value measurements to increases/(decreases) in significant unobservable inputs as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:

Significant Unobservable InputPositionChange In InputImpact on Fair Value Measurement
Forward Market Price Natural Gas/ PowerBuyIncrease/(Decrease)Higher/(Lower)
Forward Market Price Natural Gas/PowerSellIncrease/(Decrease)Lower/(Higher)
FTR PricesBuyIncrease/(Decrease)Higher/(Lower)
FTR PricesSellIncrease/(Decrease)Lower/(Higher)

Under the guidance of ASC 815, entities may choose to offset cash collateral posted or received against the fair value of derivative positions executed with the same counterparties under the same master netting agreements. The Company has chosen not to offset positions as defined in ASC 815. As of December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $260 million of cash collateral posted and $1.7 billion of cash collateral received on its balance sheet.

Concentration of Credit Risk

In addition to the credit risk discussion as disclosed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the following item is a discussion of the concentration of credit risk for the Company's financial instruments. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. The Company monitors and manages credit risk through credit policies that include: (i) an established credit approval process; (ii) a daily monitoring of counterparties' credit limits; (iii) the use of credit mitigation measures such as margin, collateral, prepayment arrangements, or volumetric limits; (iv) the use of payment netting agreements; and (v) the use of master netting agreements that allow for the netting of positive and negative exposures of various contracts associated with a single counterparty. Risks surrounding counterparty performance and credit could ultimately impact the amount and timing of expected cash flows. The Company seeks to mitigate counterparty risk by having a diversified portfolio of counterparties. The

Company also has credit protection within various agreements to call on additional collateral support if and when necessary. Cash margin is collected and held at the Company to cover the credit risk of the counterparty until positions settle.

Counterparty Credit Risk

As of December 31, 2022, counterparty credit exposure, excluding credit exposure from RTOs, ISOs, and registered commodity exchanges and certain long-term agreements, was $2.7 billion and NRG held collateral (cash and letters of credit) against those positions of $1.0 billion, resulting in a net exposure of $1.7 billion. NRG periodically receives collateral from counterparties in excess of their exposure. Collateral amounts shown include such excess while net exposure shown excludes excess collateral received. Approximately 80% of the Company's exposure before collateral is expected to roll off by the end of 2024. Counterparty credit exposure is valued through observable market quotes and discounted at a risk free interest rate. The following tables highlight net counterparty credit exposure by industry sector and by counterparty credit quality. Net counterparty credit exposure is defined as the aggregate net asset position for NRG with counterparties where netting is permitted under the enabling agreement and includes all cash flow, mark-to-market and NPNS, and non-derivative transactions. The exposure is shown net of collateral held and includes amounts net of receivables or payables.

CategoryNet Exposure (a) (b) (% of Total)
Utilities, energy merchants, marketers and other62%
Financial institutions38
Total100%
CategoryNet Exposure (a) (b) (% of Total)
Investment grade65%
Non-Investment grade/Non-Rated35
Total100%

(a)Counterparty credit exposure excludes uranium and coal transportation contracts because of the unavailability of market prices

(b)The figures in the tables above exclude potential counterparty credit exposure related to RTOs, ISOs, registered commodity exchanges and certain long term contracts

The Company currently has no exposure to wholesale counterparties in excess of 10% of the total net exposure discussed above as of December 31, 2022. Changes in hedge positions and market prices will affect credit exposure and counterparty concentration.

During Winter Storm Uri, in February 2021, the Company experienced nonperformance by a counterparty in one of its bilateral financial hedging transactions, resulting in exposure of $403 million. During December 2022, the Company received $70 million as part of the Company's loss mitigation efforts related to this exposure.

RTOs and ISOs

The Company participates in the organized markets of CAISO, ERCOT, AESO, IESO, ISO-NE, MISO, NYISO and PJM, known as RTOs or ISOs. Trading in the majority of these markets is approved by FERC, whereas in the case of ERCOT, it is approved by the PUCT, and whereas in the case of AESO and IESO, both exist provincially with AESO primarily subject to Alberta Utilities Commission and the IESO to the Ontario Energy Board. These ISOs may include credit policies that, under certain circumstances, require that losses arising from the default of one member on spot market transactions be shared by the remaining participants. As a result, the counterparty credit risk to these markets is limited to NRG’s share of the overall market and are excluded from the above exposures.

Exchange Traded Transactions

The Company enters into commodity transactions on registered exchanges, notably ICE, NYMEX and Nodal. These clearinghouses act as the counterparty and transactions are subject to extensive collateral and margining requirements. As a result, these commodity transactions have limited counterparty credit risk.

Long-Term Contracts

Counterparty credit exposure described above excludes credit risk exposure under certain long term contracts, primarily solar under Renewable PPAs. As external sources or observable market quotes are not always available to estimate such exposure, the Company values these contracts based on various techniques including, but not limited to, internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. Based on these valuation techniques, as of December 31, 2022, aggregate credit risk exposure managed by NRG to these counterparties was approximately $1.1 billion for the next five years.

Retail Customer Credit Risk

The Company is exposed to retail credit risk through the Company's retail electricity and gas providers, which serve Home and Business customers. Retail credit risk results in losses when a customer fails to pay for services rendered. The losses may result from both nonpayment of customer accounts receivable and the loss of in-the-money forward value. The Company manages retail credit risk through the use of established credit policies that include monitoring of the portfolio and the use of credit mitigation measures such as deposits or prepayment arrangements.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company's retail customer credit exposure to Home and Business customers was diversified across many customers and various industries, as well as government entities. Current economic conditions may affect the Company's customers' ability to pay bills in a timely manner, which could increase customer delinquencies and may lead to an increase in credit losses. The Company's provision for credit losses was $11 million, $698 million, and $108 million for the years ending December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the provision for credit losses included the Company's loss mitigation efforts recognized as income of $126 million related to Winter Storm Uri. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the provision for credit losses included $596 million of expenses due to the impacts of Winter Storm Uri.

Note 6 — Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

ASC 815 requires the Company to recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities and to measure them at fair value each reporting period unless they qualify for a NPNS exception. The Company may elect to designate certain derivatives as cash flow hedges, if certain conditions are met, and defer the change in fair value of the derivatives to accumulated OCI, until the hedged transactions occur and are recognized in earnings.

For derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges or do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the changes in the fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. Certain derivative instruments may qualify for the NPNS exception and are therefore exempt from fair value accounting treatment. ASC 815 applies to NRG's energy related commodity contracts and foreign exchange contracts.

As the Company engages principally in the trading and marketing of its generation assets and retail operations, some of NRG's commercial activities qualify for NPNS accounting. Most of the retail load contracts either qualify for the NPNS exception or fail to meet the criteria for a derivative and the majority of the retail supply and fuels supply contracts are recorded under mark-to-market accounting. All of NRG's hedging and trading activities are subject to limits within the Company's Risk Management Policy.

Energy-Related Commodities

To manage the commodity price risk associated with the Company's competitive supply activities and the price risk associated with wholesale power sales from the Company's electric generation facilities and retail power and gas sales from NRG's retail operations, NRG enters into a variety of derivative and non-derivative hedging instruments, utilizing the following:

  • Forward contracts, which commit NRG to purchase or sell energy commodities or fuels in the future;

  • Futures contracts, which are exchange-traded standardized commitments to purchase or sell a commodity or financial instrument;

  • Swap agreements, which require payments to or from counterparties based upon the differential between two prices for a predetermined contractual, or notional, quantity;

  • Option contracts, which convey to the option holder the right but not the obligation to purchase or sell a commodity; and

  • Weather derivative products used to mitigate a portion of lost revenue due to weather.

The objectives for entering into derivative contracts designated as hedges include:

  • Fixing the price of a portion of anticipated power and gas purchases for the Company's retail sales;

  • Fixing the price for a portion of anticipated future electricity sales that provides an acceptable return on the Company's electric generation operations; and

  • Fixing the price of a portion of anticipated fuel purchases for the operation of the Company's power plants.

These contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in earnings.

As of December 31, 2022, NRG's derivative assets and liabilities consisted primarily of the following:

  • Forward and financial contracts for the purchase/sale of electricity and related products economically hedging NRG's generation assets' forecasted output or NRG's retail load obligations through 2036;

  • Forward and financial contracts for the purchase of fuel commodities relating to the forecasted usage of NRG's generation assets through 2024;

  • Other energy derivatives instruments extending through 2029.

Also, as of December 31, 2022, NRG had other energy-related contracts that did not meet the definition of a derivative instrument or qualified for the NPNS exception and were therefore exempt from fair value accounting treatment as follows:

  • Load-following forward electric sale contracts extending through 2036;

  • Load-following forward natural gas purchase and sale contracts extending through 2032;

  • Power tolling contracts through 2038;

  • Coal purchase contracts through 2024;

  • Power transmission contracts through 2028;

  • Natural gas transportation contracts through 2034;

  • Natural gas storage agreements through 2027; and

  • Coal transportation contracts through 2029.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

In order to mitigate foreign exchange risk primarily associated with the purchase of USD denominated natural gas for the Company's Canadian business, NRG enters into foreign exchange contract agreements through 2026.

Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions

The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy/(sell) of NRG's open derivative transactions broken out by commodity, excluding those derivatives that qualified for the NPNS exception as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Option contracts are reflected using delta volume. Delta volume equals the notional volume of an option adjusted for the probability that the option will be in-the-money at its expiration date.

(In millions)Total Volume
CommodityUnitsDecember 31, 2022December 31, 2021
EmissionsShort Ton11
Renewables Energy CertificatesCertificates1513
CoalShort Ton1119
Natural GasMMBtu422813
OilBarrels11
PowerMWh192185
Foreign ExchangeDollars569279

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following table summarizes the fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheet:

Fair Value
Derivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
(In millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts - current$11$—$1$1
Foreign exchange contracts - long-term711—
Commodity contracts- current7,8754,6136,1943,386
Commodity contracts- long-term4,1012,5262,2451,412
Total Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges$11,994$7,140$8,441$4,799

The Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities on the balance sheet on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. In addition, collateral received or paid on the Company's derivative assets or liabilities are recorded on a separate line item on the balance sheet. The following table summarizes the offsetting derivatives by counterparty master agreement level and collateral received or paid:

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
(In millions)Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/LiabilitiesDerivative InstrumentsCash Collateral (Held)/PostedNet Amount
As of December 31, 2022
Foreign exchange contracts:
Derivative assets$18$(2)$—$16
Derivative liabilities(2)2——
Total foreign exchange contracts$16$—$—$16
Commodity contracts:
Derivative assets$11,976$(7,897)$(1,659)$2,420
Derivative liabilities(8,439)7,89720(522)
Total commodity contracts$3,537$—$(1,639)$1,898
Total derivative instruments$3,553$—$(1,639)$1,914
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
(In millions)Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/LiabilitiesDerivative InstrumentsCash Collateral (Held)/PostedNet Amount
As of December 31, 2021
Foreign exchange contracts:
Derivative assets$1$(1)$—$—
Derivative liabilities(1)1——
Total foreign exchange contracts$—$—$—$—
Commodity contracts:
Derivative assets$7,139$(4,440)$(831)$1,868
Derivative liabilities(4,798)4,44017(341)
Total commodity contracts$2,341$—$(814)$1,527
Total derivative instruments$2,341$—$(814)$1,527

Impact of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

Unrealized gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not accounted for as cash flow hedges are reflected in current period results of operations.

The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of economic hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges and trading activity on the Company's statement of operations. The effect of foreign exchange and commodity hedges is included within revenues and cost of operations.

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Unrealized mark-to-market results
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges$(1,232)$(41)$(55)
Reversal of acquired loss positions related to economic hedges22564
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges2,4782,501(68)
Total unrealized mark-to-market gains/(losses) for economic hedging activities1,2482,716(119)
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to trading activity13(18)(20)
Reversal of acquired (gain) positions related to trading activity—(1)—
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on open positions related to trading activity(17)(13)15
Total unrealized mark-to-market (losses) for trading activity(4)(32)(5)
Total unrealized gains/(losses)$1,244$2,684$(124)
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Unrealized (losses)/gains included in operating - commodities$(87)$(196)$90
Unrealized gains/(losses) included in cost of operations - commodities1,3152,880(214)
Unrealized gains included in cost of operations - foreign exchange16——
Total impact to statement of operations$1,244$2,684$(124)

The reversals of acquired loss/(gain) positions were valued based upon the forward prices on the acquisition date. The roll-off amounts were offset by realized gains or losses at the settled prices and are reflected in revenue or cost of operations during the same period.

The gains from open economic hedge positions of $2.5 billion for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were primarily the result of an increase in value of forward positions as a result of increases in natural gas and power prices.

The loss from open economic hedge positions of $68 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily the result of a decrease in the value of forward positions as a result of decreases in ERCOT power prices and heat rate contraction, partially offset by an increase in value of forward positions as a result of decreases in New York capacity prices.

Credit Risk Related Contingent Features

Certain of the Company's hedging and trading agreements contain provisions that entitle the counterparty to demand that the Company post additional collateral if the counterparty determines that there has been deterioration in the Company's credit quality, generally termed “adequate assurance” under the agreements, or require the Company to post additional collateral if there were a downgrade in the Company's credit rating. The collateral potentially required for contracts with adequate assurance clauses that are in net liability positions as of December 31, 2022 was $1.5 billion. The Company is also a party to certain marginable agreements under which it has a net liability position, but the counterparty has not called for the collateral due, which was approximately $195 million as of December 31, 2022. In the event of a downgrade in the Company's credit rating and if called for by the counterparty, $30 million of additional collateral would be required for all contracts with credit rating contingent features as of December 31, 2022.

See Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for discussion regarding concentration of credit risk.

Note 7 — Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund

NRG's Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund assets, which are for the decommissioning of STP, are comprised of securities classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value based on actively quoted market prices. Although NRG is responsible for managing the decommissioning of its 44% interest in STP, the predecessor utilities that owned STP are authorized by the PUCT to collect decommissioning funds from their ratepayers to cover decommissioning costs on behalf of NRG. NRC requirements determine the decommissioning cost estimate, which is the minimum required level of funding. In the event that funds from the ratepayers that accumulate in the nuclear decommissioning trust are ultimately determined to be inadequate to decommission the STP facilities, the utilities will be required to collect through rates charged to rate payers all additional amounts, with no obligation from NRG, provided that NRG has complied with PUCT rules and regulations regarding decommissioning trusts. Following completion of the decommissioning, if surplus funds remain in the decommissioning trusts, any excess will be refunded to the respective ratepayers of the utilities.

NRG accounts for the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund in accordance with ASC 980, Regulated Operations, or ASC 980, because the Company's nuclear decommissioning activities are subject to approval by the PUCT, with regulated rates that are designed to recover all decommissioning costs and that can be charged to and collected from the ratepayers per PUCT mandate. Since the Company is in compliance with PUCT rules and regulations regarding decommissioning trusts and the cost of decommissioning is the responsibility of the Texas ratepayers, not NRG, all realized and unrealized gains or losses (including other-than-temporary impairments) related to the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund are recorded to the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust liability and are not included in net income or accumulated other comprehensive income, consistent with regulatory treatment.

The following table summarizes the aggregate fair values and unrealized gains and losses for the securities held in the trust funds, as well as information about the contractual maturities of those securities.

As of December 31, 2022As of December 31, 2021
(In millions, except otherwise noted)Fair ValueUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesWeighted- average maturities (in years)Fair ValueUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesWeighted- average maturities (in years)
Cash and cash equivalents$15$—$——$33$—$——
U.S. government and federal agency obligations86—5111125110
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities101—11261002—25
Commercial mortgage-backed securities35—430441—27
Corporate debt securities114—13121227114
Equity securities4863463—593456——
Foreign government fixed income securities1——174——13
Total$838$346$36$1,008$471$2

The following table summarizes proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and the related realized gains and losses from these sales. The cost of securities sold is determined using the specific identification method.

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Realized gains$14$47$34
Realized losses(25)(9)(13)
Proceeds from sale of securities448710439

Note 8 — Inventory

Inventory consisted of:

As of December 31,
(In millions)20222021
Fuel oil$8$8
Coal11483
Natural gas385206
Spare parts and finished goods244201
Total Inventory$751$498

Note 9 — Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company's major classes of property, plant, and equipment were as follows:

As of December 31,Depreciable
(In millions)20222021Lives
Facilities and equipment$1,727$1,7421-40 years
Land and improvements263271
Nuclear fuel2712225 years
Hardware and office equipment and furnishings7126372-10 years
Construction in progress197124
Total property, plant, and equipment3,1702,996
Accumulated depreciation(1,478)(1,308)
Net property, plant, and equipment$1,692$1,688

The Company recorded long-lived asset impairments during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, as further described in Note 11, Asset Impairments. Depreciation expense of property, plant and equipment recorded during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $291 million, $384 million and $295 million, respectively.

Note 10 — Leases

The Company leases generating facilities, land, office and equipment, railcars, fleet vehicles and storefront space at retail stores. Operating leases with an initial term greater than twelve months are recognized as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company made an accounting policy election, as permitted by ASC 842, for all asset classes not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets for its short-term leases, which are leases that have a lease term of twelve months or less. For the initial measurement of lease liabilities, the discount rate that the Company uses is either the rate implicit in the lease, if known, or its incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term an amount equal to the payments for the lease. The Company recognizes lease expense for all operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In the future, should another systematic basis become more representative of the pattern in which the lessee expects to consume the remaining economic benefit of the right-of-use asset, the Company will use that basis for lease expense.

The Company considers a contract to be or to contain a lease when both of the following conditions apply: 1) an asset is either explicitly or implicitly identified in the contract and 2) the contract conveys to the Company the right to control the use of the identified asset for a period of time. The Company has the right to control the use of the identified asset when the Company has both the right to obtain substantially all the economic benefits from the use of the identified asset and the right to direct how and for what purpose the identified asset is used throughout the period of use.

Lease payments are typically fixed and payable on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Lease payments under certain agreements may escalate over the lease term either by a fixed percentage or a fixed dollar amount. Certain leases may provide for variable lease payments in the form of payments based on unit availability, usage, a percentage of sales from the location under lease, or index-based (e.g., the U.S. Consumer Price Index) adjustments to lease payments. The Company has no leases which contain residual value guarantees provided by the Company as a lessee.

Lease Cost:

For the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Finance lease cost$4$4$3
Operating lease cost8591100
Short-term lease cost733
Variable lease cost8696
Sublease income(2)(2)(17)
Total lease cost$180$105$95

Other information:

For the Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$183$102$101
Financing cash flows from finance leases561
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities3165
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities28474

Lease Term and Discount Rate for leases:

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Finance leases:
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)2.63.6
Weighted average discount rate2.82%2.46%
Operating leases:
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)4.34.7
Weighted average discount rate5.37%5.44%

As of December 31, 2022, annual payments based on the maturities of NRG's operating leases are expected to be as follows:

In millions
2023$97
202482
202556
202614
202710
Thereafter52
Total undiscounted lease payments$311
Less: present value adjustment(48)
Total discounted lease payments$263

Note 11 — Asset Impairments

2022 Impairment Losses

Astoria Redevelopment Impairment — During the third quarter of 2022, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the sale of the land and related assets at the Astoria generating site and the planned withdrawal and cancellation of its proposed Astoria redevelopment project. As a result, the Company impaired $43 million of Astoria project spend in the East segment. For further discussion of the transaction, see Note 4, Acquisitions and Dispositions.

PJM Asset Impairments — During the second quarter of 2022, the results of the PJM Base Residual Auction for the 2023/2024 delivery year were released leading the Company to revise its long-term view of certain facilities and announce the planned retirement of the Joliet generating facility. The Company considered the near-term retirement date of Joliet and the decline in PJM capacity prices to be a trigger for impairment and performed impairment tests on the PJM generating assets and the goodwill associated with Midwest Generation. The Company measured the impairment losses on the PJM generating assets and Midwest Generation goodwill as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the PJM generating assets and Midwest Generation reporting unit, respectively. Fair values were determined using an income approach in which the Company applied a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term budgets for the plants and reporting unit. Significant inputs impacting the income approach include the Company's long-term view of capacity and fuel prices, projected generation, the physical and economic characteristics of each plant and the reporting unit as a whole, and the discount rate applied to the after-tax cash flow projections. Impairment losses of $20 million and $130 million were recorded in the East segment on the PJM generating assets and Midwest Generation goodwill, respectively.

Other Impairments — The Company additionally recorded impairment losses of $13 million in the East segment.

2021 Impairment Losses

During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company completed its annual budget and analyzed the corresponding impact on estimated cash flows associated with its long-lived assets. The fair value of the assets was determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term budget for the facility. The income approach utilized estimates of after-tax cash flows, which were Level 3 fair value measurements, and included key inputs such as forecasted power prices, fuel costs, operating and maintenance costs, plant investment capital expenditures and discount rates.

Joliet —The Company recognized an impairment loss of $213 million in the East segment as a result of changes in the long-term outlook of the Joliet facility prompted by market conditions and an assessment of various alternatives for the long-term operational landscape of the facility including the impact of the CEJA in Illinois, which concluded with the annual budget process.

Other Impairments — The Company additionally recorded impairment losses of $16 million and $9 million related to various power plants in the East and West/Service/Other segments, respectively.

The Company also recorded the following impairment in 2021 based on a specific triggering event that occurred using the same methodology previously discussed:

PJM Asset Impairments — During the second quarter of 2021, the results of the PJM Base Residual Auction for the 2022/2023 delivery year were released leading the Company to announce the near-term retirement of a significant portion of its PJM coal generating assets in June 2022. The Company considered the decline in PJM capacity prices and the near-term retirement dates of certain assets to be a trigger for impairment and performed impairment tests on the PJM generating assets and the goodwill associated with Midwest Generation. Impairment losses of $271 million and $35 million were recorded in the East segment on the PJM generating assets and Midwest Generation goodwill, respectively.

2020 Impairment Losses

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company completed its annual budget and revised its view of long-term power and fuel prices and the corresponding impact on estimated cash flows associated with its long-lives assets. The Cottonwood facility had estimated cash flows that were lower than its carrying amount and the assets were considered impaired. The fair value of the assets was determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term budget for the facility. The income approach utilized estimates of after-tax cash flows, which were Level 3 fair value measurements, and included key inputs such as forecasted power prices, fuel costs, operating and maintenance costs, plant investment capital expenditures and discount rates.

The Cottonwood facility is being leased through 2025 and the Company recognized an impairment loss of $32 million in 2020 in the West/Services/Other segment associated with the Company's long-term services agreement and related lease payments, as the carrying amounts of the assets from the contract were higher than the estimated operating cash flow though the remaining lease period.

The Company also recorded the following impairments in 2020 based on specific triggering events that occurred:

Home Solar — In the third quarter of 2020, the Company concluded its Home Solar business was held for sale and recorded an impairment loss of $29 million in the West/Services/Other segment to adjust the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities to fair market value based on indicative sale prices.

Petra Nova Parish Holdings — During the first quarter of 2020, due to the decline in oil prices, NRG determined that the carrying amount of the Company’s equity method investment exceeded the fair value of the investment and that the decline is considered to be other-than-temporary. In determining the fair value, the Company utilized an income approach to estimate future project cash flows. The Company recorded $18 million impairment losses on investments in the Texas segment, which included the anticipated drawdown of the $12 million letter of credit posted in September 2019 to cover certain project debt reserve requirements.

Other Impairments — For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $14 million of impairment losses related to intangible assets in the Texas segment.

Note 12 — Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill

The table below presents the changes of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 based on the Company's reportable segments.

(in millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherTotal
Balance as of January 1, 2021$289$240$50$579
Goodwill resulted from the acquisition of Direct Energy4276481751,250
Impairment losses—(35)—(35)
Foreign currency translation——11
Balance as of December 31, 2021$716$853$226$1,795
Impairment losses—(130)—(130)
Asset sales(6)——(6)
Foreign currency translation——(9)(9)
Balance as of December 31, 2022$710$723$217$1,650

Intangible Assets

The Company's intangible assets as of December 31, 2022, primarily reflect intangible assets established with the acquisitions of various companies, including Direct Energy, Stream Energy, other retail acquisitions and Texas Genco. Intangible assets are comprised of the following:

*•*Emission Allowances — These intangibles primarily consist of SO2 emission allowances, including those established with the 2006 acquisition of Texas Genco, RGGI emission credits and California carbon allowances. These emission allowances are held-for-use and are amortized to cost of operations based on units of production.

  • Customer and supply contracts — These intangibles include the fair value at the acquisition date of in-market and out-of-market customer and supply contracts from the acquisition of Direct Energy and are amortized to revenue and cost of operations, respectively, based upon the fair market value, as of the acquisition date, for each delivery month. It also included energy supply contracts acquired with Stream Energy that represent the fair value at the acquisition date of in-market contracts for the purchase of energy to serve retail electric customers and are amortized based on the expected delivery under the respective contracts.

  • Customer relationships — These intangibles represent the fair value at the acquisition date of acquired businesses' customer base from the acquisition of Direct Energy and other acquisitions. The customer relationships are amortized to depreciation and amortization expense based on the expected discounted future net cash flows by year.

  • Marketing partnerships — These intangibles represent the fair value at the acquisition date of existing agreements with marketing vendors and loyalty and affinity partners for customer acquisition. The marketing partnerships are amortized to depreciation and amortization expense based on the expected discounted future net cash flows by year.

  • Trade names — These intangibles are amortized to depreciation and amortization expense on a straight-line basis.

  • Other — These intangibles primarily include renewable energy credits. RECs are retired, as required, for the applicable compliance period. They are expensed to cost of operations based on NRG’s customer usage. It also includes in-market nuclear fuel contracts established from the Texas Genco acquisition in 2006 which are amortized to

cost of operations over expected volumes over the life of each contract, costs to extend the operating license for STP Units 1 and 2 and intellectual property related to Goal Zero, which are amortized to depreciation and amortization expense.

The following tables summarize the components of NRG's intangible assets:

(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2022Emission AllowancesCustomer and Supply ContractsCustomer RelationshipsMarketing PartnershipsTrade NamesOther**(b)**Total
January 1, 2022$634$638$1,679$284$683$229$4,147
Purchases26————404430
Acquisition of businesses (a)——55———55
Usage/Sales/Retirements(33)————(341)(374)
Write-off of fully amortized balances(14)—————(14)
Other11(3)(4)—(4)——
December 31, 20226246351,7302846792924,244
Less accumulated amortization(528)(235)(787)(146)(341)(75)(2,112)
Net carrying amount$96$400$943$138$338$217$2,132

(a)The weighted average life of acquired amortizable intangibles was six years for customer relationships

(b)RECs are not subject to amortization and had a carrying value of $186 million

(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2021Emission AllowancesCustomer and Supply ContractsCustomer RelationshipsMarketing PartnershipsTrade NamesOther**(b)**Total
January 1, 2021$672$28$527$285$373$140$2,025
Purchases10————338348
Acquisition of businesses (a)—6101,308—3101242,352
Usage/Retirements(1)————(364)(365)
Write-off of fully amortized balances(51)—(158)——(7)(216)
Other4—2(1)—(2)3
December 31, 20216346381,6792846832294,147
Less accumulated amortization(536)(94)(518)(123)(294)(71)(1,636)
Net carrying amount$98$544$1,161$161$389$158$2,511

(a)The weighted average life of total acquired amortizable intangibles from the Direct Energy acquisition was 12 years

(b)RECs are not subject to amortization and had a carrying value of $123 million

The following table presents NRG's amortization of intangible assets for each of the past three years:

Years Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Emission allowances$6$24$28
Customer and supply contracts1416612
Customer relationships26932774
Marketing partnerships232424
Trade names474727
Other(a)473
Total amortization$490$495$168

(a)For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, other intangibles were amortized to depreciation and amortization expense for $4 million, $3 million and $3 million, respectively

The following table presents estimated amortization of NRG's intangible assets as of December 31, 2022 for each of the next five years:

(In millions)
Year Ended December 31,Emission AllowancesCustomer and Supply ContractsCustomer RelationshipsMarketing PartnershipsTrade NamesOtherTotal
2023$18$119$226$23$46$4$436
2024197315923383315
2025185011822314243
2026105210322233213
202710307422233162

Intangible assets held-for-sale — From time to time, management may authorize the transfer from the Company's emission bank of emission allowances held-for-use to intangible assets held-for-sale. Emission allowances held-for-sale are included in other non-current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and are not amortized, but rather expensed as sold. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the value of emission allowances held-for-sale was $8 million and $15 million, respectively, within the Corporate segment. Once transferred to held-for-sale, these emission allowances are prohibited from moving back to held-for-use.

Note 14 — Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company's AROs are primarily related to the environmental obligations for nuclear decommissioning, mine reclamation, ash disposal, site closures, fuel storage facilities and future dismantlement of equipment on leased property. In addition, the Company has also identified conditional AROs for asbestos removal and disposal, which are specific to certain power generation operations.

See Note 7, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund, for a further discussion of the Company's nuclear decommissioning obligations. Accretion for the nuclear decommissioning ARO and amortization of the related ARO asset are recorded to the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Liability to the ratepayers and are not included in net income, consistent with treatment per ASC 980, Regulated Operations.

The following table represents the balance of ARO obligations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, along with the additions, reductions and accretion related to the Company's ARO obligations for the year ended December 31, 2022:

(In millions)Nuclear DecommissionOther**(a)**Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021$321$399$720
Revisions in estimates for current obligations—3838
Additions—11
Spending for current obligations—(33)(33)
Accretion191938
Other—(6)(6)
Balance as of December 31, 2022$340$418$758

(a)Total accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations included in the consolidated statement of cash flows includes accretion and revisions in estimates for asset retirement liabilities on non-operating plants

Note 13 — Long-term Debt and Finance Leases

Long-term debt and finance leases consisted of the following:

(In millions, except rates)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021Interest rate %
Recourse debt:
Senior Notes, due 2027$375$3756.625
Senior Notes, due 20288218215.750
Senior Notes, due 20297337335.250
Senior Notes, due 20295005003.375
Senior Notes, due 20311,0301,0303.625
Senior Notes, due 20321,1001,1003.875
Convertible Senior Notes, due 2048(a)5755752.750
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 20246006003.750
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 20255005002.000
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 20279009002.450
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 20295005004.450
Tax-exempt bonds4664661.250 - 4.750
Subtotal long-term debt (including current maturities)8,1008,100
Finance leases1113various
Subtotal long-term debt and finance leases (including current maturities)8,1118,113
Less current maturities(63)(4)
Less debt issuance costs(70)(83)
Discounts(2)(60)
Total long-term debt and finance leases$7,976$7,966

(a)As of the ex-dividend date of January 31, 2023, the Convertible Senior Notes were convertible at a price of $43.01, which is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 23.2527 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount.

Debt includes the following discounts:

As of December 31,
(In millions)20222021
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 2024, 2025, 2027 and 2029$(2)$(2)
Convertible Senior Notes, due 2048—(58)
Total discounts$(2)$(60)

Consolidated Annual Maturities

As of December 31, 2022, annual payments based on the maturities of NRG's debt and finance leases are expected to be as follows:

(In millions)
2023$63
2024604
2025749
20261
20271,275
Thereafter5,419
Total$8,111

Revolving Credit Facility

On February 14, 2023 (the “Revolving Credit Facility Amendment Effective Date”), the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility to: (i) increase the existing revolving commitments thereunder by $600 million (the “Incremental Commitment”), (ii) extend the maturity date of a portion of the revolving commitments thereunder to February 14, 2028, (iii) transition the benchmark rate applicable to revolving loans from LIBOR to SOFR and (iv) make certain other amendments to the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility for purposes of, among other things, providing additional flexibility.

After giving effect to the Incremental Commitment on the Revolving Credit Facility Amendment Effective Date, the Company will have a total of $4.275 billion of revolving commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. The full amount of the Incremental Commitment was made available from and after the Revolving Credit Facility Amendment Effective Date but will be reduced by $500 million if the Vivint acquisition is not consummated. A portion of the non-extended revolving commitments will terminate on July 5, 2023, with the remaining portion terminating on May 28, 2024, in each case, unless otherwise extended.

The Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed by NRG’s existing and future direct and indirect subsidiaries, with customary and agreed-upon exceptions, for, among other exceptions, unrestricted subsidiaries, foreign subsidiaries, project subsidiaries, immaterial subsidiaries, captive insurance subsidiaries and securitization vehicles. The Revolving Credit Facility is also secured by a first priority perfected security interest in a substantial portion of the property and assets owned by NRG and its subsidiaries that are guarantors under the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to certain exceptions that include, among other things, the capital stock of certain specified subsidiaries, including unrestricted subsidiaries and certain excluded subsidiaries, equity interests in excess of 66% of the total outstanding voting equity interests of certain foreign subsidiaries, equity interests the pledge of which is prohibited by applicable agreements binding on such subsidiaries and other assets that may be designated by NRG as excluded from the collateral that, when taken together with all other assets so designated since the Revolving Credit Facility Amendment Effective Date, have an aggregate fair market value not exceeding $750 million. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured on a pari passu basis with certain interest rate, foreign currency and commodity hedging obligations of NRG, the Senior Secured Notes and certain other indebtedness.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary covenants, which, among other things, require NRG to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum first lien leverage ratio on a consolidated basis and limit NRG’s ability to:

  • incur indebtedness and liens and enter into sale and lease-back transactions;

  • make investments, loans and advances;

  • return capital to shareholders;

  • repay subordinated indebtedness;

  • consummate mergers, consolidations and asset sales;

  • enter into affiliate transactions; and

  • change its fiscal year-end.

As of December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings and there were $1.6 billion in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Senior Notes

Issuance of 2032 Senior Notes

On August 23, 2021, the Company issued $1.1 billion of aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior notes due 2032. The 2032 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of NRG and are guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries. Interest is paid semi-annually beginning on February 15, 2022 until the maturity date of February 15, 2032. The 2032 Senior Notes were issued under NRG's Sustainability-Linked Bond Framework, which sets out certain sustainability targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Failure to meet such sustainability targets will result in a 25 basis point increase to the interest rate payable on the 2032 Senior Notes from and including August 15, 2026. The proceeds of the 2032 Senior Notes, along with cash on hand, were used to fund the redemption of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the 7.250% Senior Notes due 2026 and $355 million aggregate principal amounts of the 6.625% Senior Notes due 2027.

Senior Note Redemptions

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company redeemed approximately $1.9 billion in aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes for $1.9 billion using the proceeds of the 2032 Senior Notes and cash on hand, as detailed in the table below. In connection with the redemptions, a $77 million loss on debt extinguishment was recorded, which included the write-off of previously deferred financing costs of $12 million.

(In millions, except percentages)Principal RepurchasedCash Paid**(a)**Average Early Redemption Percentage
7.250% Senior Notes, due 2026$1,000$1,056103.625%
6.625% Senior Notes, due 2027855893103.313%
Total$1,855$1,949

(a) Includes accrued interest of $29 million for redemptions for the year ended December 31, 2021

2048 Convertible Senior Notes

Accounting for Convertible Senior Notes — Upon issuance in 2018, the Convertible Senior Notes were separated into liability and equity components for accounting purposes. The carrying amount of the liability component was initially calculated by measuring the fair value of similar liabilities that do not have an associated convertible feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the par value of the Convertible Senior Notes. This difference represented the debt discount that was amortized to interest expense over seven years, which was determined to be the expected life of the Convertible Senior Notes, using the effective interest rate method. The equity component was recorded in additional paid-in capital and was not remeasured as it continued to meet the conditions for equity classification.

Following the adoption of ASU 2020-06 as of January 1, 2022, the Company no longer records the conversion feature of its convertible senior notes in equity. Instead, the Company combined the previously separated equity component with the liability component, which together is now classified as debt, thereby eliminating the subsequent amortization of the debt discount as interest expense. As a result of the provisions of the amended guidance, the Company recorded a $100 million decrease to additional paid-in capital, a $57 million decrease to debt discount, a $57 million increase to retained earnings, and a $14 million decrease to long-term deferred tax liabilities. For more information on the adoption of ASU 2020-06, refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Modification to Convertible Senior Notes — On February 22, 2022, the Company irrevocably elected to eliminate the right to settle conversions only in shares of the Company's common stock, such that any conversion after such date, the Company will pay cash per $1,000 principal amount and will settle in cash or a combination of cash and the Company's common stock for the remainder, if any, of the Company’s conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount.

Convertible Senior Notes Features — As of December 31, 2022, the Convertible Senior Notes were convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash or a combination of cash and the Company’s common stock at a price of $43.46 per common share, which is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 23.0116 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2021, the Convertible Senior Notes were convertible at a price of $44.89 per common share, which is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 22.2761 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes. The net carrying amounts of the Convertible Senior Notes as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were $570 million and $512 million, respectively. The Convertible Senior Notes mature on June 1, 2048, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms. The Convertible Senior notes are convertible at the option of the holders under certain circumstances. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding December 1, 2024, the Convertible Senior Notes will be convertible only upon the occurrence of certain events and during certain periods, and thereafter during specified periods as follows:

  • from December 1, 2024 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before June 1, 2025; and

  • from December 1, 2047 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date

The following table details the interest expense recorded in connection with the Convertible Senior Notes, due 2048:

For the years ended December 31,
($ In millions)202220212020
Contractual interest expense$16$16$16
Amortization of discount and deferred finance costs(a)11514
Total$17$31$30
Effective Interest Rate3.01%5.34%5.19%

(a)Upon adoption of ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022, which resulted in the removal of the debt discount, no further debt discount amortization is being recorded

Senior Notes Early Redemption

As of December 31, 2022, NRG had the following outstanding issuances of senior notes with an early redemption feature, or Senior Notes:

i.6.625% senior notes, issued August 2, 2016 and due January 15, 2027, or the 2027 Senior Notes;

ii.5.750% senior notes, issued December 7, 2017 and due January 15, 2028, or the 2028 Senior Notes;

iii.5.250% senior notes, issued May 24, 2019 and due June 15, 2029, or the 2029 Senior Notes;

iv.3.375% senior notes, issued December 2, 2020 and due February 15, 2029, or the 3.375% 2029 Senior Notes;

v.3.625% senior notes, issued December 2, 2020 and due February 15, 2031, or the 2031 Senior Notes; and

vi.3.875% senior notes, issued August 23, 2021 and due February 15, 2032, or the 2032 Senior Notes.

The Company periodically enters into supplemental indentures for the purpose of adding entities under the Senior Notes as guarantors.

The indentures and the forms of notes provide, among other things, that the Senior Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of NRG. The indentures also provide for customary events of default, which include, among others: nonpayment of principal or interest; breach of other agreements in the indentures; defaults in failure to pay certain other indebtedness; the rendering of judgments to pay certain amounts of money against NRG and its subsidiaries; the failure of certain guarantees to be enforceable; and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% or 30% (depending on the series of Senior Notes) in principal amount of the then outstanding series of Senior Notes may declare all of the Senior Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately. The terms of the indentures, among other things, limit NRG's ability and certain of its subsidiaries' ability to return capital to stockholders, grant liens on assets to lenders and incur additional debt. Interest is payable semi-annually on the Senior Notes until their maturity dates.

2027 Senior Notes

NRG may redeem some or all of the 2027 Senior Notes at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount as set forth in the following table, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the first applicable redemption date:

Redemption PeriodRedemption Percentage
July 15, 2022 to July 14, 2023102.208%
July 15, 2023 to July 14, 2024101.104%
July 15, 2024 and thereafter100.000%

2028 Senior Notes

NRG may redeem some or all of the 2028 Senior Notes at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount as set forth in the following table, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the first applicable redemption date:

Redemption PeriodRedemption Percentage
January 15, 2023 to January 14, 2024102.875%
January 15, 2024 to January 14, 2025101.917%
January 15, 2025 to January 14, 2026100.958%
January 15, 2026 and thereafter100.000%

5.250% 2029 Senior Notes

At any time prior to June 15, 2024, NRG may redeem all or a part of the 2029 Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a premium. The premium is the greater of: (i) 1% of the principal amount of the notes; or (ii) the excess of the principal amount of the note over the following: the present value of 102.625% of the note, plus interest payments due on the note through June 15, 2024 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 0.50%. In addition, on or after June 15, 2024, NRG may redeem some or all of the notes at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount as set forth in the following table, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the first applicable redemption date:

Redemption PeriodRedemption Percentage
June 15, 2024 to June 14, 2025102.625%
June 15, 2025 to June 14, 2026101.750%
June 15, 2026 to June 14, 2027100.875%
June 15, 2027 and thereafter100.000%

3.375% 2029 Senior Notes

At any time prior to February 15, 2024, NRG may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2029 Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 103.375% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, provided that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption. At any time prior to February 15, 2024, NRG may redeem all or a part of the 2029 Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a premium. The premium is the greater of: (i) 1% of the principal amount of the notes; or (ii) the excess of the principal amount of the note over the following: the present value of 101.688% of the note, plus interest payments due on the note through February 15, 2024 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 0.50%. In addition, on or after February 15, 2024, NRG may redeem some or all of the notes at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount as set forth in the following table, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the first applicable redemption date:

Redemption PeriodRedemption Percentage
February 15, 2024 to February 14, 2025101.688%
February 15, 2025 to February 14, 2026100.844%
February 15, 2026 and thereafter100.000%

2031 Senior Notes

At any time prior to February 15, 2026, NRG may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 103.625% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, provided that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption. At any time prior to February 15, 2026, NRG may redeem all or a part of the 2031 Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a premium. The premium is the greater of: (i) 1% of the principal amount of the notes; or (ii) the excess of the principal amount of the note over the following: the present value of 101.813% of the note, plus interest payments due on the note through February 15, 2026 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 0.50%. In addition, on or after February 15, 2026, NRG may redeem some or all of the notes at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount as set forth in the following table, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the first applicable redemption date:

Redemption PeriodRedemption Percentage
February 15, 2026 to February 14, 2027101.813%
February 15, 2027 to February 14, 2028101.208%
February 15, 2028 to February 14, 2029100.604%
February 15, 2029 and thereafter100.000%

2032 Senior Notes

At any time prior to August 15, 2024, NRG may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2032 Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 103.875% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, provided that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption. At any time prior to February 15, 2027, NRG may redeem all or a part of the 2032 Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a premium. The premium is the greater of: (i) 1% of the principal amount of the notes; or (ii) the excess of (A) the present value of (1) the redemption price of the note at February 15, 2027 (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing below in the column “Redemption Percentage (If Sustainability Performance Target has not been satisfied and/or confirmed by External Verifier)” unless the Sustainability Performance Target has been satisfied in respect of the year ended December 31, 2025 and the Company has provided confirmation thereof to the Trustee together with a related confirmation by the External Verifier by the date that is at least 15 days prior to August 15, 2026 in which case the redemption price shall be as set forth in the column “Redemption Percentage (If Sustainability Performance Target has been satisfied and confirmed by External Verifier)”) plus (2) interest payments due on the note through February 15, 2027 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date) computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 0.50%, over (B) the principal amount of the note. In addition, on or after February 15, 2027, NRG may redeem some or all of the notes at redemption prices expressed as percentages of principal amount as set forth in the following table during the twelve-month period beginning on February 15 of the years indicated below, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the first applicable redemption date:

YearRedemption Percentage (If Sustainability Performance Target has been satisfied and confirmed by External Verifier)Redemption Percentage (If Sustainability Performance Target has not been satisfied and/or confirmed by External Verifier)
2027101.938%102.188%
2028101.292%101.458%
2029100.646%100.729%
2030 and thereafter100.000%100.000%

Receivables Facility

In 2020, NRG Receivables LLC, a bankruptcy remote, special purpose, indirect wholly owned subsidiary, entered into the Receivables Facility for an amount up to $750 million, subject to adjustments on a seasonal basis, with issuers of asset-backed commercial paper and commercial banks (the "Lenders".) The assets of NRG Receivables LLC are first available to satisfy the claims of the Lenders before making payments on the subordinated note and equity issued by NRG Receivables LLC. The assets of NRG Receivables LLC are not available to the Company and its subsidiaries or creditors unless and until distributed by NRG Receivables LLC. Under the Receivables Facility, certain indirect subsidiaries of the Company sell their accounts receivables to NRG Receivables LLC, subject to certain terms and conditions. In turn, NRG Receivables LLC grants a security

interest in the purchased receivables to the Lenders as collateral for cash borrowings and issuances of letters of credit. Pursuant to the Performance Guaranty, the Company has guaranteed, for the benefit of NRG Receivables and the Lenders, the payment and performance by each indirect subsidiary of its respective obligations under the Receivables Facility. The accounts receivables remain on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and any amounts funded by the Lenders to NRG Receivables LLC will be reflected as short-term borrowings. Cash flows from the Receivables Facility are reflected as financing activities in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company will continue to service the accounts receivables sold in exchange for a servicing fee.

On July 26, 2022, NRG Receivables LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, entered into an amendment to its Receivables Facility dated September 22, 2020 with a group of conduit lenders and banks and Royal Bank of Canada, as Administrative Agent to, among other things, (i) extend the scheduled termination date by one year, (ii) increase the aggregate commitments from $800 million to $1.0 billion, (iii) increase the letter of credit sublimit to equal the aggregate commitments, (iv) replace LIBOR with Term SOFR as the benchmark for borrowings and (v) add new originators. Borrowings by NRG Receivables LLC under the Receivables Facility bear interest as defined under the Receivables Financing Agreement. The weighted average interest rate related to usage under the Receivables Facility as of December 31, 2022 was 0.844%. As of December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings and there were $721 million in letters of credit issued under the Receivables Facility.

Repurchase Facility

In 2020, the Company entered into the Repurchase Facility related to the Receivables Facility. Under the Repurchase Facility, the Company can borrow up to $75 million, collateralized by a subordinated note issued by NRG Receivables LLC to NRG Retail LLC in favor of the originating entities representing a portion of the balance of receivables sold to NRG Receivables LLC under the Receivables Facility.

On February 9, 2022, the Company entered into amendments to its existing Repurchase Facility to, among other things, (i) increase the size of the facility from $75 million to $150 million and (ii) replace LIBOR with term SOFR as the benchmark for the pricing rate. On July 26, 2022, the Company renewed its existing Repurchase Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity date to July 26, 2023. The Repurchase Facility has no commitment fee and borrowings will be drawn at SOFR + 1.30%. As of December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Repurchase Facility.

Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilities

On April 29, 2022, May 27, 2022 and October 13, 2022, the Company increased the size of the facilities by $100 million, $50 million and $50 million respectively, to provide additional liquidity, allowing for the issuance of up to $675 million of letters of credit. These facilities are uncommitted. As of December 31, 2022, $668 million was issued under these facilities.

Tax Exempt Bonds

As of December 31,
(In millions, except rates)20222021Interest Rate %
NRG Indian River Power 2020, tax exempt bonds, due 2040$57$571.250
NRG Indian River Power 2020, tax exempt bonds, due 20451901901.250
NRG Dunkirk 2020, tax exempt bonds, due 204259591.300
City of Texas City, tax exempt bonds, due 204533334.125
Fort Bend County, tax exempt bonds, due 203854544.750
Fort Bend County, tax exempt bonds, due 204273734.750
Total$466$466

Note 15 — Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

NRG sponsors and operates defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.

NRG pension benefits are available to eligible non-union and union employees through various defined benefit pension plans. These benefits are based on pay, service history and age at retirement. Most pension benefits are provided through tax-qualified plans. NRG also provides postretirement health and welfare benefits for certain groups of employees. Cost sharing provisions vary by the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

NRG maintains three separate qualified pension plans, the NRG Pension Plan for Bargained Employees, the NRG Pension Plan and the Pension Plan for Employees of Direct Energy Marketing Limited ("DEML"). Participation in the NRG Pension Plan for Bargained Employees depends upon whether an employee is covered by a bargaining agreement. The NRG Pension

plan was frozen for non-union employees on December 31, 2018. The Pension Plan for Employees of DEML is closed to new participants.

NRG expects to contribute $83 million to the Company's pension plans in 2023, of which $45 million relates to the GenOn plan.

NRG Defined Benefit Plans

The annual net periodic benefit cost/(credit) related to NRG's pension and other postretirement benefit plans include the following components:

Year Ended December 31,
Pension Benefits
(In millions)202220212020
Service cost benefits earned$7$9$10
Interest cost on benefit obligation412738
Expected return on plan assets(47)(66)(61)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss315
Settlement/curtailment expense142—
Net periodic benefit cost/(credit)$18$(27)$(8)
Year Ended December 31,
Other Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)202220212020
Interest cost on benefit obligation$2$2$3
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost(8)(10)(14)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss211
Curtailment loss—1—
Net periodic benefit credit$(4)$(6)$(10)

A comparison of the pension benefit obligation, other postretirement benefit obligations and related plan assets for NRG's plans on a combined basis is as follows:

As of December 31,
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)2022202120222021
Benefit obligation at January 1$1,452$1,489$105$90
Acquired benefit obligation from Direct Energy—74—19
Service cost79——
Interest cost412722
Actuarial gain(289)(55)(11)—
Employee and retiree contributions——33
Curtailment loss———1
Benefit payments(171)(93)(15)(10)
Foreign exchange translation(4)1——
Benefit obligation at December 311,0361,45284105
Fair value of plan assets at January 11,3361,272——
Acquired fair value of plan assets from Direct Energy—64——
Actual return on plan assets(317)85——
Employee and retiree contributions——33
Employer contributions—7127
Benefit payments(171)(93)(15)(10)
Foreign exchange translation(4)1——
Fair value of plan assets at December 318441,336——
Funded status at December 31 — excess of obligation over assets$(192)$(116)$(84)$(105)

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the actuarial gain of $289 million on pension benefits was primarily driven by increasing discount rates.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the actuarial gain of $55 million on pension benefits was primarily driven by increasing discount rates and changes in demographic assumptions.

Amounts recognized in NRG's balance sheets were as follows:

As of December 31,
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)2022202120222021
Other current liabilities$—$—$7$7
Other non-current liabilities1921167798

Amounts recognized in NRG's accumulated OCI that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

As of December 31,
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)2022202120222021
Net loss/(gain)$110$52$(7)$5
Prior service cost/(credit)12(12)(19)
Total accumulated OCI$111$54$(19)$(14)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)2022202120222021
Net actuarial loss/(gain)$74$(72)$(11)$—
Amortization of net actuarial loss(3)(1)(2)(1)
Amortization of prior service cost——810
Effect of settlement/curtailment(14)(2)——
Total recognized in OCI$57$(75)$(5)$9
Net periodic benefit cost/(credit)18(27)(4)(6)
Net recognized in net periodic pension cost/(credit) and OCI$75$(102)$(9)$3

The following table presents the balances of significant components of NRG's pension plan:

As of December 31,
Pension Benefits
(In millions)20222021
Projected benefit obligation$1,036$1,452
Accumulated benefit obligation1,0221,423
Fair value of plan assets8441,336

NRG's market-related value of its plan assets is the fair value of the assets. The fair values of the Company's pension plan assets by asset category and their level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2022
(In millions)Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)Total
Common/collective trust investment — U.S. equity$—$155$155
Common/collective trust investment — non-U.S. equity—6565
Common/collective trust investment — non-core assets—9090
Common/collective trust investment — fixed income—181181
Short-term investment fund22—22
Subtotal fair value$22$491$513
Measured at net asset value practical expedient:
Common/collective trust investment — non-U.S. equity33
Common/collective trust investment — fixed income220
Common/collective trust investment — non-core assets55
Partnerships/joint ventures23
Total fair value$844
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021
(In millions)Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)Total
Common/collective trust investment — U.S. equity$—$221$221
Common/collective trust investment — non-U.S. equity—6969
Common/collective trust investment — non-core assets—110110
Common/collective trust investment — fixed income—340340
Short-term investment fund13—13
Subtotal fair value$13$740$753
Measured at net asset value practical expedient:
Common/collective trust investment — non-U.S. equity78
Common/collective trust investment — fixed income405
Common/collective trust investment — non-core assets65
Partnerships/joint ventures35
Total fair value$1,336

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement in its entirety falls, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The fair value of the common/collective trust investments is valued at fair value which is equal to the sum of the market value of all of the fund's underlying investments. Certain common/collective trust investments have readily determinable fair value as they publish daily net asset value, or NAV, per share and are categorized as Level 2. Certain other common/collective trust investments and partnerships/joint ventures use NAV per share, or its equivalent, as a practical expedient for valuation, and thus have been removed from the fair value hierarchy table.

The following table presents the significant assumptions used to calculate NRG's benefit obligations:

As of December 31,
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
Weighted-Average Assumptions2022202120222021
Discount rate5.18%2.89%5.19%2.89%
Interest crediting rate5.21%3.07%4.00%1.94%
Rate of compensation increase3.06%3.06%—%—%
Health care trend rate——7.0% grading to 4.4% in 20316.8% grading to 4.4% in 2028

The following table presents the significant assumptions used to calculate NRG's benefit expense:

As of December 31,
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
Weighted-Average Assumptions202220212020202220212020
Discount rate2.89%/4.71%/5.41%2.55%3.26%2.82%2.81%3.26%
Interest crediting rate3.07%3.13%3.66%1.94%1.62%2.28%
Expected return on plan assets4.99%5.62%5.93%———
Rate of compensation increase3.06%3.06%3.00%———
Health care trend rate———6.9% grading to 4.4% in 20287.0% grading to 4.4% in 20287.5% grading to 4.5% in 2028

NRG uses December 31 of each respective year as the measurement date for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company sets the discount rate assumptions on an annual basis for each of NRG's defined benefit retirement plans as of December 31. The discount rate assumptions represent the current rate at which the associated liabilities could be effectively settled at December 31. The Company utilizes the Aon AA Above Median, or AA-AM, yield curve and the AON Canada yield curve to select the appropriate discount rate assumption for its retirement plans. The AA-AM yield curve is a hypothetical AA yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual spot discount rates from 6 months to 99 years. Under the AA-AM yield curve, each bond issue used to build this yield curve must be non-callable, and have an average rating of AA when averaging available Moody's Investor Services, Standard & Poor's and Fitch ratings. The AON Canada yield curve is based on high quality corporate bonds. Under the AON Canada yield curve, expected plan cash flows were discounted using the yield curve, and then a single rate is determined which produces an equivalent present value.

NRG employs a total return investment approach, whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The Investment Committee reviews the asset mix periodically and as the plan assets increase in future years, the Investment Committee may examine other asset classes such as real estate or private equity. NRG employs a building block approach to determining the long-term rate of return assumption for plan assets, with proper consideration given to diversification and rebalancing. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed income are preserved, consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. Current factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to check for reasonableness and appropriateness.

The target allocations of NRG's pension plan assets were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2022:

U.S. equity21%
Non-U.S. equity14%
Non-core assets18%
Fixed Income47%

Plan assets are currently invested in a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S., non-U.S., global, and emerging market equities, as well as among growth, value, small and large capitalization stocks.

Investment risk and performance are monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly portfolio reviews of each asset fund class to a related performance benchmark, if applicable, and annual pension liability measurements. Performance benchmarks are composed of the following indices:

Asset ClassIndex
U.S. equitiesDow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index
Non-U.S. equitiesMSCI All Country World Index
Non-core assets(a)Various (per underlying asset class)
Fixed income securitiesBarclays Short, Intermediate and Long Credits/Barclays Strips 20+ Index and FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index

(a)Non-Core Assets are defined as diversifying asset classes approved by the Investment Committee that are intended to enhance returns and/or reduce volatility of the U.S. and non-U.S. equities. Asset classes considered Non-Core include, but may not be limited to: Emerging Market Equity, Emerging Market Debt, Non-US Developed Market Small Cap, High Yield Fixed Income, Real Estate, Bank Loans, Global Infrastructure and other Alternatives.

NRG's expected future benefit payments for each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, are as follows:

PensionOther Postretirement Benefit
(In millions)Benefit PaymentsBenefit PaymentsMedicare Prescription Drug Reimbursements
2023$83$7$—
2024817—
2025796—
2026776—
2027766—
2028-2032361272

STP Defined Benefit Plans

NRG has a 44% undivided ownership interest in STP, as discussed further in Note 28, Jointly Owned Plants. STPNOC, which operates and maintains STP, provides its employees a defined benefit pension plan, as well as postretirement health and welfare benefits. Although NRG does not sponsor the STP plan, it reimburses STPNOC for 44% of the contributions made towards its retirement plan obligations. The STPNOC defined benefit pension plan was frozen to all employees during 2021.

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, NRG reimbursed STPNOC $18 million and $17 million, respectively, for its contribution to the plans. In 2023, NRG expects to reimburse STPNOC $10 million for its contribution to the plan.

The Company has recognized the following in its statement of financial position, statement of operations and accumulated OCI related to its 44% interest in STP:

As of December 31,
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)2022202120222021
Funded status — STPNOC benefit plans$(7)$(50)$(13)$(18)
Net periodic benefit cost/(credit)217(4)(4)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income(27)(51)14

Defined Contribution Plans

NRG's employees are also eligible to participate in defined contribution 401(k) plans.

The Company's contributions to these plans were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Company contributions to defined contribution plans$26$25$22

Note 16 — Capital Structure

For the period from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2022, the Company had 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized and 500,000,000 shares of common stock authorized. The following table reflects the changes in NRG's common shares issued and outstanding for each period presented:

Common Shares
IssuedTreasuryOutstanding
Balance as of December 31, 2019421,890,790(172,894,601)248,996,189
Shares issued under ESPP—131,469131,469
Shares issued under LTIPs1,167,058—1,167,058
Share repurchases—(6,062,783)(6,062,783)
Balance as of December 31, 2020423,057,848(178,825,915)244,231,933
Shares issued under ESPP—117,392117,392
Shares issued under LTIPs489,326—489,326
Share repurchases—(1,084,752)(1,084,752)
Balance as of December 31, 2021423,547,174(179,793,275)243,753,899
Shares issued under ESPP—142,825142,825
Shares issued under LTIPs349,827—349,827
Share repurchases—(14,685,521)(14,685,521)
Balance as of December 31, 2022423,897,001(194,335,971)229,561,030
Shares issued under LTIPs213,208—213,208
Balance as of February 15, 2023424,110,209(194,335,971)229,774,238

Common Stock

As of December 31, 2022, NRG had 14,022,916 shares of common stock reserved for the maximum number of shares potentially issuable based on the conversion and redemption features of the long-term incentive plans.

Common stock dividends — The Company declared and paid $0.350, $0.325 and $0.30 quarterly dividend per common share, or $1.40, $1.30 and $1.20 per share on an annualized basis for 2022, 2021 and 2020 respectively.

In the first quarter of 2020, NRG increased the annual dividend to $1.20 from $0.12 per share, as part of a long-term capital allocation policy adopted in the fourth quarter of 2019. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, NRG increased the annual dividend to $1.30, $1.40 and $1.51 per share, respectively, representing an 8% increase each year. The long-term capital allocation policy targets an annual dividend growth rate of 7-9% per share in subsequent years. The Company's common stock dividends are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws, regulations and other contractual obligations.

On January 20, 2023, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.3775 per share, or $1.51 per share on an annualized basis, payable on February 15, 2023, to stockholders of record as of February 1, 2023.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan — The Company offers participation in the ESPP, which allows eligible employees to elect to withhold between 1% and 10% of their eligible compensation to purchase shares of NRG common stock at the lesser of 95% of its market value on the offering date or 95% of the fair market value on the exercise date. An offering date will occur each April 1 and October 1. An exercise date will occur each September 30 and March 31. As of December 31, 2021, there remained 2,493,374 shares of treasury stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP.

Share Repurchases

In December 2021, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized $1 billion for share repurchases as part of NRG’s Capital Allocation policy. The program began with $44 million of repurchases in December 2021, and an incremental $601 million was repurchased in 2022. The balance of $355 million under the current program is expected to be repurchased in 2023, subject to the availability of excess cash and full visibility of the achievement of the Company's 2023 targeted credit metrics.

In October 2022, the Company announced its 2023 capital allocation plan which, consistent with NRG's stated strategy of returning 50% of cash available for allocation to shareholders, included $600 million incremental share repurchases to be completed in 2023. In connection with the anticipated Vivint acquisition, the Company updated its 2023 capital allocation plan by reallocating 2023 capital primarily to fund the Vivint acquisition, dividend payments and debt reduction. Following the completion of the Vivint acquisition, the Company plans to further update its 2023 capital allocation plan.

The following table summarizes the shares repurchases made during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:

Total number of shares and share equivalents purchasedAverage price paid per share and share equivalentAmounts paid for shares and share equivalents purchased (in millions)
2020 repurchases:
Repurchases6,062,783197
Equivalent shares purchased in lieu of tax withholdings on equity compensation issuances(a)711,24827
Total Share Repurchases during 20206,774,031$33.05$224
2021 repurchases:
Repurchases(b)1,084,75244
Equivalent shares purchased in lieu of tax withholdings on equity compensation issuances(a)249,0139
Total Share Repurchases during 20211,333,765$40.22$53
2022 repurchases:
Repurchases14,685,521595
Equivalent shares purchased in lieu of tax withholdings on equity compensation issuances(a)151,2416
Total Share Repurchases during 202214,836,762$40.50$601

(a)NRG elected to pay cash for tax withholding on equity awards instead of issuing actual shares to management. The average price per equivalent shares withheld was $42.74, $37.50 and $38.23 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 21, Stock-Based Compensation, for further discussion of the equity awards

(b)Includes $5 million accrued as of December 31, 2021

Note 17 — Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities

Entities that are not Consolidated

NRG accounts for the Company's significant investments using the equity method of accounting. NRG's carrying value of equity investments can be impacted by a number of elements including impairments, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives and movements in foreign currency exchange rates.

On June 1, 2022, the Company sold its 49% ownership in the Watson natural gas generating facility for $59 million as further described in Note 4, Acquisitions and Dispositions. On September 14, 2022, the Company sold its 50% ownership in Petra Nova natural gas generating facility. The following table summarizes NRG's equity method investments as of December 31, 2022:

(In millions, except percentages)
Name:Economic InterestInvestment Balance
Gladstone37.5%$128
Ivanpah Master Holdings, LLC(a)54.5%—
Midway-Sunset Cogeneration Company50.0%5
Total equity investments in affiliates$133

(a) The equity method of accounting for Ivanpah has been suspended based on losses generated by the project, including the impact of debt service and depreciation

The following table summarizes the undistributed earnings from NRG's equity method investments as of December 31, 2022:

As of December 31,
(In millions)20222021
Undistributed earnings$42$33

Other Equity Investments

Gladstone — Through a joint venture, NRG owns a 37.5% interest in Gladstone, a 1,613 MW coal-fueled power generation facility in Queensland, Australia. The power generation facility is managed by the joint venture participants and the facility is operated by NRG. Operating expenses incurred in connection with the operation of the facility are funded by each of the participants in proportion to their ownership interests. Coal is sourced from local mines in Queensland. NRG and the joint

venture participants receive their respective share of revenues directly from the off takers in proportion to the ownership interests in the joint venture. Power generated by the facility is primarily sold to an adjacent aluminum smelter, with excess power sold to the Queensland Government-owned utility under long-term supply contracts. NRG's investment in Gladstone was $128 million as of December 31, 2022.

Entities that are Consolidated

The Company has a controlling financial interest that has been identified as a VIE under ASC 810 in NRG Receivables LLC, which has entered into financing transactions related to the Receivables Facility as further described in Note 13, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases.

The summarized financial information for the Company's consolidated VIEs consisted of the following:

(In millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Accounts receivable and Other current assets$2,108$939
Current liabilities15278
Net assets$1,956$861

Note 18 — Income Per Share

Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Shares issued and treasury shares repurchased during the year are weighted for the portion of the year that they were outstanding. Diluted income per share is computed in a manner consistent with that of basic income per share, while giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period.

Dilutive effect for equity compensation and other equity instruments — The relative performance stock units, non-vested restricted stock units, market stock units and non-qualified stock options are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing basic income per share. However, these instruments are included in the denominator for purposes of computing diluted income per share under the treasury stock method for periods when there is net income. The Convertible Senior Notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash or combination of cash and Company’s common stock. Prior to adoption of ASU 2020-06, there was no dilutive effect for the Convertible Senior Notes due to the Company’s expectation to settle the liability in cash. Upon adoption of ASU 2020-06, on January 1, 2022, the Company is including the potential share settlements, if any, in the denominator for purposes of computing diluted income per share under the if converted method for periods when there is net income. The potential shares settlements are calculated as the excess of the Company's conversion obligation over the aggregate principal amount (which will be settled in cash), divided by the average share price for the period. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there was no dilutive effect for the Convertible Senior Notes since there were no potential share settlements for the period.

The reconciliation of NRG's basic income per share to diluted income per share is shown in the following table:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts)202220212020
Basic income per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc;
Net income attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholders$1,221$2,187$510
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic236245245
Income per weighted average common share — basic$5.17$8.93$2.08
Diluted income per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc;
Net income attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholders$1,221$2,187$510
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic236245245
Incremental shares attributable to the issuance of equity compensation (treasury stock method)——1
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-diluted236245246
Income per weighted average common share — diluted$5.17$8.93$2.07

As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company had an insignificant number of outstanding equity instruments that are anti-dilutive and were not included in the computation of the Company’s diluted income per share.

Note 19 — Segment Reporting

The Company’s segment structure reflects how management makes financial decisions and allocates resources. The Company manages its operations based on the combined results of the retail and wholesale generation businesses with a geographical focus.

NRG's chief operating decision maker, its chief executive officer, evaluates the performance of its segments based on operational measures including adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and allocation of capital, as well as net income/(loss).

The Company had no customer that comprised more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Intersegment sales are accounted for at market.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate**(a)**EliminationsTotal
Revenues**(a)**$10,057$16,763$4,706$—$17$31,543
Operating expenses8,49516,0314,108861728,737
Depreciation and amortization3102088531—634
Impairment losses—206———206
Total operating cost and expenses8,80516,4454,1931171729,577
Gain on sale of assets10—45(3)—52
Operating income1,262318558(120)—2,018
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(2)—8——6
Other income, net510354(16)56
Interest expense—(1)(32)(400)16(417)
Income/(loss) before income taxes1,265327537(466)—1,663
Income tax expense—157384—442
Net income/(loss)$1,265$326$480$(850)$—$1,221
Balance sheet
Equity investments in affiliates$—$—$133$—$—$133
Capital expenditures27373750—367
Goodwill710723217——1,650
Total assets$11,475$19,526$8,139$35,780$(45,774)$29,146
(a) Inter-segment sales and inter-segment net derivative gains and losses included in revenues$4$(26)$5$—$—$(17)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate**(a)**EliminationsTotal
Revenues**(a)**$10,295$13,025$3,659$—$10$26,989
Operating expenses8,69210,2563,4671411022,566
Depreciation and amortization3363338828—785
Impairment losses—5359——544
Total operating cost and expenses9,02811,1243,5641691023,895
Gain on sale of assets19—17211—247
Operating income1,2861,90111242—3,341
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(3)—20——17
Other income, net87359(14)63
Loss on debt extinguishment———(77)—(77)
Interest expense(1)(1)(28)(469)14(485)
Income/(loss) before income taxes1,2901,907107(445)—2,859
Income tax expense——19653—672
Net income/(loss)$1,290$1,907$88$(1,098)$—$2,187
Balance sheet
Equity investments in affiliates$—$—$157$—$—$157
Capital expenditures153502145—269
Goodwill716853226——1,795
Total assets$12,271$13,645$4,673$19,051$(26,458)$23,182
(a) Inter-segment sales and inter-segment net derivative gains and losses included in revenues$5$(18)$3$—$—$(10)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
(In millions)TexasEastWest/Services/OtherCorporate**(a)**EliminationsTotal
Revenues**(a)**$6,312$2,249$536$—$(4)$9,093
Operating expenses5,2511,75542257(4)7,481
Depreciation and amortization2331323634—435
Impairment losses14—61——75
Total operating cost and expenses5,4981,88751991(4)7,991
(Loss)/gain on sale of assets——(2)5—3
Operating income/(loss)81436215(86)—1,105
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(12)—29——17
Impairment losses on investments(18)————(18)
Other income, net117841—67
Loss on debt extinguishment—(4)(5)——(9)
Interest expense—(14)(3)(384)—(401)
Income/(loss) before income taxes79535144(429)—761
Income tax (benefit)/expense—(1)2250—251
Net income/(loss)$795$352$42$(679)$—$510
(a) Inter-segment sales and inter-segment net derivative gains and losses included in revenues$6$(6)$4$—$—$4

Note 20 — Income Taxes

The income tax provision consisted of the following amounts:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except effective income tax rate)202220212020
Current
U.S. Federal$3$—$—
State654822
Foreign334
Total — current715126
Deferred
U.S. Federal258569168
State593660
Foreign5416(3)
Total — deferred371621225
Total income tax expense$442$672$251
Effective income tax rate26.6%23.5%33.0%

The IRA enacted on August 16, 2022, introduced new provisions including a 15% corporate book minimum tax and a 1% excise tax on net share repurchases with both taxes effective beginning in fiscal year 2023 for NRG. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of the corporate book minimum tax when the U.S. Treasury and the IRS release further guidance. Additionally, the IRA establishes a production tax credit associated with existing nuclear facilities which begins in 2024 and terminates at the end of 2031. The production tax credit will fully apply when gross revenues are at or below $25 per MWh and phases out completely at $43.75 per MWh. The U.S. Treasury is in the process of defining the methods by which gross revenues may be calculated pursuant to the IRA.

On March 27, 2020, the Senate passed the CARES Act to provide emergency relief related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act contains federal income tax provisions which, among other things: (i) increases the amount of interest expense that businesses are allowed to deduct by increasing the adjusted taxable income limitation from 30% to 50% for tax years that begin in 2019 and 2020; (ii) permits businesses to carry back to each of the five tax years NOLs arising from tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2020; and (iii) temporarily removes the 80% limitation on NOLs until tax years beginning after 2020. The CARES Act provisions did not have a material impact on the tax positions of the Company.

The following represented the domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
U.S.$1,436$2,759$749
Foreign22710012
Total$1,663$2,859$761

Reconciliations of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to NRG's effective tax rate were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except effective income tax rate)202220212020
Income before income taxes$1,663$2,859$761
Tax at federal statutory tax rate349600160
Foreign rate differential7(3)—
State taxes6911118
Permanent differences1788
Changes in valuation allowance(3)(29)24
Deferred impact of state tax rate changes14(10)2
Recognition of uncertain tax benefits8(10)3
Carbon capture tax credits(19)——
Return to provision adjustments—536
Income tax expense$442$672$251
Effective income tax rate26.6%23.5%33.0%

For the year ended December 31, 2022, NRG's effective income tax rate was higher than the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state tax expense partially offset by the recognition of carbon capture tax credits.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, NRG's effective income tax rate was higher than the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state tax expense partially offset by tax benefits from the revaluation of state deferred tax assets, valuation allowance, and settlements of uncertain tax positions.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, NRG's effective income tax rate was higher than the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to state tax expense, the recognition of state valuation allowance on NOLs, and return to provision adjustments.

The temporary differences, which gave rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

As of December 31,
(In millions)20222021
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation, accrued vacation and other reserves$93$114
Difference between book and tax basis of property399436
Pension and other postretirement benefits6265
Equity compensation87
Allowance for credit losses33168
U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards1,7171,773
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards104112
State net operating loss carryforwards315328
Federal and state tax credit carryforwards393384
Federal benefit on state uncertain tax positions53
Interest disallowance carryforward per §163(j) of the Tax Act656
Inventory obsolescence109
U.S. capital loss15—
Other2215
Total deferred tax assets3,2413,420
Deferred tax liabilities:
Emissions allowances1920
Derivatives874591
Goodwill2640
Intangibles amortization (excluding goodwill)269363
Equity method investments8262
Convertible Debt—14
Total deferred tax liabilities1,2701,090
Total deferred tax assets less deferred tax liabilities1,9712,330
Valuation allowance(224)(248)
Total net deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance$1,747$2,082

The following table summarizes NRG's net deferred tax position as presented in the consolidated balance sheets:

As of December 31,
(In millions)20222021
Deferred tax asset$1,881$2,155
Deferred tax liability(134)(73)
Net deferred tax asset$1,747$2,082

The primary drivers for the decrease in the net deferred tax asset from $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2021 to $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2022 is an increase in unrealized mark-to-market book gains on derivative instruments.

Deferred tax assets and valuation allowance

Net deferred tax balance — As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, NRG recorded a net deferred tax asset, excluding valuation allowance, of $2.0 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. The Company believes certain state net operating losses may not be realizable under the more-likely-than-not measurement and as such, a valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2022 as discussed below.

NOL carryforwards — As of December 31, 2022, the Company had tax-effected cumulative U.S. NOLs consisting of carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of $1.7 billion and $315 million, respectively. In addition, NRG has tax-effected cumulative foreign NOL carryforwards of $104 million. The majority of NRG's NOL carryforwards have no expiration date.

Valuation allowance — As of December 31, 2022, the Company's tax-effected valuation allowance was $224 million, consisting of state NOL carryforwards and foreign NOL carryforwards. The valuation allowance was recorded based on the assessment of cumulative and forecasted pre-tax book earnings and the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences.

Taxes Receivable and Payable

As of December 31, 2022, NRG recorded a current net federal receivable of $5 million and a current net foreign receivable of $13 million due to filings of Canadian amended returns as well as prepayments of estimated taxes.

Uncertain tax benefits

NRG has identified uncertain tax benefits with after-tax value of $22 million and $13 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, for which NRG has recorded a non-current tax liability of $24 million and $14 million, respectively. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company recognized $1 million of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, an immaterial amount for the year ended 2021 and $1 million for the year ended 2020. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, NRG had cumulative interest and penalties related to these uncertain tax benefits of $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

Tax jurisdictions — NRG is subject to examination by taxing authorities for income tax returns filed in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions including operations located in Australia and Canada.

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2019. With few exceptions, state and Canadian income tax examinations are no longer open for years before 2014.

The following table summarizes uncertain tax benefits activity:

As of December 31,
(In millions)20222021
Balance as of January 1$13$15
Increase due to current year positions94
Increase due to acquired balance from Direct Energy—9
Settlements, payments and statute closure—(15)
Uncertain tax benefits as of December 31$22$13

Note 21 — Stock-Based Compensation

NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan

On April 27, 2017, the NRG LTIP was amended to increase the number of shares available for issuance by 3,000,000. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, a total of 25,000,000 shares of NRG common stock were authorized for issuance under the NRG LTIP. There were 8,179,771 and 8,871,874 shares of common stock remaining available for grants under the NRG LTIP as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The NRG LTIP is subject to adjustments in the event of reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, and a combination of shares, merger or similar change in NRG's structure or outstanding shares of common stock.

Restricted Stock Units

As of December 31, 2022, RSUs granted under the Company's LTIPs typically have three-year graded vesting schedules beginning on the grant date. Fair value of the RSUs granted during 2022 and 2021 is derived from the closing price of NRG common stock on the grant date. The following table summarizes the Company's non-vested RSU awards and changes during the year:

UnitsWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Unit
Non-vested at December 31, 2021669,952$38.69
Granted530,56541.26
Forfeited(43,601)41.09
Vested(299,999)38.36
Non-vested at December 31, 2022856,91740.25

The total fair value of RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $10 million, $12 million and $17 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $41.26, $39.00 and $38.05, respectively.

Deferred Stock Units

DSUs represent the right of a participant to be paid one share of NRG common stock at the end of a deferral period established under the terms of the award. DSUs granted under the Company's LTIPs are fully vested at the date of issuance. Fair value of the DSUs, which is based on the closing price of NRG common stock on the date of grant, is recorded as compensation expense in the period of grant.

The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding DSU awards and changes during the year:

UnitsWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Unit
Outstanding at December 31, 2021384,128$26.11
Granted52,86545.49
Converted to Common Stock(18,979)39.27
Outstanding at December 31, 2022418,01427.63

The aggregate intrinsic values for DSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were approximately $13 million, $17 million and $13 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values for DSUs converted to common stock for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were $1 million, $1 million and $2 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $45.49, $32.27 and $35.59, respectively.

Relative Performance Stock Units

RPSUs entitle the recipient to stock upon vesting. The amount of the award is subject to the Company's achievement of certain performance measures over the vesting period. RPSUs are restricted grants where the quantity of shares increases and decreases alongside the Company's Total Shareholder Return, or TSR, relative to the TSR of the Company's current proxy peer group and the total returns of select indexes, or Peer Group. For RPSU's granted in 2022 and forward, the peer group consists of the companies that comprise the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index on the first day of the performance period. Each RPSU represents the potential to receive NRG common stock after the completion of the performance period, typically three years of service from the date of grant. The number of shares of NRG common stock to be paid (if any) as of the vesting date for each RPSU will depend on the Company’s percentile rank within the Peer Group. The number of shares of common stock to be paid as of the vesting date for each RPSU is linearly interpolated for TSR performance between the following points: (i) 0% if ranked below the 25th percentile; (ii) 25% if ranked at the 25th percentile; (iii) 100% if ranked at the 55th percentile (or the 65th percentile if the Company's absolute TSR is less than negative 15%); and (iv) 200% if ranked at the 75th percentile or above.

The following table summarizes the Company's non-vested RPSU awards and changes during the year:

UnitsWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Unit
Non-vested at December 31, 2021730,505$47.40
Granted291,85257.41
Forfeited(54,392)46.68
Vested(172,630)45.77
Non-vested at December 31, 2022795,33550.23

The weighted average grant date fair value of RPSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, was $57.41, $46.78 and $23.75, respectively.

The fair value of RPSUs is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model and expensed over the service period, which equals the vesting period. Significant assumptions used in the fair value model with respect to the Company's RPSUs are summarized below:

20222021**(a)**2020
RPSUsRPSUsRPSUs
Expected volatility37.54%34.05%30.15%
Expected term (in years)333
Risk free rate0.97%0.17%1.58%

(a)Assumptions pertain to the main award granted in January 2021. Additional 60,815 RPSUs were granted in September 2021 with a risk free rate of 0.42% and expected volatility of 37.38%

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, expected volatility is calculated based on NRG's historical stock price volatility data over the period commensurate with the expected term of the RPSU, which equals the vesting period.

Non-Qualified Stock Options

All NQSOs granted under the Company's LTIP were fully vested as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. No NQSOs were granted in 2022, 2021 or 2020. Of the 17,870 NQSOs that were outstanding at December 31, 2021, 14,477 were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 3,393 expired. No compensation expense was recognized during 2022, 2021 or 2020 related to NQSOs.

Supplemental Information

The following table summarizes NRG's total compensation expense recognized for the years presented, as well as total non-vested compensation costs not yet recognized and the period over which this expense is expected to be recognized as of December 31, 2022, for each of the types of awards issued under the LTIPs. Minimum tax withholdings of $6 million, $9 million, and $27 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, are reflected as a reduction to additional paid-in capital on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Non-vested Compensation Cost
(In millions, except weighted average data)Compensation ExpenseUnrecognized Total CostWeighted Average Recognition Period Remaining (In years)
Year Ended December 31,As of December 31,
Award20222021202020222022
RSUs$15$9$9$171.75
DSUs222—0.00
RPSUs11910131.16
PRSUs(a)67671.45
Total$34$27$27$37
Tax detriment/(benefit) recognized$3$2$(9)

(a)Phantom Restricted Stock Units, PRSUs, are liability-classified time-based awards that typically vest ratably over a three-year period. The amount to be paid upon vesting is based on NRG's closing stock price for the period

Note 22 — Related Party Transactions

NRG provides services to some of its related parties, who are accounted for as equity method investments, under operations and maintenance agreements. Fees for the services under these agreements include recovery of NRG's costs of operating the plants. Certain agreements also include fees for administrative service, a base monthly fee, profit margin and/or annual incentive bonus.

The following table summarizes NRG's material related party transactions with third-party affiliates:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Revenues from Related Parties Included in Revenues
Gladstone$4$4$4
Ivanpah(a)423943
Midway-Sunset665
Total$52$49$52

(a)Includes fees under project management agreements with each project company

Note 23 — Commitments and Contingencies

Certain Fuel and Transportation Commitments

NRG has entered into long-term contractual arrangements to procure certain fuel and transportation services for the Company's generation assets.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company's minimum commitments under such outstanding agreements are estimated as follows:

Period(In millions)
2023$110
202471
202583
202654
202778
Thereafter56
Total(a)$452

(a)Actual fuel and transportation purchases are significantly higher than these estimated minimum unconditional long-term firm commitments with remaining term in excess of one year

For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the costs of certain fuel and transportation were $736 million, $584 million and $479 million, respectively.

Purchased Energy Commitments

NRG has long-term contractual commitments related to electricity and natural gas products, including power purchases, gas transportation and storage of various quantities and durations. These contracts are not included in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. Minimum purchase commitment obligations are as follows as of December 31, 2022:

Period(In millions)
2023$908
20241,050
2025662
2026396
2027296
Thereafter987
Total(a)$4,299

(a)Actual energy purchases are significantly higher than these estimated minimum unconditional long-term firm commitments with remaining term in excess of one year. The year ending 2023 does not include an additional $1.5 billion of short-term commitments

For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the costs of purchased energy were $18.8 billion, $12.8 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.

First Lien Structure

NRG has granted first liens to certain counterparties on a substantial portion of property and assets owned by NRG and the guarantors of its senior debt. NRG uses the first lien structure to reduce the amount of cash collateral and letters of credit that it would otherwise be required to post from time to time to support its obligations under out-of-the-money hedges. To the extent that the underlying hedge positions for a counterparty are out-of-the-money to NRG, the counterparty would have a claim under the first lien program. As of December 31, 2022, hedges under the first lien were out-of-the-money for NRG on a counterparty aggregate basis.

Nuclear Insurance

STP maintains required insurance coverage for liability claims arising from nuclear incidents pursuant to the Price-Anderson Act. The current liability limit per incident is $13.7 billion, subject to change to account for the effects of inflation and the number of licensed reactors. An inflation adjustment must be made at least once every five years with the next adjustment expected to be effective no later than November 1, 2023. Under the Price-Anderson Act, owners of nuclear power plants in the U.S. are required to purchase primary insurance limits of $450 million for each operating site. In addition, the Price-Anderson Act requires an additional layer of protection through mandatory participation in a retrospective rating plan for power reactors resulting in an additional $13.2 billion in funds available for public liability claims. The current maximum

assessment per incident, per reactor, is approximately $138 million, taking into account a 5% adjustment for administrative fees, payable at approximately $21 million per reactor, per incident, per year. NRG would be responsible for 44% of the maximum assessment, or $9 million per reactor, per incident, per year, and a maximum of $61 million per incident, per reactor. In addition, the U.S. Congress retains the ability to impose additional financial requirements on the nuclear industry to pay liability claims that exceed $13.7 billion for a single incident. The liabilities of the co-owners of STP with respect to the retrospective premium assessments for nuclear liability insurance are joint and several.

STP purchases insurance for property damage and site decontamination cleanup costs from Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, or NEIL, and European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance, or EMANI, both of which are industry mutual insurance companies, of which STP is a member. STP has purchased $2.8 billion in limits for nuclear events and $1.0 billion in limits for non-nuclear events. The nuclear event limit remains the maximum available from NEIL. The upper $1.3 billion in nuclear events limits (excess of the first $1.5 billion in nuclear events limits) is a single limit blanket policy shared with two Diablo Canyon nuclear reactors, which have no affiliation with the Company. This shared limit is not subject to automatic reinstatement in the event of a loss. The NEIL primary policy covers both nuclear and non-nuclear property damage events, and a NEIL companion policy provides Accidental Outage coverage for the co-owners of STP's lost revenue following a property damage event, at a weekly indemnity limit of $3 million per unit up to a maximum of $274 million nuclear per unit and $183 million non-nuclear per unit, and is subject to an eight-week waiting period. NRG also purchases an Accidental Outage policy from NEIL, which provides protection for lost revenue due to an insurable event. This coverage allows for reimbursement up to $2 million per week per unit up to a maximum of $216 million nuclear and $144 million non-nuclear, and is subject to an eight-week waiting period. Accidental Outage coverage amounts decrease in the event more than one unit at a station is out of service due to a common accident. Under the terms of the NEIL and EMANI policies, member companies may be assessed up to ten and six times their annual premiums, respectively, if the NEIL or EMANI Board of Directors determines their surplus has been depleted due to the payment of property losses at any of the licensed reactors in a single policy year. NEIL and EMANI require that their members maintain an investment grade credit rating or ensure their annual retrospective obligation by providing a financial guarantee, letter of credit, deposit premium, or an insurance policy. NRG has purchased an insurance policy from NEIL and EMANI to guarantee the Company's obligation; however note the NEIL aspect of this insurance will only respond to retrospective premium adjustments assessed within twenty-four months after the policy term, whereas NEIL's Board of Directors can make such an adjustment up to 6 years after the policy expires. All insurance coverage is subject to various sub limits and significant deductibles.

Contingencies

The Company's material legal proceedings are described below. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to these legal proceedings and intends to defend them vigorously. NRG records accruals for estimated losses from contingencies when information available indicates that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss, or range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. As applicable, the Company has established an adequate accrual for the applicable legal matters, including regulatory and environmental matters as further discussed in Note 24, Regulatory Matters, and Note 25, Environmental Matters. In addition, legal costs are expensed as incurred. Management has assessed each of the following matters based on current information and made a judgment concerning its potential outcome, considering the nature of the claim, the amount and nature of damages sought, and the probability of success. Unless specified below, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these legal proceedings or reasonably estimate the scope or amount of any associated costs and potential liabilities. As additional information becomes available, management adjusts its assessment and estimates of such contingencies accordingly. Because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings or developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of the Company's liabilities and contingencies could be at amounts that are different from its currently recorded accruals and that such difference could be material.

In addition to the legal proceedings noted below, NRG and its subsidiaries are party to other litigation or legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In management's opinion, the disposition of these ordinary course matters will not materially adversely affect NRG's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Environmental Lawsuits

Sierra club et al. v. Midwest Generation LLC — In 2012, several environmental groups filed a complaint against Midwest Generation with the Illinois Pollution Control Board ("IPCB") alleging violations of environmental law resulting in groundwater contamination. In June 2019, the IPCB found in an interim order that Midwest Generation violated the law because it had improperly handled coal ash at four facilities in Illinois and caused or allowed coal ash constituents to impact groundwater. On September 9, 2019, Midwest Generation filed a Motion to Reconsider numerous issues, which the court granted in part and denied in part on February 6, 2020. The IPCB will hold hearings to determine the appropriate relief. Midwest Generation has been working with the Illinois EPA to address the groundwater issues since 2010.

Consumer Lawsuits

Similar to other energy service companies operating in the industry, from time-to-time, the Company and/or its subsidiaries may be subject to consumer lawsuits in various jurisdictions where they sell natural gas and electricity.

Variable Price Cases — In the cases set forth below, referred to as the Variable Price Cases, such actions involve consumers alleging that one of the Company’s ESCOs promised that consumers would pay the same or less than they would have paid if they stayed with their default utility or previous energy supplier. The underlying claims of each case are similar and the Company continues to deny the allegations and is vigorously defending these matters. These matters were known and accrued for at the time of each acquisition.

XOOM Energy

XOOM Energy is a defendant in a putative class action lawsuit pending in New York. This case is in the summary judgment phase.

Direct Energy

There are four putative class actions pending against Direct Energy: (1) Linda Stanley v. Direct Energy (S.D.N.Y Apr. 2019) - The parties mediated in June 2021 and agreed on a settlement. In April 2022, the Court granted final approval of the settlement, which was primarily paid during the second quarter of 2022. This matter is complete and final; (2) Martin Forte v. Direct Energy (N.D.N.Y. Mar. 2017) - In December 2017, the Court granted Direct Energy's Motion for summary judgment effectively ending the matter at the district court level. Forte appealed. Direct Energy participated in oral argument on January 12, 2023. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion in Direct Energy's favor; (3) Richard Schafer v. Direct Energy (W.D.N.Y. Dec. 2019; on appeal 2nd Cir. N.Y.) - The Second Circuit sent the matter back to the trial court in December 2021. After discovery, Direct Energy filed summary judgement. Direct Energy won summary judgment and Schafer appealed. The parties are now briefing the appeal. Given the result in the Forte case, the trial court's summary judgment will be upheld and Direct Energy is expected to prevail; and (4) Andrew Gant v. Direct Energy and NRG (D.N.J. Aug. 2022) - Direct Energy and NRG filed a Motion to Dismiss on October 18, 2022.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") Cases — In the cases set forth below, referred to as the TCPA Cases, such actions involve consumers alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, as amended, by receiving calls, texts or voicemails without consent in violation of the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, and/or state counterpart legislation. The underlying claims of each case are similar. The Company denies the allegations asserted by plaintiffs and intends to vigorously defend these matters. These matters were known and accrued for at the time of the acquisition.

There are two putative class actions pending against Direct Energy: (1) Holly Newman v. Direct Energy, LP (D. Md Sept 2021) - Direct Energy filed its Motion to Dismiss asserting the ruling in the Brittany Burk v. Direct Energy (S.D. Tex. Feb 2019) preempts the Plaintiff's ability to file suit based on the same facts. The Court denied Direct Energy's motion stating the Court does not have the benefit of all of the facts that were in front of the Burk court to issue a similar ruling. On October 19, 2022, Direct Energy filed a Motion to Transfer Venue asking the Court to transfer the case to the Southern District where the Burk case was filed. Direct Energy will await the court's ruling before moving forward with written discovery; and (2) Matthew Dickson v. Direct Energy (N.D. Ohio Jan. 2018) - The case was stayed pending the outcome of an appeal to the Sixth Circuit based on the unconstitutionality of the TCPA during the period from 2015-2020. The Sixth Circuit found the TCPA was in effect during that period and remanded the case back to the trial court. Direct Energy refiled its motions along with supplements. On March 25, 2022, the Court granted summary judgment in favor of Direct Energy and dismissed the case. Dickson appealed. The Court held oral arguments on January 17, 2023. Direct Energy anticipates a ruling within the next six months.

Winter Storm Uri Lawsuits

The Company has been named in certain property damage and wrongful death claims that have been filed in connection with Winter Storm Uri in its capacity as a generator and a REP. Most of the lawsuits related to Winter Storm Uri are consolidated into a single multi-district litigation matter in Harris County District Court. NRG's REPs have since been severed from the multi-district litigation and will be seeking dismissal in any remaining cases. As a power generator, the Company is named in various cases with claims ranging from: wrongful death; personal injury only; property damage and personal injury; property damage only; and subrogation. The case is currently stayed pending appeal by other parties on other issues. The Company intends to vigorously defend these matters.

Indemnifications and Other Contractual Arrangements

Washington-St. Tammany and Claiborne Electric Cooperative v. LaGen — On June 28, 2017, plaintiffs Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Claiborne Electric Cooperative, Inc. filed a lawsuit against LaGen in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The plaintiffs claimed breach of contract against LaGen for allegedly improperly charging the plaintiffs for costs related to the installation and maintenance of certain pollution control technology. Plaintiffs sought damages for the alleged improper charges and a declaration as to which charges were proper under the contract. In February 2020, the federal court dismissed this lawsuit without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. On March 17, 2020, plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge in Louisiana alleging substantially the same matters. On February 4, 2019, NRG sold the South Central Portfolio, including the entities subject to this litigation. However, NRG has agreed to indemnify the purchaser for certain losses suffered in connection therewith.

Note 24 — Regulatory Matters

NRG operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to regulation by various federal, state and provincial agencies. As such, NRG is affected by regulatory developments at the federal, state and provincial levels and in the regions in which NRG operates. In addition, NRG is subject to the market rules, procedures and protocols of the various ISO and RTO markets in which NRG participates. These power markets are subject to ongoing legislative and regulatory changes that may impact NRG's wholesale and retail operations.

In addition to the regulatory proceeding noted below, NRG and its subsidiaries are parties to other regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business or have other regulatory exposure. In management's opinion, the disposition of these ordinary course matters will not materially adversely affect NRG's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

California Station Power — As the result of unfavorable final and non-appealable litigation, the Company accrued a liability associated with consumption of station power at the Company's Encina power plant facility in California after August 30, 2010. The Company has established an appropriate accrual pending potential regulatory action by San Diego Gas & Electric regarding the Company's Encina facility.

Note 25 — Environmental Matters

NRG is subject to a wide range of environmental laws in the development, construction, ownership and operation of power plants. These laws generally require that governmental permits and approvals be obtained before construction and maintained during operation of power plants. The electric generation industry has been facing increasingly stringent requirements regarding air quality, GHG emissions, combustion byproducts, water discharge and use, and threatened and endangered species. In general, future laws are expected to require the addition of emissions controls or other environmental controls or to impose additional restrictions on the operations of the Company's facilities, which could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company has elected to use a $1 million disclosure threshold, as permitted, for environmental proceedings to which the government is a party.

Air

CPP/ACE Rules — On July 8, 2019, the EPA promulgated the ACE rule, which rescinded the CPP, which had sought to broadly regulate CO2 emissions from the power sector. The ACE rule required states that have coal-fired EGUs to develop plans to seek heat rate improvements from coal-fired EGUs. 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. The Company anticipates that there will be additional proceedings at the D.C. Circuit and additional rulemaking by the EPA over the next several years.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") — In April 2022, the EPA proposed revising the CSAPR to address the good-neighbor provisions of the 2015 ozone NAAQS. If the rule were finalized as proposed, it would apply to 25 states (including Texas) beginning in 2023. In 2023, the revised Group 3 trading program (previously established in the Revised CSAPR Update Rule) would have emission budgets based on NOx emission rates that the EPA says are achievable by existing controls at power plants. Starting in 2026, the NOx budgets would be reduced significantly based on levels achievable if SCR controls were installed at coal-fueled power plants that do not currently have such controls. Starting in 2025, the budgets would be updated annually to account for retirements, changes to operations and new units. The proposal also contemplates heightened surrender requirements for units that exceed certain NOx emission rate thresholds. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this proposed revision and anticipates that this rulemaking will be subject to legal challenges after it is finalized. The EPA anticipates finalizing the revised rule in Spring 2023.

Water

Effluent Limitations Guidelines — In November 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. On September 18, 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. On July 26, 2021, the EPA announced that it is initiating a new rulemaking to evaluate revising the ELG rule. While the EPA is developing the new rule, the existing rule (as amended in 2020) will stay in place, and the EPA expects permitting authorities to continue to implement the current regulation. The Company anticipates that the EPA will release a proposed rule in the first half of 2023. 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.

Byproducts, Wastes, Hazardous Materials and Contamination

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 Close 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," which further amended the April 2015 Rule to, among other things, provide procedures for requesting approval to operate existing impoundments with an alternative liner. NRG anticipates further rulemaking related to the Federal Permit Program and legacy surface impoundments.

Note 26 — Cash Flow Information

Detail of supplemental disclosures of cash flow and non-cash investing and financing information was:

Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)202220212020
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized$383$433$340
Income taxes paid, net of refunds663224
Non-cash investing activities:
Decreases to fixed assets for accrued capital expenditures(68)(16)(6)

Note 27 — Guarantees

NRG and its subsidiaries enter into various contracts that include indemnification and guarantee provisions as a routine part of the Company's business activities. Examples of these contracts include asset purchases and sale agreements, commodity sale and purchase agreements, retail contracts, joint venture agreements, EPC agreements, operation and maintenance agreements, service agreements, settlement agreements, and other types of contractual agreements with vendors and other third parties, as well as affiliates. These contracts generally indemnify the counterparty for tax, environmental liability, litigation and other matters, as well as breaches of representations, warranties and covenants set forth in these agreements. The Company is obligated with respect to customer deposits associated with the Company's retail operations. In some cases, NRG's maximum potential liability cannot be estimated, since the underlying agreements contain no limits on potential liability.

The following table summarizes the maximum potential exposures that can be estimated for NRG's guarantees, indemnities, and other contingent liabilities by maturity:

By Remaining Maturity at December 31,
(In millions)2022
GuaranteesUnder 1 Year1-3 Years3-5 YearsOver 5 YearsTotal2021 Total
Letters of credit and surety bonds$5,211$—$—$—$5,211$4,095
Asset sales guarantee obligations270253480409414
Other guarantees———151593
Total guarantees$5,481$25$34$95$5,635$4,602

Letters of credit and surety bonds — As of December 31, 2022, NRG and its consolidated subsidiaries were contingently obligated for a total of $5.2 billion under letters of credit and surety bonds. Most of these letters of credit and surety bonds are issued in support of the Company's obligations to perform under commodity agreements and obligations associated with future closure and maintenance of ash sites, as well as for financing or other arrangements. A majority of these letters of credit and surety bonds expire within one year of issuance, and it is typical for the Company to renew them on similar terms.

The material indemnities, within the scope of ASC 460, are as follows:

Asset sales — The purchase and sale agreements which govern NRG's asset or share investments and divestitures customarily contain guarantees and indemnifications of the transaction to third parties. The contracts indemnify the parties for liabilities incurred as a result of a breach of a representation or warranty by the indemnifying party, changes in tax laws or for pre-existing environmental matters. These obligations generally have a discrete term and are intended to protect the parties against risks that are difficult to predict or estimate at the time of the transaction. In several cases, the contract limits the liability of the indemnifier. NRG has no reason to believe that the Company currently has any material liability relating to such routine indemnification obligations included in the table above, except for the California property tax indemnity for estimated increases in California property taxes of certain solar properties that the Company agreed to indemnify NRG Yield for, as part of the agreement to sell NRG Yield and the Renewables Platform. The California property tax indemnity is estimated to be $141 million as of December 31, 2022 and is included in the above table under asset sales guarantee obligations.

Other guarantees — NRG has issued other guarantees of obligations including payments under certain agreements with respect to certain of its unconsolidated subsidiaries, payment or performance by fuel providers and payment or reimbursement of credit support and deposits. The Company does not believe that it will be required to perform under these guarantees.

Other indemnities — Other indemnifications NRG has provided cover operational, tax, litigation and breaches of representations, warranties and covenants. NRG has also indemnified, on a routine basis in the ordinary course of business, consultants or other vendors who have provided services to the Company. NRG's maximum potential exposure under these indemnifications can range from a specified dollar amount to an indeterminate amount, depending on the nature of the transaction. Total maximum potential exposure under these indemnifications is not estimable due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or how they will be resolved. NRG does not have any reason to believe that the Company will be required to make any material payments under these indemnity provisions.

Because many of the guarantees and indemnities NRG issues to third parties and affiliates do not limit the amount or duration of its obligations to perform under them, there exists a risk that the Company may have obligations in excess of the amounts described above. For those guarantees and indemnities that do not limit the Company's liability exposure, it may not be able to estimate what the Company's liability would be, until a claim is made for payment or performance, due to the contingent nature of these contracts.

Note 28 — Jointly Owned Plants

Certain NRG subsidiaries own undivided interests in jointly-owned plants, as described below. These plants are maintained and operated pursuant to their joint ownership participation and operating agreements. NRG is responsible for its subsidiaries' share of operating costs and direct expenses and includes its proportionate share of the facilities and related revenues and direct expenses in these jointly-owned plants in the corresponding balance sheet and income statement captions of the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes NRG's proportionate ownership interest in the Company's jointly-owned facilities:

(In millions unless otherwise stated)
As of December 31, 2022Ownership InterestProperty, Plant & EquipmentAccumulated DepreciationConstruction in Progress
South Texas Project Units 1 and 2, Bay City, TX44.00%$478$(235)$7
Cedar Bayou Unit 4, Baytown, TX50.00%229(118)7

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

(In millions)Balance at Beginning of PeriodCharged to Costs and ExpensesCharged to Other AccountsDeductionsBalance at End of Period
Allowance for credit losses, deducted from accounts receivable
Year Ended December 31, 2022$683$11$—$(561)(a)$133
Year Ended December 31, 202167698112(194)(a)683
Year Ended December 31, 202043108—(84)(a)67
Income tax valuation allowance, deducted from deferred tax assets
Year Ended December 31, 2022$248$(20)$(4)$—$224
Year Ended December 31, 2021266(29)11—248
Year Ended December 31, 202024224——266

(a) Represents principally net amounts charged as uncollectible

EXHIBIT INDEX

NumberDescriptionMethod of Filing
2.1Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of NRG Energy, Inc., NRG Power Marketing, Inc., NRG Capital LLC, NRG Finance Company I LLC, and NRGenerating Holdings (No. 23) B.V.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2003.
2.2First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of NRG Northeast Generating LLC (and certain of its subsidiaries), NRG South Central Generating (and certain of its subsidiaries) and Berrians I Gas Turbine Power LLC.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2003.
2.3Acquisition Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2005, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., Texas Genco LLC and the Direct and Indirect Owners of Texas Genco LLC.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2005.
2.4Asset Purchase Agreement, dated October 18, 2013, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., Edison Mission Energy and NRG Energy Holdings Inc.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2013.
2.5Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of GenOn Energy, Inc. and its Debtor Affiliates.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2017.
2.6†^Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2018, by and among NRG Energy, Inc. and NRG Repowering Holdings LLC, and GIP III Zephyr Acquisition Partners, L.P.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.9 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2018.
2.7^Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2018, by and between NRG Energy, Inc., NRG South Central Generating LLC, and Cleco Energy LLC.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.10 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2018.
2.8‡Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of February 28, 2021 by and between NRG Energy, Inc., and Generation Bridge Acquisition, LLC, as a PurchaserIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021.
2.9^Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 6, 2022, by and among the Company, Merger Sub and Vivint.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 6, 2022.
3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2012.
3.2Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2012.
3.3Sixth Amended and Restated By-Laws.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2022.
4.1Specimen of Certificate representing common stock of NRG Energy, Inc.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2006.
4.2Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 19, 2016, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 25, 2016.
4.3Third Supplemental Indenture, dated August 2, 2016, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 3, 2016.
4.4Form of 6.625% Senior Note due 2027.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 3, 2016.
4.5Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 2, 2016, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as representative to the initial purchasers listed in Schedule I thereto.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 3, 2016.
4.6Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated December 7, 2017, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 8, 2017.
4.7Form of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2028Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 8, 2017.
4.8Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 7, 2017, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., as representative to the initial purchasers listed in Schedule I thereto.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 8, 2017.
4.9Indenture, dated May 24, 2018, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 25, 2018.
4.10Form of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2048.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 25, 2018.
4.11Description of NRG Energy, Inc. securities registered pursuant to section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 27, 2020.
4.12Indenture, dated December 2, 2020, between NRG Energy, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, pertaining to the Secured Notes.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.13Supplemental Indenture, dated December 2, 2020, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, pertaining to the Secured NotesIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.14Form of 2.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2025Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.15Form of 2.450% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2027Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.16Indenture, dated December 2, 2020, between NRG Energy, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, pertaining to the Unsecured NotesIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.17Supplemental Indenture, dated December 2, 2020, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, pertaining to the Unsecured NotesIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.18Form of 3.375% Senior Notes due 2029 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 filed herewith)Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.19Form of 3.625% Senior Notes due 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 filed herewith)Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.20Facility Agreement, dated December 2, 2020, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, Alexander Funding Trust and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as the notes trusteeIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.21Letter of Credit Facility Agreement, dated December 2, 2020, among NRG Energy, Inc., the financial institutions from time to time party thereto as letter of credit issuers, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent and as collateral agentIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.22Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Alexander Funding Trust, dated December 2, 2020, among NRG Energy, Inc. as depositor and in its own capacity, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware, as Delaware trusteeIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.23Indenture, dated December 2, 2020, between NRG Energy, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, pertaining to the P-Caps Secured NotesIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.24Supplemental Indenture, dated December 2, 2020, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, pertaining to the P-Caps Secured NotesIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.25Form of 1.841% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2023(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.31 filed herewith)Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 4, 2020.
4.26Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Second Amended and Restated Collateral Trust Agreement and the Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2016.
4.27Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., the lenders party thereto, the joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners party thereto, Citicorp North America, Inc., Commerzbank AG, New York Branch, Keybank Capital Markets Inc. and CIT Bank, N.A.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2016.
4.28First Amendment Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2017, dated as of January 24, 2017, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., the lenders from time to time parties thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2017.
4.29Second Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2018, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., the lenders from time to time parties thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2018.
4.30Third Amendment Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2018, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., its subsidiaries parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto and Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2018.
4.31Indenture, dated May 23, 2016, between NRG Energy, Inc. and Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture Trust Company of New York), as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2016.
4.32Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated May 14, 2019, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2019.
4.33Form of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2029.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2019.
4.34Indenture, dated May 28, 2019, between NRG Energy, Inc. and Delaware Trust Company, as trusteeIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 30, 2019.
4.35Supplemental Indenture, dated May 28, 2019, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 30, 2019.
4.36Form of 3.750% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 30, 2019.
4.37Form of 4.450% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 30, 2019.
4.38Fourth Amendment dated as of May 28, 2019 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2016, included as Annex A thereto a clean, conformed copy of the Second Amended and Restated Credit AgreementIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2019.
4.39Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement and Third Amendment to Collateral Trust Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2020, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., its subsidiaries parties thereto, the lenders party thereto, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2020.
4.40Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2020, among the Originators from time to time parties thereto, NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, and NRG Receivables LLC.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2020.
4.41Receivables Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2020, among NRG Receivables LLC, as Borrower, NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, the persons from time to time party thereto as Conduit Lenders, the persons from time to time party thereto as Committed Lenders, the persons from time to time party thereto as Facility Agents, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto as LC Issuers, and Royal Bank of Canada as Administrative AgentIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2020.
4.42Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-2.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2048) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021.
4.43Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees 1.841% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2023) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021.
4.44Supplemental Indenture (additional Subsidiary Guarantees-6.625% Senior Notes due 2027) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries , and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021.
4.45Supplemental Indenture (additional Subsidiary Guarantees-5.750% Senior Notes due 2028) dated January 5, 2021, Supplemental Indenture (additional Subsidiary Guarantees-5.750% Senior Notes due 2028) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021.
4.46Supplemental Indenture (additional Subsidiary Guarantees-5.250% Senior Notes due 2029) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021.
4.47Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees 3.375% Senior Notes due 2029 and 3.625% Senior Notes due 2031) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries , and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021.
4.48Supplemental Indenture (additional Subsidiary Guarantees-3.750% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024 and 4.450% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries , and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 23, 2021.
4.49Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees 2.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2025 and 2.450% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2027) dated January 5, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries , and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 23, 2021.
4.50Second Supplemental Indenture, dated August 23, 2021, among NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 23, 2021.
4.51Form of 3.875% Senior Notes due 2032.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 23, 2021.
4.52Supplemental Indenture (Settlement Elections - 2.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2048) dated February 22, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.52 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.53Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-2.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2048) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.53 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.54Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-1.841% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2023) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.54 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.55Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-6.625% Senior Notes due 2027) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.55 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.56Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-5.750% Senior Notes due 2028) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.56 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.57Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-5.250% Senior Notes due 2029) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.57 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.58Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-3.375% Senior Notes due 2029 and 3.625% Senior Notes due 2031) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.58 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.59Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-3.750% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024 and 4.450% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Delaware Trust Company as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.59 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.60Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-2.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2025 and 2.450% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2027) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.60 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.61Supplemental Indenture (Additional Subsidiary Guarantees-3.875% Senior Notes due 2032) dated February 17, 2022, among NRG Energy, Inc., each of its guarantor subsidiaries, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.61 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
4.62Sixth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated February 14, 2023, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto, the lenders and issuing banks party thereto, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral trustee.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 14, 2023.
10.1*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Deferred Stock Unit Agreement for Directors.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2005.
10.2*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Officers.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2018.
10.3*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Officers.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2018.
10.4*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Stock Unit Agreement.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2010.
10.5*Second Amended and Restated Annual Incentive Plan for Designated Corporate Officers.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2015.
10.6†LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement between Reliant Energy, Inc. and NRG Retail LLC, dated as of February 28, 2009.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2009.
10.7*The NRG Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2017.
10.8*NRG 2010 Stock Plan for GenOn Employees.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2013.
10.9*NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Market Stock Unit Agreement.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2014.
10.10*NRG Energy, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan For GenOn Employees Market Stock Unit AgreementIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2014.
10.11Employment Agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and between NRG Energy, Inc. and Mauricio Gutierrez.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on December 24, 2015.
10.12Settlement Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2017, by and between NRG Energy, Inc. on behalf of itself and the NRG Parties, GenOn Energy, Inc. on behalf of itself and the Debtors.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2017.
10.13Pension Indemnity Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2017, by and between NRG Energy, Inc. and GenOn Energy, Inc.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2017.
10.14Tax Matters Agreement, initially dated as of December 14, 2017, by and between NRG Energy, Inc. and GenOn Energy, Inc. and by Reorganized GenOn upon the Effective Date.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2017.
10.15*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Relative Performance Stock Unit Agreement for Officers.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2018.
10.16*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Relative Performance Stock Unit Agreement for Senior Vice Presidents.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.74 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2018.
10.17†Consent and Indemnity Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2018, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., NRG Repowering Holdings LLC, NRG Yield, Inc., and GIP III Zephyr Acquisition Partners, L.P., and NRG Yield Operating LLC (solely with respect to Sections E.5, E.6 and G.12).Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to NRG Yield, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2018.
10.18*Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase PlanIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2019.
10.19*NRG Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Change-in-Control and General Severance Plan for Tier IA and Tier IIA Executives (Amended and Restated Effective April 1, 2018).Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 2, 2018.
10.20A copy of Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2021, among NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, NRG Receivables LLC, as Borrower, NRG Energy, Inc., as Performance Guarantor, the Conduit Lenders, Committed Lenders, Facility Agents and LC Issuers party, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative Agent, and included as Exhibit A-2 thereto a clean, conformed copy of the Receivables Loan and Servicing Agreement.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2021.
10.21*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Relative Performance Stock Unit Agreement for Chief Executive OfficerIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
10.22*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Relative Performance Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Vice PresidentsIncorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
10.23*Form of NRG Energy, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan Relative Performance Stock Unit Agreement for Senior Vice Presidents.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant's annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2022.
10.24Amendment No. 2 to Receivables Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2022, among NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, NRG Receivables LLC, as Borrower, NRG Energy, Inc., as Performance Guarantor, the Conduit Lenders, Committed Lenders, Facility Agents and LC Issuers party thereto, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative Agent, and included as Exhibit A-2 thereto a clean, conformed copy of the Receivables Loan and Servicing Agreement.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2022.
10.25Joinder Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2022, by Direct Energy, LP, as an additional originator, and consented to by NRG Receivables LLC, as Borrower, NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, to the Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2020, among the Originators from time to time parties thereto, NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, and NRG Receivables LLC.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2022.
10.26Joinder Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2022, by Direct Energy Business, LLC, as an additional originator and consented to by NRG Receivables LLC, as Borrower, NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent, to the Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2020, among the Originators from time to time parties thereto, NRG Retail LLC, as Servicer, and NRG Receivables LLC.Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2022.
21.1Subsidiaries of NRG Energy, Inc.Filed herewith.
22.1List of Guarantor SubsidiariesFiled herewith.
23.1Consent of KPMG LLP.Filed herewith.
24.1Power of AttorneyIncluded on signature page
31.1Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Mauricio Gutierrez.Filed herewith.
31.2Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Alberto Fornaro.Filed herewith.
31.3Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Emily Picarello.Filed herewith.
32Section 1350 Certification.Furnished herewith.
95.1Mine Safety DisclosureFiled herewith.
101 INSInline XBRL Instance Document.The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101 SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.Filed herewith.
101 CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.Filed herewith.
101 DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.Filed herewith.
101 LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.Filed herewith.
101 PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.Filed herewith.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page interactive data file does not appear in Exhibit 104 because it's Inline XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).Filed herewith.
*Exhibit relates to compensation arrangements.
†Portions of this exhibit have been redacted and are subject to a confidential treatment request filed with the Secretary of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
^This filing excludes schedules pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, which the registrant agrees to furnish supplementary to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request by the Commission.
‡Portions of this exhibit have been excluded because they are both not material and would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. Information that has been omitted has been noted in this document with a placeholder identified by the mark “[***]”.

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