2008-09-20 00:46:02 -

www.reliant.com - Reliant Energy, Inc. Pat Hammond, 713-497-7723 (media) Dennis Barber, 713-497-3042 (investors) As part of Reliant Energy's commitment to helping the area recover from Hurricane Ike, the company is donating $1 million to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund.

Yesterday, Houston Mayor Bill White appointed Reliant Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Albert Myres to lead the fundraising efforts.

"The Greater Houston and Galveston area has been devastated by Hurricane Ike," said Mark Jacobs, president and chief executive officer, Reliant. "We are committed to helping the region get back on its feet through both financial contributions and volunteer efforts."

The Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund, modeled after the successful Katrina/Rita Fund, which also was

managed by Myres, is dedicated to help fill unmet human needs for victims of Hurricane Ike in Harris and Galveston counties and other affected areas. In addition to Myres, a citizens' advisory board will be created and charged with raising and distributing the funds.

For important information related to Hurricane Ike, people can visit www.reliant.com/StormCenter.

The Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund is now accepting donations and is assessing humanitarian needs. People are asked to mail donations to the following mailing address or donate online.

Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund

c/o The Greater Houston Community Foundation

4550 Post Oak Place, Suite 100

Houston, TX 77027

www.ghcf.org

Reliant Energy, Inc. (NYSE:RRI) based in Houston, provides electricity and energy services to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. The company provides service to approximately 1.8 million retail electricity customers primarily in Texas, including residential and small business customers. Reliant also serves commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

The company is one of the largest independent power producers in the nation with more than 15,000 megawatts of power generation capacity across the United States. These strategically located generating assets use natural gas, fuel oil and coal. For more information, visit www.reliant.com.

Albert Myres to Lead Fundraising Efforts