UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
  For the Quarterly Period Ended: September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
   
o Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 001-15891
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
 
41-1724239
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
804 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New Jersey
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
08540
(Zip Code)
(609) 524-4500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x       No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x       No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o       No x
As of OctoberMarch 31, 2017,2018, there were 316,641,799314,886,197 shares of common stock outstanding, par value $0.01 per share.
 




TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index




CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NRG Energy, Inc., or NRG or the Company, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act. The words "believes," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause NRG's actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include the factors described under Item 1A — Risk Factors Related to NRG Energy, Inc., in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017, and the following:
NRG's ability to achieve the expected benefits of its Transformation Plan;
NRG's ability to engage in successful sales and divestitures as well as mergers and acquisitions activity;
The potential adverse effects of the GenOn Entities' filings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and restructuring transactions on NRG's operations, management and employees and the risks associated with operating NRG's business during the restructuring process;
Risks and uncertainties associated with the GenOn Entities' Chapter 11 Cases including the ability to achieve anticipated benefits therefrom;
NRG's ability to engage in successful mergers and acquisitions activity;
General economic conditions, changes in the wholesale power markets and fluctuations in the cost of fuel;
Volatile power supply costs and demand for power;
Changes in law, including judicial decisions;
Hazards customary to the power production industry and power generation operations such as fuel and electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to fuel supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints and the possibility that NRG may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards;
The effectiveness of NRG's risk management policies and procedures, and the ability of NRG's counterparties to satisfy their financial commitments;
Counterparties' collateral demands and other factors affecting NRG's liquidity position and financial condition;
NRG's ability to operate its businesses efficiently and generate earnings and cash flows from its asset-based businesses in relation to its debt and other obligations;
NRG's ability to enter into contracts to sell power and procure fuel on acceptable terms and prices;
The liquidity and competitiveness of wholesale markets for energy commodities;
Government regulation, including compliance with regulatory requirements and changes in market rules, rates, tariffs and environmental laws;
Changes in law, including judicial decisions;
Price mitigation strategies and other market structures employed by ISOs or RTOs that result in a failure to adequately and fairly compensate NRG's generation units;
NRG's ability to mitigate forced outage risk for units subject to capacity performance requirements in PJM, performance incentives in ISO-NE, and scarcity pricing in ERCOT;
NRG's ability to borrow funds and access capital markets, as well as NRG's substantial indebtedness and the possibility that NRG may incur additional indebtedness going forward;
Operating and financial restrictions placed on NRG and its subsidiaries that are contained in the indentures governing NRG's outstanding notes, in NRG's Senior Credit Facility, and in debt and other agreements of certain of NRG subsidiaries and project affiliates generally;
Cyber terrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, or the occurrence of a catastrophic loss and the possibility that NRG may not have adequate insurance to cover losses resulting from such hazards or the inability of NRG's insurers to provide coverage;
NRG's ability to develop and build new power generation facilities;
NRG's ability to develop and innovate new products as retail and wholesale markets continue to change and evolve;
NRG's ability to implement its strategy of finding ways to meet the challenges of climate change, clean air and protecting natural resources while taking advantage of business opportunities;
NRG's ability to increase cash from operations through operational and commercial initiatives, corporate efficiencies, asset strategy, and a range of other programs throughout NRG to reduce costs or generate revenues;


NRG's ability to sell assets to NRG Yield, Inc. and to close drop-down transactions;

NRG's ability to achieve its strategy of regularly returning capital to stockholders;
NRG's ability to obtain and maintain retail market share;
NRG's ability to successfully evaluate investments and achieve intended financial results in new business and growth initiatives;
NRG's ability to successfully integrate, realize cost savings and manage any acquired businesses; and
NRG's ability to develop and maintain successful partnering relationships.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and NRG Energy, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should not be construed as exhaustive.


GLOSSARY OF TERMS
When the following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report, they have the meanings indicated below:
20162017 Form 10-K NRG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017
2023 Term Loan Facility The Company's $1.9 billion term loan facility due 2023, a component of the Senior Credit Facility
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
AROAsset Retirement Obligation
ASC The FASB Accounting Standards Codification, which the FASB established as the source of authoritative GAAP
ASU Accounting Standards Updates which reflect- updates to the ASC
Average realized prices Volume-weighted average power prices, net of average fuel costs and reflecting the impact of settled hedges
BACT Best Available Control Technology
Bankruptcy Code Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
Bankruptcy Court United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division
BETM Boston Energy Trading and Marketing LLC
BTU British Thermal Unit
Business SolutionsNRG's business solutions group, which includes demand response, commodity sales, energy efficiency and energy management services
CAA Clean Air Act
CAIR Clean Air Interstate Rule
CAISO California Independent System Operator
CASPRCompetitive Auctions with Sponsored Resources
CDD Cooling Degree Day
CDWR California Department of Water Resources
CEC California Energy Commission
CenterPoint CenterPoint Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries, on and after August 31, 2002, and Reliant Energy, Incorporated and its subsidiaries prior to August 31, 2002Houston Electric, LLC
CFTC U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Chapter 11 Cases Voluntary cases commenced by the GenOn Entities under the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court
C&ICommercial industrial and governmental/institutional
ClecoCleco Energy LLC
COD Commercial Operation Date
ComEd Commonwealth Edison
Company NRG Energy, Inc.
CPPClean Power Plan
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CSAPR Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
CVSR California Valley Solar Ranch
CWAClean Water Act
D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
DGPV Holdco 1 NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC
DGPV Holdco 2 NRG DGPV Holdco 2 LLC
DGPV Holdco 3NRG DGPV Holdco 3 LLC
Distributed Solar Solar power projects that primarily sell power to customers for usage on site, or are interconnected to sell power into a local distribution grid

DNRECDelaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
DSI Dry Sorbent Injection
Economic gross margin Sum of energy revenue, capacity revenue, retail revenue and other revenue, less cost of fuels and other cost of sales
ELGEffluent Limitations Guidelines
El Segundo Energy Center NRG West Holdings LLC, the subsidiary of Natural Gas Repowering LLC, which owns the El Segundo Energy Center project
EME Edison Mission Energy
Energy Plus Holdings Energy Plus Holdings LLC
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction
EPSAThe Electric Power Supply Association
ERCOT Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Independent System Operator and the regional reliability coordinator of the various electricity systems within Texas
ESCOEnergy Service Company
ESP Electrostatic Precipitator
ESPP NRG Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan
ESPS Existing Source Performance Standards
Exchange Act The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FGD Flue gas desulfurization
Fresh Start
Reporting requirements as defined by ASC-852, Reorganizations
FTRs Financial Transmission Rights
GAAP Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
GenConn GenConn Energy LLC
GenOn GenOn Energy, Inc.
GenOn Americas Generation GenOn Americas Generation, LLC
GenOn Americas Generation Senior Notes GenOn Americas Generation's $695$395 million outstanding unsecured senior notes consisting of $366$208 million of 8.5% senior notes due 2021 and $329$187 million of 9.125% senior notes due 2031
GenOn Entities GenOn and certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, including GenOn Americas Generation. that filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court on June 14, 2017
GenOn Mid-AtlanticGenOn Mid-Atlantic, LLC and, except where the context indicates otherwise, its subsidiaries, which include the coal generation units at two generating facilities under operating leases
GenOn Senior Notes GenOn's $1.8 billion outstanding unsecured senior notes consisting of $691 million of 7.875% senior notes due 2017, $649 million of 9.5% senior notes due 2018, and $489 million of 9.875% senior notes due 2020
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GIPGlobal Infrastructure Partners
GW Gigawatt
GWh Gigawatt Hour
HAP Hazardous Air Pollutant
HDD Heating Degree Day
Heat Rate A measure of thermal efficiency computed by dividing the total BTU content of the fuel burned by the resulting kWhs generated. Heat rates can be expressed as either gross or net heat rates, depending whether the electricity output measured is gross or net generation and is generally expressed as BTU per net kWh
HLBV Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value
IASB IndependentInternational Accounting Standards Board
IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards

ILU
IPA Illinois Union Insurance CompanyPower Agency
IPPNYIndependent Power Producers of New York
ISO Independent System Operator, also referred to as RTOs
ISO-NE ISO New England Inc.
ITC Investment Tax Credit
kWhKilowatt-hour
LaGen Louisiana Generating, L.L.C.LLC
LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offered Rate
LTIPs Collectively, the NRG Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended,LTIP and the NRG GenOn Long-Term Incentive PlanLTIP
Marsh Landing NRG Marsh Landing, LLC (formerly known as GenOn Marsh Landing, LLC)
Mass Market Residential and small commercial customers
MATS Mercury and Air Toxics Standards promulgated by the EPA
MDth Thousand Dekatherms
Midwest Generation Midwest Generation, LLC
MISO Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.


MMBtu Million British Thermal Units
MOPRMinimum Offer Price Rule
MW Megawatts
MWh Saleable megawatt hour net of internal/parasitic load megawatt-hour
MWt Megawatts Thermal Equivalent
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NEPGANew England Power Generators Association
NEPOOL New England Power Pool
NERC North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Net Exposure Counterparty credit exposure to NRG, net of collateral
Net Generation The net amount of electricity produced, expressed in kWhs or MWhs, that is the total amount of electricity generated (gross) minus the amount of electricity used during generation
NOL Net Operating Loss
NOVNotice of Violation
NOx
 Nitrogen Oxides
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPNS Normal Purchase Normal Sale
NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NRG NRG Energy, Inc.
NRG Yield Reporting segment including the projects owned by NRG Yield, Inc.
NRG Yield 2019 Convertible Notes $345 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 issued by NRG Yield, Inc.
NRG Yield 2020 Convertible Notes $287.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 issued by NRG Yield, Inc.
NRG Yield, Inc. NRG Yield, Inc., the owner of 53.7% of the economic interests of NRG Yield LLC with a controlling interest, and issuer of publicly held shares of Class A and Class C common stock
NSR New Source Review
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund NRG's nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets, which are for the Company's portion of the decommissioning of the STP, units 1 & 2
NYAG State of New York Office of Attorney General
NYISO New York Independent System Operator
NYMEXNew York Mercantile Exchange
NYSPSC New York State Public Service Commission
OCI/OCL Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Peaking Units expected to satisfy demand requirements during the periods of greatest or peak load on the system
PER Peak Energy Rent
Petition Date June 14, 2017
PG&EPipeline Pacific GasProjects that range from identified lead to shortlisted with an offtake, and Electric Companyrepresents a lower level of execution certainty.
PJM PJM Interconnection, LLC
PMParticulate Matter
PPA Power Purchase Agreement
PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration
PTC Production Tax Credit
PUCT Public Utility Commission of Texas
RAPAPUHCA Resource Adequacy Purchase AgreementPublic Utility Holding Company Act of 2005
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
REMA NRG REMA LLC, which leases a 100% interest in the Shawville generating facility and 16.7% and 16.5% interests in the Keystone and Conemaugh generating facilities, respectively
RepoweringTechnologies utilized to replace, rebuild, or redevelop major portions of an existing electrical generating facility to achieve a substantial emissions reduction, increase facility capacity and improve system efficiency
Restructuring Support Agreement Restructuring Support and Lock-Up Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2017 and as amended on October 2, 2017, by and among GenOn Energy, Inc., GenOn Americas Generation, LLC, theand subsidiaries signatory thereto, NRG Energy, Inc. and the noteholders signatory thereto


Retail Reporting segment that includes NRG's residential and small commercial businesses which go to market as Reliant, NRG and other brands owned by NRG, as well as Business Solutions
Revolving Credit Facility 
The Company’s $2.5 billion revolving credit facility, a component of the Senior Credit Facility. The revolving credit facility consists of $289 million of Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility, due 2018, and $2.2 billion of Tranche B Revolving Credit Facility, due 2021

Prior to June 30, 2016, the Company's $2.5 billion revolving credit facility due 2018, a component of the Senior Credit Facility. On June 30, 2016, the Company replaced the Senior Credit Facility, including the Revolving Credit Facility
RFORequest for Offer
RGGI Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
RMR Reliability Must-Run
ROFORight of First Offer
ROFO Agreement Second Amended and Restated Right of First Offer Agreement by and between the CompanyNRG Energy, Inc. and NRG Yield, Inc.
RPMReliability Pricing Model
RPV Holdco NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC
RTO Regional Transmission Organization
RTRRenewable Technology Resource
SCE Southern California Edison
SDG&E San Diego Gas & Electric Company
SEC U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act The Securities Act of 1933, as amended
Senior Credit Facility 
NRG's senior secured credit facility, compromisedcomprised of the Revolving Credit Facility and the 2023 Term Loan Facility

Prior to June 30, 2016, the Company's senior secured facility, comprised of the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility. On June 30, 2016, the Company replaced the Senior Credit Facility
Senior Notes As of September 30,December 31, 2017, the Company’s $5.4NRG’s $4.8 billion outstanding unsecured senior notes consisting of $398 million of 7.625% senior notes due 2018, $207 million of 7.875% senior notes due 2021, $992 million of 6.25% senior notes due 2022, $869 million of 6.625% senior notes due 2023, $733 million of 6.25% senior notes due 2024, $1.0 billion of 7.25% senior notes due 2026, and $1.25 billion of 6.625% senior notes due 2027,
Services AgreementNRG provides GenOn with various management, personnel and other services, which include human resources, regulatory and public affairs, accounting, tax, legal, information systems, treasury, risk management, commercial operations, and asset management, as set forth in the services agreement with GenOn$870 million of 5.75% senior notes due 2028.
Settlement Agreement A settlement agreement and any other documents necessary to effectuate the settlement among NRG, GenOn, and certain holders of senior unsecured notes of GenOn Americas Generation and GenOn, and certain of GenOn's direct and indirect subsidiaries
SewardServices Agreement The Seward Power Generating Station, a 525 MW coal-fired facility
NRG provided GenOn with various management, personnel and other services, which include human resources, regulatory and public affairs, accounting, tax, legal, information systems, treasury, risk management, commercial operations, and asset management, as set forth in Pennsylvaniathe services agreement with GenOn

ShelbySIFMA The Shelby County Generating Station, a 352 MW natural gas-fired facility in IllinoisSecurities Industry and Financial Markets Association

SO2
 Sulfur Dioxide
SPPSouth Central Solar Power Partners
STPNRG's South Texas Project — nuclear generating facility located near Bay City, Texas inCentral business, which NRG owns and operates a 44% interest3,555-MW portfolio of generation assets consisting of 225-MW Bayou Cove, 430-MW Big Cajun-I, 1,461-MW Big Cajun-II, 1,263-MW Cottonwood and 176-MW Sterlington, and serves a customer base of cooperatives, municipalities and regional utilities under load contracts.
S&P Standard & Poor's
TCPA Telephone Consumer Protection Act
Term Loan FacilityPrior to June 30, 2016, the Company's $2.0 billion term loan facility due 2018, a component of the Senior Credit Facility.
TSA Transportation Services Agreement
TWCC Texas Westmoreland Coal Co.
U.S. United States of America
U.S. DOE U.S. Department of Energy
Utility Scale Solar Solar power projects, typically 20 MW or greater in size (on an alternating current basis), that are interconnected into the transmission or distribution grid to sell power at a wholesale level
VaR Value at Risk
VCPVoluntary Clean-Up Program
VIE Variable Interest Entity


Walnut CreekWECC NRG Walnut Creek, LLC, the operating subsidiary of WCEP Holdings, LLC, which owns the Walnut Creek projectWestern Electricity Coordinating Council
WST Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Yield OperatingNRG Yield Operating LLC


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(In millions, except for per share amounts)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Operating Revenues
 
    
 
Total operating revenues$3,049

$3,421

$8,132

$8,328
$2,421

$2,382
Operating Costs and Expenses







 
Cost of operations2,156

2,440

5,852

5,711
1,558

1,862
Depreciation and amortization272

298

789

826
235

257
Impairment losses14

9

77

65
Selling, general and administrative213

277

697

801
191

260
Reorganization18



18


Development activity expenses14

21

49

65
Reorganization costs20


Development costs13

17
Total operating costs and expenses2,687

3,045

7,482

7,468
2,017
 2,396
Other income - affiliate14

48

104

144


48
Gain/(loss) on sale of assets

4

4

(79)
Gain on sale of assets2

2
Operating Income376

428

758

925
406

36
Other Income/(Expense)







 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates27

16

29

13
Impairment loss on investment

(8)


(147)
Other income, net15

7

33

29
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(2)
5
Other (expense)/income, net(3)
13
Loss on debt extinguishment, net(1)
(50)
(3)
(119)(2)
(2)
Interest expense(221)
(237)
(692)
(718)(167)
(225)
Total other expense(180)
(272)
(633)
(942)(174) (209)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes196

156

125

(17)232

(173)
Income tax expense6

28

5

75
Income tax benefit(1)
(4)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations190

128

120

(92)233

(169)
(Loss)/Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax(27)
265

(802)
256
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax

(34)
Net Income/(Loss)163

393

(682)
164
233

(203)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests(8)
(9)
(63)
(49)(46)
(40)
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.171

402

(619)
213
$279

$(163)
Dividends for preferred shares





5
Gain on redemption of preferred shares





(78)
Net Income/(Loss) Available for Common Stockholders$171

$402

$(619)
$286
Income/(Loss) per Share Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. Common Stockholders






Earnings/(Loss) per Share Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. Common Stockholders


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic317

316

317

315
318

316
Income from continuing operations per weighted average common share — basic$0.63

$0.43

$0.58

$0.10
(Loss)/Income from discontinued operations per weighted average common share — basic$(0.09)
$0.84

$(2.53)
$0.81
Income/(Loss) per Weighted Average Common Share — Basic$0.54

$1.27

$(1.95)
$0.91
Income/(loss) from continuing operations per weighted average common share — basic$0.88

$(0.41)
Loss from discontinued operations per weighted average common share — basic$

$(0.11)
Earnings/(Loss) per Weighted Average Common Share — Basic$0.88

$(0.52)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted322

317

317

316
322

316
Income from continuing operations per weighted average common share — diluted$0.61

$0.43

$0.58

$0.10
(Loss)/Income from discontinued operations per weighted average common share — diluted$(0.08)
$0.84

$(2.53)
$0.81
Income/(Loss) per Weighted Average Common Share — Diluted$0.53

$1.27

$(1.95)
$0.91
Income/(loss) from continuing operations per weighted average common share — diluted$0.87

$(0.41)
Loss from discontinued operations per weighted average common share — diluted$

$(0.11)
Earnings/(Loss) per Weighted Average Common Share — Diluted$0.87

$(0.52)
Dividends Per Common Share$0.03

$0.03

$0.09

$0.21
$0.03

$0.03
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (In millions)
Net income/(loss)$163
 $393
 $(682)
$164
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
 
 


Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives, net of income tax (benefit)/expense of $0, $(1), $1, and $17

27

6

(8)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $02

3

10

6
Available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $01



2

1
Defined benefit plans, net of income tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $0(1)
31

26

32
Other comprehensive income9

61

44

31
Comprehensive income/(loss)172

454

(638)
195
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests(5)
(2)
(61)
(70)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.177

456

(577)
265
Dividends for preferred shares





5
Gain on redemption of preferred shares
 
 

(78)
Comprehensive income/(loss) available for common stockholders$177

$456

$(577)
$338
 Three months ended March 31,
 2018
2017
 (In millions)
Net income/(loss)$233
 $(203)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
 
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of income tax expense of $0 and $114

4
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax expense of $0 and $0(2)
7
Defined benefit plans, net of income tax expense of $0 and $0(1)

Other comprehensive income11
 11
Comprehensive income/(loss)244
 (192)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest(38)
(39)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.282
 (153)
Comprehensive income/(loss) available for common stockholders$282
 $(153)
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.




NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In millions, except shares)   March 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
ASSETS      
Current Assets    

Cash and cash equivalents$1,223

$938
$764

$991
Funds deposited by counterparties31

2
241

37
Restricted cash537

446
407

508
Accounts receivable, net1,274

1,058
903

1,079
Inventory630

721
528

532
Derivative instruments475

1,067
1,015

626
Cash collateral posted in support of energy risk management activities203

150
Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities211

171
Accounts receivable - affiliate73

95
Current assets - held for sale33

9
89

115
Prepayments and other current assets354

404
326

261
Current assets - discontinued operations

1,919
Total current assets4,760

6,714
4,557

4,415
Property, plant and equipment, net15,332

15,369
13,911

13,908
Other Assets 
  
 
Equity investments in affiliates1,138

1,120
1,011

1,038
Notes receivable, less current portion5

16
Goodwill662

662
539

539
Intangible assets, net1,838

1,973
1,726

1,746
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund670

610
680

692
Derivative instruments206

181
354

172
Deferred income taxes205

225
136

134
Non-current assets held-for-sale10

10
157

43
Other non-current assets644

841
681

631
Non-current assets - discontinued operations

2,961
Total other assets5,378

8,599
5,284

4,995
Total Assets$25,470

$30,682
$23,752

$23,318
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
 
Current Liabilities 
  
 
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases$1,247

$516
$956

$688
Accounts payable911

813
787

881
Accounts payable - affiliate32

33
Derivative instruments522

1,092
790

555
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities31

81
240

37
Current liabilities held-for-sale80

72
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities830

990
662

890
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities - affiliate164


161

161
Current liabilities - discontinued operations

1,210
Total current liabilities3,705

4,702
3,708

3,317
Other Liabilities 
  
 
Long-term debt and capital leases15,658

15,957
15,406

15,716
Nuclear decommissioning reserve265

287
272

269
Nuclear decommissioning trust liability397

339
400

415
Deferred income taxes21

20
20

21
Derivative instruments307

284
264

197
Out-of-market contracts, net213

230
201

207
Non-current liabilities held-for-sale13

11
7

8
Other non-current liabilities1,116

1,176
1,136

1,122
Non-current liabilities - discontinued operations

3,184
Total non-current liabilities17,990

21,488
17,706

17,955
Total Liabilities21,695

26,190
21,414

21,272
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries85

46
80

78
Commitments and Contingencies









Stockholders’ Equity





Common stock4

4
4

4
Additional paid-in capital8,369

8,358
8,379

8,376
Retained deficit(4,713)
(3,787)
Less treasury stock, at cost — 101,580,045 and 102,140,814 shares, respectively(2,386)
(2,399)
Accumulated deficit(5,982)
(6,268)
Less treasury stock, at cost — 104,518,931 and 101,580,045 shares, at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively(2,474)
(2,386)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(91)
(135)(61)
(72)
Noncontrolling interest2,507

2,405
2,392

2,314
Total Stockholders’ Equity3,690

4,446
2,258

1,968
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$25,470

$30,682
$23,752

$23,318
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)2017 20162018
2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities      
Net (loss)/income$(682)
$164
(Loss)/Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax(802)
256
Net income/(loss)$233

$(203)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax

(34)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations120

(92)233

(169)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net cash provided by operating activities:


Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided/(used) by operating activities:


Distributions and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates24

44
12

8
Depreciation and amortization789

826
235

257
Provision for bad debts57

36
15

9
Amortization of nuclear fuel37

39
13

12
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums44

42
14

15
Adjustment for debt extinguishment3

119
2


Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts79

131
22

30
Amortization of unearned equity compensation27

23
13

8
Impairment losses77

211
Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits26

29
(3)
1
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability20

24
34

36
Changes in derivative instruments25

30
(247)
38
Changes in collateral posted in support of risk management activities(103)
261
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances21

11
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets(22)
70
Changes in collateral deposits in support of energy risk management activities163

(127)
Gain on sale of emission allowances(8)

Gain on sale of assets(2)
(2)
Changes in other working capital(380)
(130)(139)
(198)
Cash provided by continuing operations844

1,674
Cash (used)/provided by discontinued operations(38)
67
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities806

1,741
Cash provided/(used) by continuing operations357

(82)
Cash provided by discontinued operations

15
Net Cash Provided/(Used) by Operating Activities357

(67)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
  
 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired(36)
(18)(62)
(3)
Capital expenditures(760)
(659)(358)
(236)
Decrease in notes receivable11

2
3

4
Purchases of emission allowances(47)
(32)(17)
(9)
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances105

47
23

11
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(402)
(378)(216)
(153)
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities382

354
182

117
Proceeds from renewable energy grants and state rebates8

11
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed of36

84
11

14
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates(31)
(23)
Changes in investments in unconsolidated affiliates2

(12)
Other22

31


18
Cash used by continuing operations(712)
(581)(432)
(249)
Cash (used)/provided by discontinued operations(53)
326
Cash used by discontinued operations

(32)
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities(765)
(255)(432)
(281)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
  
 
Payment of dividends to common and preferred stockholders(28)
(66)(10)
(9)
Payment for preferred shares

(226)
Payment for treasury stock(93)

Net receipts from settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements2

6


1
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt1,134

5,237
179

193
Payments for short and long-term debt(712)
(5,353)(228)
(177)
Receivable from affiliate(125)

Payments for debt extinguishment costs

(98)
Contributions from, net of distributions to, noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries65

(127)
Proceeds from issuance of stock

1
Net contributions from/(distributions to) noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries110

(5)
Payment of debt issuance costs(43)
(70)(7)
(14)
Other - contingent consideration(10)
(10)

(10)
Cash provided/(used) by continuing operations283

(706)
Cash (used)/provided by discontinued operations(224)
119
Net Cash provided/(used) by Financing Activities59

(587)
Cash used by continuing operations(49)
(21)
Cash used by discontinued operations

(132)
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities(49)
(153)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(10)
(6)

(7)
Change in Cash from discontinued operations(315)
512


(149)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash405

381
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash(124)
(359)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period1,386

1,322
1,536

1,386
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at End of Period$1,791

$1,703
$1,412

$1,027
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1Basis of Presentation
General
NRG Energy, Inc., or NRG or the Company, is a leadingcustomer-driven integrated power company built on the strengtha portfolio of a diverse competitive electric generation portfolio and leading retail electricity platform.brands and diverse generation assets. NRG is continuously focused on excellence in operating performance of its existing assets and optimal hedging of generation assets and retail load operations, as well as serving the energy needs of end-use residential, commercial and industrial customers in competitive markets through multiple brands and channels. The Company owns and operates approximately 30,000 MW of generation; engages in the trading of wholesale energy, capacity and related products; transacts in and trades fuel and transportation services; and Company:
directly sells energy services, and innovative, sustainable products and services to retail customers under the names “NRG”, "Reliant"“Reliant” and other retail brand names owned by NRG.NRG;
owns and operates approximately 30,000 MW of generation;
engages in the trading of wholesale energy, capacity and related products; and
transacts in and trades fuel and transportation services.
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the SEC's regulations for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The following notes should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and other disclosures as set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments consisting of normal and recurring accruals necessary to present fairly the Company's consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, and the results of operations, comprehensive income/(loss) and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016.2017.
GenOn Chapter 11 Cases
On June 14, 2017, or the Petition Date, GenOn, along with GenOn Americas Generation and certain of their directly and indirectly-owned subsidiaries, or collectively the GenOn Entities, filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11, or the Chapter 11 Cases, of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, or the Bankruptcy Code, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, or the Bankruptcy Court. GenOn Mid-Atlantic, as well as its consolidated subsidiaries, REMA and certain other subsidiaries, did not file for relief under Chapter 11.

As a result of the bankruptcy filings and beginning on June 14, 2017, GenOn and its subsidiaries were deconsolidated from NRG’s consolidated financial statements. NRG recorded its investment in GenOn under the cost method with an estimated fair value of zero. NRG determined that this disposal of GenOn and its subsidiaries is a discontinued operation;operation and, accordingly, the financial information for all historical periods havehas been recast to reflect GenOn as a discontinued operation. In connection with the disposal, NRG recorded a loss on deconsolidation of $208 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2017. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations, Dispositions and Acquisitions, for more information.

Prior to the GenOn Entities' filing the Chapter 11 Cases, on June 12, 2017, NRG entered into a restructuring support and lock-up agreement, or the Restructuring Support Agreement, with the GenOn Entities and certain holders of the GenOn and GenOn Americas Generation Senior Notes, that provides for a restructuring and recapitalization of the GenOn Entities through a prearranged plan of reorganization. The RSA was amended on October 2, 2017 to remove the requirement to conduct a rights offering in connection with the exit financing. There is no assurance that the GenOn Entities' plan will be approved by the requisite stakeholders, confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, or successfully implemented thereafter. The principal terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement are described further in Note 3, Discontinued Operations, Dispositions and Acquisitions.

As announced on October 31, 2017, NRG and GenOn engaged in arms-length discussions to settle certain items related to the pre-petition Restructuring Support Agreement, including key topics such as: (i) timeline and transition; (ii) cooperation and co-development matters; (iii) post-employment and retiree health and welfare benefits and pension benefits; (iv) tax matters; and (v) intercompany balances. The agreements reached on these topics are expected to be incorporated into definitive documents for GenOn’s emergence from Chapter 11.



Forms of definitive documents were filed with the Bankruptcy Court by the GenOn Entities; however, such definitive documents are subject to ongoing review, revision, and further negotiation by the parties to the Restructuring Support Agreement, including NRG, who have various consent rights over the final form of the plan supplement documents, and may be amended, modified, supplemented, and revised in accordance with those ongoing negotiations.

Transformation Plan
On July 12, 2017, NRG announced its Transformation Plan designed to significantly strengthen earnings and cost competitiveness, lower risk and volatility, and create significant shareholder value. The three-part, three-year plan is comprised of the following targets:
Operations and cost excellence — Cost savings and margin enhancement of $1,065 million recurring, which consists of $590 million of annual cost savings, a $215 million net margin enhancement program, $50 million annual reduction in maintenance capital expenditures, and $210 million in permanent selling, general and administrative expense reduction associated with asset sales.
Portfolio optimization — Targeting up to $4.0 billion of asset sale net cash proceeds, including divestitures of 6 GWs of conventional generation and businesses (excluding GenOn) and the expected monetization of 100% of its interest in NRG Yield, Inc. and its renewables platform.

Capital structure and allocation enhancements — A prioritized capital allocation strategy that targets a reduction in consolidated debt from approximately $19.5 billion ($18 billion net debt) to approximately $6.5 billion ($6 billion net debt). Following the completion of the contemplated asset sales, the Company expects $4.8-$6.3 billion in excess cash to be available for allocation through 2020, after achieving its targeted 3.0x net debt / Adjusted EBITDA corporate credit ratio.

The Company expects to fully implement the Transformation Plan by the end of 2020 with significant completion by the end of 2018. The Company expects to realize (i) $370 million of non-recurring working capital improvements through 2020 and (ii) approximately $290 million, one-time costs to achieve.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes. The reclassifications did not affect results from operations, net assets or cash flows.

Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Other Balance Sheet Information
The following table presents the allowance for doubtful accounts included in accounts receivable, net; accumulated depreciation included in property, plant and equipment, net; accumulated amortization included in intangible assets, net and accumulated amortization included in out-of-market contracts, net:
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(In millions)(In millions)
Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts$61
 $29
$27
 $28
Property, plant and equipment accumulated depreciation6,437
 5,711
4,679
 4,465
Intangible assets accumulated amortization1,750
 1,687
1,393
 1,818
Out-of-market contracts accumulated amortization352
 457
364
 358
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 sheet that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statement of cash flows.
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In millions)(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$1,223
 $938
 $1,217
 $853
$764
 $991
 $627
 $938
Funds deposited by counterparties31
 2
 6
 55
241
 37
 3
 2
Restricted cash537
 446
 480
 414
407
 508
 397
 446
Cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$1,791
 $1,386
 $1,703
 $1,322
$1,412
 $1,536
 $1,027
 $1,386
Funds deposited by counterparties consist of cash held by the Company as a result of collateral posting obligations from its counterparties. Some amounts are segregated into separate accounts that are not contractually restricted but, based on the Company's intention, are not available for the payment of general corporate obligations. 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. As of December 31, 2016, $79 million of the cash collateral received was from GenOn, previously a consolidated subsidiary, and is included in cash collateral received in current liabilities as a result of deconsolidating GenOn, with the offset included in cash and cash equivalents.
Restricted cash consists primarily of funds held to satisfy the requirements of certain debt agreements and funds held within the Company's projects that are restricted in their use.
Noncontrolling Interest
The following table reflects the changes in NRG's noncontrolling interest balance:
(In millions)(In millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2016$2,405
Contributions from noncontrolling interest116
Non-cash adjustments to noncontrolling interest98
Sale of assets to NRG Yield, Inc.24
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(8)
Balance as of December 31, 2017$2,314
Dividends paid to NRG Yield, Inc. public shareholders(80)(30)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest(48)(19)
Balance as of September 30, 2017$2,507
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(22)
Non-cash adjustments to noncontrolling interest6
Contributions from noncontrolling interest147
Sale of assets to NRG Yield, Inc.(4)
Balance as of March 31, 2018$2,392


Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The following table reflects the changes in the Company's redeemable noncontrolling interest balance:
(In millions)(In millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2016$46
Balance as of December 31, 2017$78
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest(1)
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest73
12
Non-cash adjustments to noncontrolling interest21
Non-cash adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interest7
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest(53)(16)
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest(2)
Balance as of September 30, 2017$85
Balance as of March 31, 2018$80
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the guidance in ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts which were not completed as of the adoption date. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard as a credit to the opening balance of accumulated deficit, resulting in a decrease of approximately $16 million. The adjustment primarily related to costs incurred to obtain a contract with customers and customer incentives. Following the adoption of the new standard, the Company’s revenue recognition of its contracts with customers remains materially consistent with its historical practice. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company's policies with respect to its various revenue streams are detailed below. In general, the Company 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 Revenues
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 contracts, the Company’s performance obligation with the customer is satisfied over time and performance obligations for its electricity products are recognized as the customer takes possession of the product. The Company also allocates the contract consideration to distinct performance obligation 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 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 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 are entered into 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, where applicable, 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, or the buying and selling of energy for trading purposes, are recorded net within operating revenues in the consolidated statements of operations in accordance with ASC 815.

Capacity Revenue
Capacity revenues consist of revenues billed to a third party at either the market or a negotiated contract price for making installed generation 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, where applicable, 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.
Capacity revenue contracts mainly consist of:
Capacity auctions — The Company's largest sources of capacity revenues are capacity auctions in PJM, ISO-NE, and NYISO. Both ISO-NE and PJM operate a pay-for-performance model where capacity payments are modified based on real-time performance, where NRG's actual revenues will be the combination of revenues based on the cleared auction MWs plus the net of any over- and under-performance of NRG's fleet. In addition, MISO has an annual auction, known as the Planning Resource Auction, or PRA. The Gulf Coast assets situated in the MISO market may participate in this auction. Estimated revenues for cleared auction MWs in the various capacity auctions are $554 million, $508 million, $423 million, $222 million and $57 million for fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Resource adequacy and bilateral contracts — In California, there is a resource adequacy requirement that is primarily satisfied through bilateral contracts. Such bilateral contracts are typically short-term resource adequacy contracts. When bilateral contracting does not satisfy the resource adequacy need, such shortfalls can be addressed through procurement tools administered by the CAISO, including the capacity procurement mechanism or reliability must-run contracts. Demand payments from the current long-term contracts are tied to summer peak demand and provide a mechanism for recovering a portion of the costs associated with new or changed environmental laws or regulations. In Texas, capacity and contracted revenues are through bilateral contracts with load serving entities.
Long-term PPAs — Energy, capacity and where applicable, renewable attributes, from the majority of renewable energy assets and certain conventional energy plants is sold through long-term PPAs and tolling agreements to a single counterparty, which is often a utility or commercial customer. Many of these PPAs are accounted for as leases.

Renewable Energy Credits
As stated above, renewable energy credits are usually sold through long-term PPAs. Revenue from the sale of self-generated RECs is recognized when related energy is generated and simultaneously delivered even in cases where there is a certification lag as it has been deemed to be perfunctory.
In a bundled contract to sell energy, capacity and/or self-generated RECs, all performance obligations are deemed to be delivered at the same time and hence, timing of recognition of revenue for all performance obligations is the same and occurs over time. In such cases, it is often unnecessary to allocate transaction price to multiple performance obligations.
Sale of Emission Allowances
The Company records its inventory of emission allowances as part of intangible assets. From time to time, management may authorize the transfer of emission allowances in excess of usage from the Company's emission bank to intangible assets held-for-sale for trading purposes. The Company records the sale of emission allowances on a net basis within operating revenue in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Disaggregated Revenues
The following table represents the Company’s disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the three months ended March 31, 2018, along with the reportable segment for each category:
 Three months ended March 31, 2018
   Generation        
(In millions)Retail Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
 Subtotal Renewables NRG Yield Eliminations Total
Energy revenue(a)(b)
$
 $371
 $218
 $589
 $77
 $114
 $(161) $619
Capacity revenue(a)(b)

 67
 140
 207
 
 82
 (1) 288
Retail revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Mass customers1,171
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) 1,170
Business solutions customers316
 
 
 
 
 
 
 316
Total retail revenue1,487
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) 1,486
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(c)
(6) (564) (10) (574) (10) 
 484
 (106)
Contract amortization
 3
 
 3
 
 (17) 
 (14)
Other revenue(a)(b)

 86
 16
 102
 19
 46
 (19) 148
Total operating revenue1,481
 (37) 364
 327
 86
 225
 302
 2,421
Less: Lease revenue6
 
 1
 1
 64
 181
 
 252
Less: Derivative revenue(6) (188) 80
 (108) (10) 
 484
 360
Less: Contract amortization
 3
 
 3
 
 (17) 
 (14)
Total revenue from contracts with customers$1,481
 $148
 $283
 $431
 $32
 $61
 $(182) $1,823
(a) The following amounts of energy and capacity revenue relate to leases and are accounted for under ASC 840:
 Retail Gulf Coast East/West Subtotal Renewables NRG Yield Eliminations Total
Energy revenue
 
 
 
 61
 102
 
 163
Capacity revenue
 
 
 
 
 79
 
 79
Other revenue6
 
 1
 1
 3
 
 
 10
(b) The following amounts of energy and capacity revenue relate to derivative instruments and are accounted for under ASC 815.
 Retail Gulf Coast East/West Subtotal Renewables NRG Yield Eliminations Total
Energy revenue
 371
 61
 432
 
 
 
 432
Capacity revenue
 
 26
 26
 
 
 
 26
Other revenue
 5
 3
 8
 
 
 
 8
(c) Revenue relates entirely to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments accounted for under ASC 815.
Contract Amortization
Assets and liabilities recognized from power sales agreements assumed at Fresh Start and through acquisitions related to the sale of electric capacity and energy in future periods for which the fair value has been determined to be significantly less (more) than market are amortized to revenue over the term of each underlying contract based on actual generation and/or contracted volumes.
Lease Revenue
Certain of the Company’s revenues are obtained through PPAs or other contractual agreements. Many of these agreements are accounted for as operating leases under ASC 840 Leases. Certain of these leases have no minimum lease payments and all of the rent is recorded as contingent rent on an actual basis when the electricity is delivered. Judgment is required by management in determining the economic life of each generating facility, in evaluating whether certain lease provisions constitute minimum payments or represent contingent rent and other factors in determining whether a contract contains a lease and whether the lease is an operating lease or capital lease.

Contract Balances
The following table reflects the contract assets and liabilities included in the Company’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2018:
   
(In millions) March 31, 2018
Deferred customer acquisition costs $85
   
Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers 784
Accounts receivable, net - Leases 81
Accounts receivable, net - Derivative instruments 38
Total accounts receivable, net 903
   
Unbilled revenues (included within Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers) 292
   
Deferred revenues 63
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.
Recent Accounting Developments - Guidance Adopted in 2017
ASU 2016-18 — In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash, or ASU No. 2016-18. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-18 require an entity to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, including funds deposited by counterparties with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts on the statement of cash flows. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-18 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted and the adoption of ASU No. 2016-18 will be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted the guidance in ASU No. 2016-18 during the second quarter of 2017. In connection with the adoption of the standard, the Company has applied the guidance retrospectively which resulted in a decrease in cash flows from operations of $49 million and an increase in cash flows from investing of $66 million on the statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
ASU 2016-16 — In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, or ASU No. 2016-16.  Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party which has resulted in diversity in practice and increased complexity within financial reporting.  The amendments of ASU No. 2016-16 would require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs.  The Company adopted the guidance in ASU No. 2016-16 effective January 1, 2017. In connection with the adoption of the standard, the Company recorded a reduction to non-current assets of $267 million with a corresponding reduction to cumulative retained deficit. 
ASU 2016-15 — In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, or ASU No. 2016-15. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-15 were issued to address eight specific cash flow issues for which stakeholders have indicated to the FASB that a diversity in practice existed in how entities were presenting and classifying these items in the statement of cash flows. The issues addressed by ASU No. 2016-15 include but are not limited to the classification of debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs, payments made for contingent consideration for a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance proceeds, distributions received from equity method investees and separately identifiable cash flows and the application of the predominance principle. The Company adopted the guidance in ASU No. 2016-15 effective January 1, 2017. In connection with the adoption of the standard, the Company has applied the guidance retrospectively which resulted in an increase in cash flows from operations of $98 million and a decrease in cash flows from financing of $98 million on the statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
ASU 2016-09 — In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), or ASU No. 2016-09. The amendments focused on simplification specifically with regard to share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the guidance in ASU No. 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017 with no material adjustments recorded to the consolidated balance sheet.
Recent Accounting Developments - Guidance Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2017-12 — In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, or ASU No. 2017-12. The amendments of ASU No. 2017-12 were issued to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and more closely align financial reporting for hedging relationships with economic results of an entity's risk management activities. The issues addressed by ASU No. 2017-12 include but are not limited to alignment of risk management activities and financial reporting, risk component hedging, accounting for the hedged item in fair value hedges of interest rate risk, recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments, amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, and other simplifications of hedge accounting guidance. The amendments of ASU No. 2017-12 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods therein.  Early adoption is permitted in any interim period and the effect of the adoption should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12 will have a material impact on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and statement of financial position.


ASU 2017-07 — In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, or ASU No. 2017-07.   Current GAAP does not indicate where the amount of net benefit cost should be presented in an entity’s income statement and does not require entities to disclose the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the income statement. The amendments of ASU No. 2017-07 require an entity to report the service cost component of net benefit costs in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the related employees during the applicable service period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations. Further, ASU No. 2017-07 prescribes that only the service cost component of net benefit costs is eligible for capitalization. The Company adopted the amendments of ASU No. 2017-07 are effective January 1, 2018. In connection with the adoption of the standard, the Company has applied the guidance retrospectively which resulted in an increase in cost of operations of $4 million and a corresponding increase in other income, net on the statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
ASU 2016-01 - In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or ASU No. 2016-01. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-01 eliminate available-for-sale classification of equity investments and require that equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) be generally measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Further, the amendments require that financial assets and financial liabilities be presented separately in the notes to the financial statements, grouped by measurement category and form of financial asset. The guidance in ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, includingand interim periods therein.  Early adoption is permitted and must be applied on a retrospective basis, except forwithin those annual periods. The Company adopted the amendments regarding the capitalization of the service cost component, which must be applied prospectively. The Company is currently assessing the impact thatASU No. 2016-01 effective January 1, 2018. In connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 will havethe standard, the Company has applied the guidance on itsa modified retrospective basis, which resulted in no material adjustments recorded to the consolidated results of operations, cash flows, and statement of financial position.


Recent Accounting Developments - Guidance Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2016-02 — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or Topic 842, with the objective to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to improve financial reporting by expanding the related disclosures. The guidance in Topic 842 provides that a lessee that may have previously accounted for a lease as an operating lease under current GAAP should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from a lease on the balance sheet. In addition, Topic 842 expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures with regards to lease arrangements. The Company expects towill adopt the standard effective January 1, 2019, utilizing the required modified retrospective approach for the earliest period presented. The Companyand expects to elect certain of the practical expedients permitted, including the expedient that permits the Company to retain its existing lease assessment and classification. The Company is currently working through an adoption plan which includes the evaluation of lease contracts compared to the new standard. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on its financial position and results of operations, the Company expects to recognize lease liabilities and right of use assets. The extent of the increase to assets and liabilities associated with these amounts remains to be determined pending the Company’s review of its existing lease contracts and service contracts which may contain embedded leases. While this review is still in process, NRG believes the adoption of Topic 842 will have a material impact on its financial statements.
ASU 2014-09 — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), or The Company is also monitoring recent changes to Topic 606, which was further amended through various updates issued by the FASB thereafter. The amendments of Topic 606 completed the joint effort between the FASB842 and the IASB, to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and IFRS, and to improve financial reporting. The guidance under Topic 606 provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services provided and establishes a five step model to be applied by an entity in evaluating its contracts with customers. The Company expects to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2018 and apply the guidance retrospectively to contracts at the date of adoption. The Company will recognize the cumulative effect of applying Topic 606 at the date of initial application, as prescribed under the modified retrospective transition method. The Company also expects to elect the practical expedient available under Topic 606 for measuring progress toward complete satisfaction of a performance obligation and for disclosure requirements of remaining performance obligations. The practical expedient allows an entity to recognize revenue in the amount to which the entity has the right to invoice such that the entity has a right to the consideration in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer for performance completed to date by the entity. The Company continues to assess the new standard with a focus on identifying the performance obligations included within its revenue arrangements with customers and evaluating the Company’s methods of estimating the amount and timing of variable consideration. While the impact remains subject to continued review, the Company does not believe the adoption of Topic 606 will have a materialrelated impact on its financial statements.the implementation process.


Note 3Discontinued Operations Dispositions and AcquisitionsDispositions
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 3, Discontinued Operations, Acquisitions and Dispositions, to the Company's 2017 Form 10-K.
Discontinued Operations
As described in Note 1, Basis of Presentation, on the Petition Date,On June 14, 2017, the GenOn Entities filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. As a result of the bankruptcy filings, NRG has concluded that it no longer controls GenOn as it is subject to the control of the Bankruptcy Court; and, accordingly, NRG no longer consolidates GenOn for financial reporting purposes.
By eliminating a large portion of its operations in the PJM market with the deconsolidation of GenOn, NRG has concluded that GenOn meets the criteria for discontinued operations, as this represents a strategic shift in the markets in which NRG operates. As such, all prior period results for GenOn have been reclassified as discontinued operations while NRG will record all ongoing results of GenOn as a cost method investment, which was valued at zero at the date of deconsolidation.operations.
Summarized results of discontinued operations were as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30, 2017 (a)
 Three months ended September 30, 2016 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017 (a)
 Nine months ended September 30, 2016
(In millions)   
Operating revenues$
 $532
 $646
 $1,509
Operating costs and expenses
 (468) (700) (1,409)
Gain on sale of assets
 262
 
 294
Other expenses
 (43) (98) (127)
(Loss)/Income from operations of discontinued components, before tax
 283
 (152) 267
Income tax expense
 21
 9
 20
(Loss)/Incomes from operations of discontinued components
 262
 (161) 247
Interest income - affiliate
 3
 6
 9
(Loss)/Income from operations of discontinued components, net of tax
 265
 (155) 256
Pre-tax loss on deconsolidation
 
 (208) 
Settlement consideration and services credit
 
 (289) 
Pension and post-retirement liability assumption(b)
(25) 
 (144) 
Other(2) 
 (6) 
Loss on disposal of discontinued components, net of tax(27) 
 (647) 
(Loss)/Income from discontinued operations, net of tax$(27) $265
 $(802) $256
 Three months ended March 31, 2017
(In millions)
Operating revenues$381
Operating costs and expenses(373)
Other expenses(44)
Loss from operations of discontinued components, before tax(36)
Income tax expense1
Loss from operations of discontinued components(37)
Interest income - affiliate3
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax$(34)
(a) As of June 14, 2017, NRG no longer consolidates GenOn for financial reporting purposes.
(b) See Note 1, Basis of Presentation, for further discussion regarding the October 30, 2017 proposed changes to the Restructuring Support Agreement. As part of this, NRGIncome recorded the liability for GenOn’s post-employment and retiree health and welfare benefits, in an amount up to $25 million with a corresponding loss onfrom discontinued operations duringwas immaterial for the third quarter of 2017.three months ended March 31, 2018.


The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016. As of June 14, 2017, NRG no longer consolidates GenOn for financial reporting purposes.
(In millions) December 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents $1,034
Other current assets 885
Current assets - discontinued operations 1,919
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,543
Other non-current assets 418
Non-current assets - discontinued operations 2,961
Current portion of long term debt and capital leases 704
Other current liabilities 506
Current liabilities - discontinued operations 1,210
Long-term debt and capital leases 2,050
Out-of-market contracts 811
Other non-current liabilities 323
Non-current liabilities - discontinued operations $3,184
Restructuring Support Agreement
As described in Note 1, Basis of Presentation, NRG, GenOn and certain holders representing greater than 93% in aggregate principal amount of GenOn’s Senior Notes and certain holders representing greater than 93% in aggregate principal amount of GenOn Americas Generation’s Senior Notes entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement that provides for a restructuring and recapitalization of the GenOn Entities through a prearranged plan of reorganization.reorganization that was approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to an order of confirmation. Completion of the agreed upon terms is contingent upon certain milestones in the Restructuring Support Agreement.Agreement and the satisfaction or waiver or certain conditions precedent. Certain principal terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement and the plan of reorganization are detailed below:
1)FullThe dismissal of litigation and full releases from GenOn and GenOn Americas Generation in favor of NRG including eitherupon the earlier of the consummation of the GenOn Entities' plan of reorganization or the Settlement Agreement; a condition precedent to the consummation of the Settlement Agreement is a full release or indemnification in favor of NRG forfrom any claims relating toof GenOn Mid-Atlantic or REMA and the dismissal of all litigation against NRG.REMA.
2)
NRG will provide settlement cash consideration to GenOn of $261.3 million, which will be paid in cash less any amounts owed to NRG under the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, GenOn owed NRG approximately $125 million under the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. See Note 14,13, Related Party Transactions, for further discussion of the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. The net liability for these amounts, along with the services credit described below, is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities - affiliate as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
3)NRG will consent to the cancellation of its interests in the equity of GenOn. The equity interests in the reorganized GenOn will be issued to the holders of the GenOn Senior Notes.
4)NRG will retain the pension liability, including payment of approximately $13 million of 2017 pension contributions, for GenOn employees for service provided prior to the completion of the reorganization, which was paid in September 2017. GenOn’s pension liability as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, was approximately $106$91 million. NRG will also retain the liability for GenOn’s post-employment and retiree health and welfare benefits, in an amount up to $25 million. These liabilities are recorded within other non-current liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
5)4)
The shared services agreement between NRG and GenOn will be amended such that (i)was terminated and replaced as of the plan confirmation date with a transition services agreement. Under the transition services agreement, NRG will continue to provide the shared services to GenOnand other separation services at an annualized rate of $84 million, during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, (ii) if the settlement is approved by the bankruptcy court, NRG will provide shared servicessubject to GenOn at no charge for two months,certain credits and (iii) NRG will then provide an option for up to two, one-month extensions for shared services at an annualized rate of $84 million.adjustments. See Note 14,13, Related Party Transactions, for further discussion of the shared services agreement.Services Agreement.
6)5)NRG will provide a credit of $28 million to GenOn to apply against amounts owed under the sharedtransition services agreement upon emergence from bankruptcy.agreement. Any unused amount can be paid in cash at GenOn’s request. The credit was intended to reimburse GenOn for its payment of financing costs.
7)
NRG agreed to provide GenOn with a letter of credit facility during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, which could be utilized for required letters of credit in lieu of the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. GenOn can no longer utilize the intercompany secured revolving credit facility and, on July 27, 2017, the letter of credit facility was terminated, as GenOn had obtained a separate letter of credit facility with a third party financial institution. See Note 14, Related Party Transactions, for further discussion of the intercompany secured revolver credit facility and the letter of credit facility obtained in July 2017.
8)6)NRG and GenOn have agreed to cooperate in good faith to maximize the value of certain development projects. Pursuant to this, GenOn made a one-time payment in the amount of $15 million to NRG in December 2017 as compensation for a purchase option with respect to the Canal 3 project. On March 22, 2018, NRG agreed to sell Canal 3 to Stonepeak Kestrel Holdings II LLC in conjunction with GenOn's sale of Canal Units 1 and 2 to Stonepeak Kestrel Holdings LLC. NRG expects to reimburse GenOn for $13.5 million of the one-time payment upon the close of the sale of Canal 3. This amount is recorded as a current liability as of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017.

GenMA Settlement

In addition toThe Bankruptcy Court order confirming the Restructuring Support Agreement, additional support and other agreements are being negotiated, including a transition services agreement. See Note 1, Basisplan of Presentation, for further discussion regarding the October 30, 2017 proposed changes to the Restructuring Support Agreement.
Settlement Consideration
NRG has determined that the payment ofreorganization also approved the settlement consideration is probable and has recorded a liability for the amount due of $261.3 million in accrued expenses and other current liabilities - affiliate with a corresponding loss from discontinued operations. NRG expectsterms agreed to pay this amount net of amounts due from GenOn under the intercompany secured revolving credit facility, which is further described in Note 14, Related Party Transactions.
Pension Liability
NRG will retain the pension liability, including payment of approximately $13 million of 2017 pension contributions, which was paid in September 2017, foramong the GenOn employees for service provided prior to emergence from bankruptcy.Entities, NRG, determined that the retention of this liability is probable and has recorded the estimated accumulated pension benefit obligation as of September 30, 2017 of $106 million in other non-current liabilities with a corresponding loss from discontinued operations. NRG's obligation for this liability will be revalued through and at GenOn's emergence from bankruptcy.
Services Agreement
NRG will continue to provide shared services toConsenting Holders, GenOn under the Services Agreement at an annualized rate of $84 million during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases as well as for two months post-emergence at no charge. NRG then will provide an option for up to two, one-month extensions for shared services at an annualized rate of $84 million. Beginning on June 14, 2017, NRG records operating income for the amounts earned for shared services of approximately $5 million per month. NRG has also agreed to provide GenOn with a credit of $28 million against amounts owed under the Services Agreement. Any unused amount can be paid in cash at GenOn’s request. As a result, NRG has concluded that the liability for this credit is probable and has recorded a payable to GenOn for $28 million in accrued expenses and other current liabilities - affiliate with a corresponding loss from discontinued operations. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation, for further discussion regarding the October 30, 2017 proposed changes to the Restructuring Support Agreement and Services Agreement.
Commercial Operations
For pre-disposal periods, NRG provided GenOn with services as described in Note 14, Related Party Transactions. Under intercompany agreements, NRG Power Marketing LLC has entered into physical and financial intercompany commodity and hedging transactions with GenOnMid-Atlantic, and certain of its subsidiaries. SubjectGenOn Mid-Atlantic’s stakeholders, or the GenMA Settlement, and directed the settlement parties to applicable collateral thresholds, these arrangements may provide forcooperate in good faith to negotiate definitive documentation consistent with the bilateral exchangeGenMA Settlement term sheet in order to pursue consummation of the GenMA Settlement. The definitive documentation effectuating the GenMA Settlement was finalized and effective as of April 27, 2018. Certain terms of the compromise with respect to NRG and GenOn Mid-Atlantic are as follows:
Settlement of all pending litigation and objections to the Plan (including with respect to releases and feasibility);
NRG provided $37.5 million in letters of credit as new qualifying credit support based upon market exposureto GenOn Mid-Atlantic; and potential market movements. The terms and conditions
NRG paid approximately $6 million as reimbursement of professional fees incurred by certain of GenOn Mid-Atlantic's stakeholders in connection with the agreements are generally consistent with industry practices and other third party arrangements. For current and pre-disposal periods, revenue and expense associated with these transactions is recorded in continuing operations.GenMA Settlement.
GenOn Debt
As of June 14, 2017, the GenOn Senior Notes and GenOn Americas Generation Senior Notes, which totaled approximately $2.5 billion, were deconsolidated from NRG's consolidated financial statements. The filing of the Chapter 11 Cases constitutes an event of default under the following debt instruments of GenOn:
1)The intercompany secured revolving credit facility with NRG;
2)The indenture governing the GenOn 7.875% Senior Notes due 2017 (as amended or supplemented from time to time);
3)The indenture governing the GenOn 9.500% Notes due 2018 (as amended or supplemented from time to time);
4)The indenture governing the GenOn 9.875% Notes due 2020 (as amended or supplemented from time to time);
5)The indenture governing the GenOn Americas Generation 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 (as amended or supplemented from time to time); and
6)The indenture governing the GenOn Americas Generation 9.125% Senior Notes due 2031 (as amended or supplemented from time to time).
Transfer of Assets Under Common Control
On November 1, 2017, NRG completedMarch 30, 2018, as part of the sale of a 38 MW solar portfolio primarily comprised of assets from SPP funds, in addition to other projects developed by NRG,Transformation Plan, the Company sold to NRG Yield, Inc. for100% of NRG's interests in Buckthorn Renewables, LLC, which owns a 154-MW construction-stage utility-scale solar generation project, located in Texas. NRG Yield, Inc. paid cash consideration of $71approximately $42 million, plus $3 million inexcluding working capital adjustments.
On August 1, 2017, NRG closed onadjustments, and assumed non-recourse debt of approximately $183 million. Concurrently, an initial contribution of approximately $19 million was received from the sale of its remaining 25% interestthird-party investor in NRG Wind TE Holdco, a portfolio of 12 wind projects, to NRG Yield, Inc. for total cash consideration of $44 million, including working capital adjustment of $3 million. The transaction also includes potential additional payments to NRG dependent upon actual energy prices for merchant periods beginningthe underlying tax equity partnership, which is included in 2027.

noncontrolling interest.

On March 27, 2017, the Company sold to NRG Yield, Inc.: (i) a 16% interest in the Agua Caliente solar project, representing ownership of approximately 46 net MW of capacity and (ii) NRG's interests in seven utility-scale solar projects located in Utah representing 265 net MW of capacity, which have reached commercial operations. NRG Yield, Inc. paid cash consideration of $130 million, plus $1 million in working capital adjustments, and assumed non-recourse debt of approximately $328 million.
On September 1, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its remaining 51.05% interest in the CVSR project to NRG Yield, Inc. for total cash consideration of $78.5 million, plus an immaterial working capital adjustment. In addition, NRG Yield, Inc. assumed non-recourse project level debt of $496 million.
Acquisitions
SunEdison Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Acquisition
On November 2, 2016, the Company acquired equity interests in a tax equity portfolio from SunEdison, located in Utah, comprised of 530 MW of mechanically-complete solar assets, of which NRG’s net interest based on cash to be distributed is 265 MW, for upfront cash consideration of $111 million. In connection with the acquisition, the Company assumed non-recourse debt of $222 million. The Company also borrowed additional amounts of $65 million during the fourth quarter of 2016, which effectively reduced the Company's use of liquidity related to the acquisition. The Company does not have a controlling interest in the tax equity portfolio and, accordingly, its interest is recorded as an equity method investment. The purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the equity method investment balance of approximately $328 million, current assets of $5 million and the assumed non-recourse debt of $222 million. The assets reached commercial operations during the fourth quarter of 2016 and have 20-year PPAs with PacificCorp.
The Company acquired a 110 MW portfolio of construction-ready and 71 MW of development solar assets in Hawaii from SunEdison for upfront cash consideration of $2 million on October 3, 2016 and a 154 MW construction-ready solar project in Texas for upfront cash consideration of $11 million on November 9, 2016.
In addition to the total $124 million in upfront cash consideration paid for the above acquisitions, the Company expects to make an estimated $59 million in additional payments contingent upon future development milestones, of which $15 million was paid as of September 30, 2017.
SunEdison Solar Distributed Generation Acquisition
On October 3, 2016, the Company acquired a 29 MW portfolio of mechanically-complete and construction-ready distributed generation solar assets from SunEdison for cash consideration of approximately $67 million excluding post-closing adjustments which reduced the purchase price by $5 million. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company sold the majority of these assets into a tax-equity financed portfolio within the DGPV Holdco partnership between NRG and NRG Yield, Inc., and expects to sell the remaining assets into a similar portfolio in 2017. The purchase price was allocated to $47 million in construction in progress and $15 million in intangible assets.
Dispositions
Disposition of Majority Interest in EVgo
On June 17, 2016, the Company completed the sale of a majority interest in its EVgo business to Vision Ridge Partners for total consideration of approximately $39 million, including $17 million in cash received, which is net of $2.5 million in working capital adjustments, $15 million contributed as capital to the EVgo business and $7 million of future contributions by Vision Ridge Partners, all of which were determined based on forecasted cash requirements to operate the business in future periods. In addition, the Company has future earnout potential of up to $70 million based on future profitability targets. NRG will retain its original financial obligation of $102.5 million under its agreement with the CPUC whereby EVgo will build at least 200 public fast charging Freedom Station sites and perform the associated work to prepare 10,000 commercial and multi-family parking spaces for electric vehicle charging in California. As part of the sale, NRG has contracted with EVgo to continue to build the remaining required Freedom Stations and commercial and multi-family parking spaces for electric vehicle charging required under this obligation and will be directly reimbursed by NRG for the costs. As a result of the sale, the Company recorded a loss on sale of $83 million during the second quarter of 2016, which reflects the loss on the sale of the equity interest of $27 million and the accrual of NRG's remaining obligation under its agreement with the CPUC of $56 million. On February 22, 2017, the Company and CPUC entered into a second amendment to the agreement which extended the operating period commitment for the Freedom Stations to December 5, 2020. At September 30, 2017, the Company's remaining 35% interest in EVgo of $2 million was accounted for as an equity-method investment.


Rockford Disposition
On May 12, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with RA Generation, LLC to sell 100% of its interests in the Rockford I and Rockford II generating stations, or Rockford, for cash consideration of $55 million, subject to adjustments for working capital and the results of the PJM 2019/2020 base residual auction. Rockford is a 450 MW natural gas facility located in Rockford, Illinois. The transaction triggered an indicator of impairment as the sales price was less than the carrying amount of the assets, and, as a result the assets were considered to be impaired. The Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount of the assets and the agreed-upon sales price. The Company recorded an impairment loss of $17 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2016 to reduce the carrying amount of the assets held for sale to the fair market value. At June 30, 2016, the Company had $2 million of current assets and $54 million of non-current assets classified as held for sale for Rockford on its balance sheet. On July 12, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Rockford for cash proceeds of $56 million, including $1 million in adjustments for the PJM base residual auction results. For further discussion on this impairment, refer to Note 7, Impairments, to this Form 10-Q.
Note 4Fair Value of Financial Instruments
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 4, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
For cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties, 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 amounts and fair values of NRG's recorded financial instruments not carried at fair market value are as follows:
As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair ValueCarrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value
(In millions)(In millions)
Assets:              
Notes receivable (a)
$22
 $21
 $34
 $34
$15
 $14
 $16
 $15
Liabilities:              
Long-term debt, including current portion (b)
17,097
 17,423
 16,655
 16,620
16,559
 16,687
 16,603
 16,894
(a) Includes the current portion of notes receivable which is recorded in prepayments and other current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
(b) 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 publicly-traded long-term debt is based on quoted market prices and is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of debt securities, non-publicly traded long-term debt and certain notes receivable of the Company are based on expected future cash flows discounted at market interest rates, or current interest rates for similar instruments with equivalent credit quality and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents the level within the fair value hierarchy for long-term debt, including current portion as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016:2017:
 As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
 Level 2 Level 3 Level 2 Level 3
 (In millions)
Long-term debt, including current portion$9,571
 $7,852
 $9,205
 $7,415

 As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
 Level 2 Level 3 Level 2 Level 3
 (In millions)
Long-term debt, including current portion$8,772
 $7,915
 $8,934
 $7,960


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 condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy:
 As of September 30, 2017
 Fair Value
(In millions)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Investment in available-for-sale securities (classified within other
    non-current assets):
       
Debt securities$
 $
 $19
 $19
Available-for-sale securities5
 
 
 5
Nuclear trust fund investments:       
Cash and cash equivalents31
 
 
 31
U.S. government and federal agency obligations43
 1
 
 44
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 74
 
 74
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 11
 
 11
Corporate debt securities
 108
 
 108
Equity securities333
 
 65
 398
Foreign government fixed income securities
 4
 
 4
Other trust fund investments:       
U.S. government and federal agency obligations1
 
 
 1
Derivative assets:       
Commodity contracts132
 409
 98
 639
Interest rate contracts
 42
 
 42
Total assets$545
 $649
 $182
 $1,376
Derivative liabilities:       
Commodity contracts201
 404
 146
 751
Interest rate contracts
 78
 
 78
Total liabilities$201
 $482
 $146
 $829
.

 As of March 31, 2018
 Fair Value
(In millions)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Investments in securities (classified within other non-current assets)$22
 $3
 $
 $19
Nuclear trust fund investments:       
Cash and cash equivalents16
 16
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations56
 55
 1
 
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities92
 
 92
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities16
 
 16
 
Corporate debt securities100
 
 100
 
Equity securities333
 333
 
 
Foreign government fixed income securities5
 
 5
 
Other trust fund investments:       
U.S. government and federal agency obligations1
 1
 
 
Derivative assets:       
Commodity contracts1,277
 168
 1,060
 49
Interest rate contracts92
 
 92
 
Measured using net asset value practical expedient:       
Equity securities — nuclear trust fund investments62
 

 

 

Total assets$2,072
 $576
 $1,366
 $68
Derivative liabilities:       
Commodity contracts1,024
 224
 729
 71
Interest rate contracts30
 
 30
 
Total liabilities$1,054
 $224
 $759
 $71

As of December 31, 2016As of December 31, 2017
Fair ValueFair Value
(In millions)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalTotal Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Investment in available-for-sale securities (classified within other
non-current assets):
       
Debt securities$
 $
 $17
 $17
Available-for-sale securities10
 
 
 10
Investments in securities (classified within other non-current assets)$22
 $3
 $
 $19
Nuclear trust fund investments:              
Cash and cash equivalents25
 
 
 25
47
 45
 2
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations72
 1
 
 73
43
 42
 1
 
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities
 62
 
 62
82
 
 82
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 17
 
 17
14
 
 14
 
Corporate debt securities
 84
 
 84
99
 
 99
 
Equity securities292
 
 54
 346
334
 334
 
 
Foreign government fixed income securities
 3
 
 3
5
 
 5
 
Other trust fund investments:              
U.S. government and federal agency obligations1
 
 
 1
1
 1
 
 
Derivative assets:              
Commodity contracts560
 549
 90
 1,199
745
 191
 509
 45
Interest rate contracts
 49
 
 49
53
 
 53
 
Measured using net asset value practical expedient:       
Equity securities — nuclear trust fund investments68
      
Total assets$960
 $765
 $161
 $1,886
$1,513
 $616
 $765
 $64
Derivative liabilities:              
Commodity contracts494
 636
 158
 1,288
693
 257
 359
 77
Interest rate contracts
 88
 
 88
59
 
 59
 
Total liabilities$494
 $724
 $158
 $1,376
$752
 $257
 $418
 $77


There were no transfers during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 20162017 between Levels 1 and 2. The following tables reconcile, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 20162017, the beginning and ending balances for financial instruments that are recognized at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements, at least annually, using significant unobservable inputs:
Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017Three months ended March 31, 2018
(In millions)Debt Securities Trust Fund Investments 
Derivatives(a)
 Total Debt Securities Trust Fund Investments 
Derivatives(a)
 TotalDebt Securities 
Derivatives(a)
 Total
Beginning balance$18
 $61
 $(11) $68
 $17
 $54
 $(68) $3
$19
 $(32) $(13)
Total gains/(losses) — realized/unrealized:      

       

Total gains — realized/unrealized:    

Included in earnings1
 
 (28) (27) 2
 
 18
 20

 2
 2
Included in nuclear decommissioning obligation
 3
 
 3
 
 10
 
 10
Purchases
 1
 (9) (8) 
 1
 
 1

 1
 1
Transfers into Level 3 (b)

 
 (6) (6) 
 
 (11) (11)
 4
 4
Transfers out of Level 3 (b)

 
 6
 6
 
 
 13
 13

 3
 3
Ending balance as of September 30, 2017$19
 $65
 $(48) $36
 $19
 $65
 $(48) $36
Losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2017$
 $���
 $(13) $(13) $
 $
 $(6) $(6)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2018$19
 $(22) $(3)
Gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of March 31, 2018$
 $3
 $3
(a)Consists of derivative 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 in/out are with Level 2.


Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Three months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2016Three months ended March 31, 2017
(In millions)Debt Securities Trust Fund Investments 
Derivatives(a)
 Total Debt Securities Trust Fund Investments 
Derivatives(a)
 TotalDebt Securities Trust Fund Investments 
Derivatives(a)
 Total
Beginning balance$16
 $51
 $18
 $85
 $17
 $54
 $(22) $49
$17
 $54
 $(68) $3
Total (losses)/gains — realized/unrealized:               
Total gains — realized/unrealized:       
Included in earnings
 
 (5) (5) 
 
 4
 4
1
 
 6
 7
Included in OCI1
 
 
 1
 
 
 
 
Included in nuclear decommissioning obligations
 3
 
 3
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Included in nuclear decommissioning obligation
 4
 
 4
Purchases
 
 (25) (25) 
 1
 2
 3

 
 4
 4
Transfers into Level 3 (b)

 
 (13) (13) 
 
 (6) (6)
 
 (8) (8)
Transfers out of Level 3 (b)

 
 3
 3
 
 
 
 

 
 10
 10
Ending balance as of September 30, 2016$17
 $54
 $(22) $49
 $17
 $54
 $(22) $49
Losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of September 30, 2016$
 $
 $(4) $(4) $
 $
 $(11) $(11)
Ending balance as of March 31, 2017$18
 $58
 $(56) $20
Losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of March 31, 2017$
 $
 $(15) $(15)
(a)Consists of derivative 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 in/out are with Level 2.

Derivative Fair Value Measurements
A portion of NRG'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. The remainder of the assets and liabilities represent contracts for which external sources or observable market quotes are not available for the whole term or for certain delivery months or the contracts are retail and load following power contracts. These contracts are valued using various valuation techniques including but not limited to internal models that apply fundamental analysis of the market and corroboration with similar markets. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, contracts valued with prices provided by models and other valuation techniques make up 14%4% of the total derivative assets and 18%7% of the total derivative liabilities.

NRG's significant positions classified as Level 3 include physical and financial power executed in illiquid markets as well as financial transmission rights, or FTRs. The significant unobservable inputs used in developing fair value include illiquid 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 September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016:2017:
Significant Unobservable InputsSignificant Unobservable Inputs
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
Fair Value Input/RangeFair Value Input/Range
Assets Liabilities Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Low High Weighted AverageAssets Liabilities Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Low High Weighted Average
(In millions)      (In millions)      
Power Contracts$47
 $101
 Discounted Cash Flow Forward Market Price (per MWh) $10
 $88
 $24
$38
 $63
 Discounted Cash Flow Forward Market Price (per MWh) $9
 $319
 $40
FTRs51
 45
 Discounted Cash Flow Auction Prices (per MWh) (31) 36
 
11
 8
 Discounted Cash Flow Auction Prices (per MWh) (28) 46
 
$98
 $146
      $49
 $71
      
Significant Unobservable InputsSignificant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2016December 31, 2017
Fair Value Input/RangeFair Value Input/Range
Assets Liabilities Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Low High Weighted AverageAssets Liabilities Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Low High Weighted Average
(In millions)      (In millions)      
Power Contracts$39
 $108
 Discounted Cash Flow Forward Market Price (per MWh) $11
 $104
 $31
$34
 $65
 Discounted Cash Flow Forward Market Price (per MWh) $10
 $142
 $33
FTRs51
 50
 Discounted Cash Flow Auction Prices (per MWh) (22) 17
 
11
 12
 Discounted Cash Flow Auction Prices (per MWh) (28) 46
 
$90
 $158
      $45
 $77
      
The following table provides sensitivity of fair value measurements to increases/(decreases) in significant unobservable inputs as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016:2017:
Significant Unobservable Input Position Change In Input Impact on Fair Value Measurement
Forward Market Price Power Buy Increase/(Decrease) Higher/(Lower)
Forward Market Price Power Sell Increase/(Decrease) Lower/(Higher)
FTR Prices Buy Increase/(Decrease) Higher/(Lower)
FTR Prices Sell Increase/(Decrease) Lower/(Higher)
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 is calculated based on published default probabilities. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the credit reserve resulted in a $1$2 million increasedecrease in fair value in operating revenue and cost of operations. As of December 31, 2016,2017, the credit reserve resulted in a $10 million decreaseno change in fair value in operating revenue and cost of operations.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In addition to the credit risk discussion as disclosed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K, the following is a discussion of the concentration of credit risk for the Company's contractual obligations. 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. NRG is exposed to counterparty credit risk through various activities including wholesale sales, fuel purchases and retail supply arrangements, and retail customer credit risk through its retail load activities.


Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company's counterparty credit risk policies are disclosed in its 20162017 Form 10-K. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the Company's counterparty credit exposure, excluding credit risk exposure under certain long term agreements, was $134505 million with net exposure of $129$244 million. NRG held collateral (cash and letters of credit) against those positions of $14264 million. Approximately 74%83% of the Company's exposure before collateral is expected to roll off by the end of 2018.2019. 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.
 
Net Exposure (a) (b)
Category by Industry Sector(% of Total)
Utilities, energy merchants, marketers and other9178%
Financial institutions922
Total as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018100%
 
Net Exposure (a) (b)
Category by Counterparty Credit Quality(% of Total)
Investment grade7978%
Non-Investment grade/Non-Rated2122
Total as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018100%
(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.
NRG has counterparty credit risk exposure to certain counterparties, each of which represent more than 10% of total net exposure discussed above. The aggregate of such counterparties' exposure was $5065 million as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. Changes in hedge positions and market prices will affect credit exposure and counterparty concentration. Given the credit quality, diversification and term of the exposure in the portfolio, NRG does not anticipate a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations from nonperformance by any of NRG's counterparties.
RTOs and ISOs
The Company participates in the organized markets of CAISO, ERCOT, ISO-NE, MISO, NYISO and PJM, known as RTOs or ISOs. Trading in these markets is approved by FERC, or in the case of ERCOT, approved by the PUCT and includes 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 overall market and are excluded from the above exposures.
Exchange Traded Transactions
The Company enters into commodity transactions on registered exchanges, notably ICE and NYMEX. 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 agreements, including California tolling agreements, Gulf Coast load obligations, and wind and solar PPAs. As external sources or observable market quotes are not available to estimate such exposure, the Company estimates its credit exposure for 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 September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, aggregate credit risk exposure managed by NRG to these counterparties was approximately $4.3$4.1 billion, including $2.8$2.5 billion related to assets of NRG Yield, Inc., for the next five years. This amount excludes potential credit exposures for projects with long-term PPAs that have not reached commercial operations. The majority of these power contracts are with utilities or public power entities with strong credit quality and public utility commission or other regulatory support. However, such regulated utility counterparties can be impacted by changes in government regulations or treatment by regulatory agencies which NRG is unable to predict.



Retail Customer Credit Risk
NRGThe Company is exposed to retail credit risk through the Company's retail electricity providers, which serve commercial, industrial and governmental/institutionalC&I customers and the Mass market. Retail credit risk results in losses when a customer fails to pay for products or services rendered. The losses may result from both nonpayment of customer accounts receivable and the loss of in-the-money forward value. NRGThe 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 September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the Company believes itsCompany's retail customer credit exposure to C&I and Mass customers was diversified across many customers and various industries, as well as government entities.
Note 5 — Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 6, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
NRG's Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund assets are comprised of securities classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value based on actively quoted market prices. NRG accounts for the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund in accordance with ASC 980, Regulated Operations, 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 nuclear decommissioning trustthe Nuclear Decommissioning Trust liability and are not included in net income or accumulated OCI, consistent with regulatory treatment.
The following table summarizes the aggregate fair values and unrealized gains and losses (including other-than-temporary impairments) for the securities held in the trust funds, as well as information about the contractual maturities of those securities.
As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017
(In millions, except otherwise noted)Fair Value Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Weighted-average Maturities (In years) Fair Value Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Weighted-average Maturities (In years)Fair Value Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Weighted-average Maturities (In years) Fair Value Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Weighted-average Maturities (In years)
Cash and cash equivalents$31
 $
 $
 
 $25
 $
 $
 
$16
 $
 $
 
 $47
 $
 $
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations44
 2
 
 10
 73
 1
 
 11
56
 1
 1
 11
 43
 1
 
 11
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities74
 1
 1
 24
 62
 1
 1
 25
92
 
 2
 23
 82
 1
 1
 23
Commercial mortgage-backed securities11
 
 
 23
 17
 
 1
 26
16
 
 1
 22
 14
 
 
 20
Corporate debt securities108
 2
 1
 11
 84
 1
 2
 11
100
 1
 2
 11
 99
 2
 1
 11
Equity securities398
 260
 
 
 346
 214
 
 
395
 265
 
 
 402
 272
 
 
Foreign government fixed income securities4
 
 
 9
 3
 
 
 9
5
 
 
 8
 5
 
 
 9
Total$670
 $265
 $2
   $610
 $217
 $4
  $680
 $267
 $6
   $692
 $276
 $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 on the specific identification method.
Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(In millions)(In millions)
Realized gains$8
 $7
$3
 $2
Realized losses6
 3
3
 2
Proceeds from sale of securities382

354
182

117


Note 6Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 5, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
Energy-Related Commodities
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, NRG had energy-related derivative instruments extending through 2031. The Company marks these derivatives to market through the statement of operations.
Interest Rate Swaps
NRG is exposed to changes in interest rates through the Company's issuance of variable rate debt. In order to manage the Company's interest rate risk, NRG enters into interest rate swap agreements. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the CompanyNRG had interest rate derivative instruments on recourse debt extending through 2021, which are not designated as cash flow hedges. The Company had interest rate swaps on non-recourse debt extending through 2041, mosta portion of which are designated as cash flow hedges.
Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions
The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy/(sell) of NRG's open derivative transactions broken out by category, excluding those derivatives that qualified for the NPNS exception, as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 20162017. 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.
 Total Volume Total Volume
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
CategoryUnits(In millions)Units(In millions)
EmissionsShort Ton(1) 
Short Ton2
 1
CoalShort Ton15
 35
Short Ton17
 21
Natural GasMMBtu(62) (53)MMBtu(208) (17)
OilBarrel
 1
PowerMWh19
 7
MWh16
 14
CapacityMW/Day(1) (1)MW/Day(1) (1)
InterestDollars$3,806
 $3,429
Dollars$3,938
 $3,876
EquityShares1
 1
Shares1
 1
The decrease in the coal position was primarily the result of the settlement of hedge positions, and the increase in the powernatural gas position was primarily the result of additional retailgeneration hedge positions.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheets:
Fair ValueFair Value
Derivative Assets Derivative LiabilitiesDerivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(In millions)(In millions)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
   

 
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges:
   

 
Interest rate contracts current$
 $
 $8

$28
$2
 $1
 $2

$5
Interest rate contracts long-term10
 12
 15

41
20
 11
 7

11
Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges10
 12
 23

69
Derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges:
    
 
Total Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges22
 12
 9

16
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges:
    
 
Interest rate contracts current5
 
 19

7
13
 9
 7

15
Interest rate contracts long-term27
 37
 36

12
57
 32
 14

28
Commodity contracts current470
 1,067
 495

1,057
1,000
 616
 781

535
Commodity contracts long-term169
 132
 256

231
277
 129
 243

158
Total derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges671
 1,236
 806

1,307
Total derivatives$681

$1,248
 $829

$1,376
Total Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges1,347
 786
 1,045

736
Total Derivatives$1,369

$798
 $1,054

$752


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 of derivatives by counterparty master agreement level and collateral received or paid:
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / Liabilities Derivative Instruments Cash Collateral (Held) / Posted Net Amount Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / Liabilities Derivative Instruments Cash Collateral (Held) / Posted Net Amount
As of September 30, 2017 (In millions)
As of March 31, 2018 (In millions)
Commodity contracts:                
Derivative assets $639
 $(546) $(5) $88
 $1,277
 $(835) $(201) $241
Derivative liabilities (751) 546
 83
 (122) (1,024) 835
 120
 (69)
Total commodity contracts (112) 
 78
 (34) 253
 
 (81) 172
Interest rate contracts:                
Derivative assets 42
 (2) 
 40
 92
 (4) 
 88
Derivative liabilities (78) 2
 
 (76) (30) 4
 
 (26)
Total interest rate contracts (36) 
 
 (36) 62
 
 
 62
Total derivative instruments $(148) $
 $78
 $(70) $315
 $
 $(81) $234
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / Liabilities Derivative Instruments Cash Collateral (Held) / Posted Net Amount Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / Liabilities Derivative Instruments Cash Collateral (Held) / Posted Net Amount
As of December 31, 2016 (In millions)
As of December 31, 2017 (In millions)
Commodity contracts:       
       
Derivative assets $1,199
 $(1,021) $(13) $165
 $745
 $(578) $(11) $156
Derivative liabilities (1,288) 1,021
 13
 (254) (693) 578
 73
 (42)
Total commodity contracts (89) 
 
 (89) 52
 
 62
 114
Interest rate contracts:       
       
Derivative assets 49
 (4) 
 45
 53
 (3) 
 50
Derivative liabilities (88) 4
 
 (84) (59) 3
 
 (56)
Total interest rate contracts (39) 
 
 (39) (6) 
 
 (6)
Total derivative instruments $(128) $
 $

$(128) $46
 $
 $62

$108
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table summarizes the effects of ASC 815 on the Company's accumulated OCI balance attributable to cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax:
Interest Rate ContractsInterest Rate Contracts
Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
(In millions)(In millions)
Accumulated OCI beginning balance$(67) $(165) $(66) $(101)$(54) $(66)
Reclassified from accumulated OCI to income:          
Due to realization of previously deferred amounts4
 2
 10
 12
4
 3
Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts4
 32
 (3) (42)19
 2
Accumulated OCI ending balance, net of $15, and $28 tax$(59) $(131)
$(59)
$(131)
Losses expected to be realized from OCI during the next 12 months, net of $4 tax$14
 
 $14
 

Accumulated OCI ending balance, net of $6, and $14 tax$(31) $(61)
Losses expected to be realized from OCI during the next 12 months, net of $2 tax$(9) 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI into income and amounts recognized in income from the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recorded to interest expense for interest rate contracts. There was no ineffectiveness for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.


Accounting guidelines require a high degree of correlation between the derivative and the hedged item throughout the period in order to qualify as a cash flow hedge. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's regression analysis for Viento Funding II interest rate swaps, while positively correlated, did not meet the required threshold for cash flow hedge accounting. As a result, the Company de-designated the Viento Funding II cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2016, and will prospectively mark these derivatives to market through the income statement.
The Company's regression analysis for Marsh Landing, Walnut Creek, and Avra Valley interest rate swaps, while positively correlated, no longer contain match terms for cash flow hedge accounting. As a result, the Company voluntarily de-designated the Marsh Landing, Walnut Creek, and Avra Valley cash flow hedges as of April 28, 2017, and will prospectively mark these derivatives to market through the income statement.

Impact of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not accounted for as cash flow hedges and ineffectiveness of hedge derivatives are reflected in current period consolidated results of operations.
The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of economic hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges and trading activity on the Company's statement of operations. The effect of energy commodity contracts is included within operating revenues and cost of operations and the effect of interest rate contracts is included in interest expense.
 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Unrealized mark-to-market results(In millions)
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains)/losses on settled positions related to economic hedges$(6) $(30) $19
 $(75)
Reversal of acquired gain positions related to economic hedges(2) (7) (1) (11)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on open positions related to economic hedges(16) (50) (1) 27
Total unrealized mark-to-market (losses)/gains for economic hedging activities(24) (87) 17
 (59)
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains)/losses on settled positions related to trading activity(5) 3
 (24) 13
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on open positions related to trading activity
 (8) 17
 14
Total unrealized mark-to-market (losses)/gains for trading activity(5) (5) (7) 27
Total unrealized (losses)/gains$(29) $(92) $10
 $(32)
 Three months ended March 31,
 2018 2017
Unrealized mark-to-market results(In millions)
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on settled positions related to economic hedges$2
 $3
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges194
 (22)
Total unrealized mark-to-market gains/(losses) for economic hedging activities196
 (19)
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on settled positions related to trading activity(3) (15)
Net unrealized gains on open positions related to trading activity11
 1
Total unrealized mark-to-market gains/(losses) for trading activity8
 (14)
Total unrealized gains/(losses)$204
 $(33)
Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
(In millions)(In millions)
Unrealized gains/(losses) included in operating revenues$21
 $57
 $178
 $(333)
Unrealized (losses)/gains included in cost of operations(50) (149) (168) 301
Unrealized (losses)/gains included in operating revenues$(98) $104
Unrealized gains/(losses) included in cost of operations302
 (137)
Total impact to statement of operations — energy commodities$(29) $(92) $10
 $(32)$204
 $(33)
Total impact to statement of operations — interest rate contracts$11
 $9
 $(8) $(9)$48
 $5
The reversals of acquired gain or loss 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 operating revenue or cost of operations during the same period.
For the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018, the $194 million unrealized gain from open economic hedge positions was primarily the result of an increase in value of forward purchases of ERCOT heat rate contracts due to ERCOT heat rate expansion.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the $1$22 million unrealized loss from open economic hedge positions was primarily the result of a decrease in value of forward purchases of coal, natural gas, coal, and ERCOT powerelectricity due to decreases in coal, natural gas, coal, and ERCOT electricity prices, which was largely offset by an increase in value of forward sales of PJM power and New York capacity due to decreases in PJM electricity and New York capacity prices.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the $27 million unrealized gain from open economic hedge positions was primarily the result of an increase in value of forward purchases of natural gas due to increases in natural gas prices.


Credit Risk Related Contingent Features
Certain of the Company's hedging agreements contain provisions that require the Company to post additional collateral if the counterparty determines that there has been deterioration in credit quality, generally termed “adequate assurance” under the agreements, or requiresrequire the Company to post additional collateral if there were a one notch downgrade in the Company's credit rating. The collateral required for contracts with adequate assurance clauses that are in a net liability position as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, was $27$20 million. The collateral required for contracts with credit rating contingent features that are in a net liability position as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, was $34$5 million. The Company is also a party to certain marginable agreements where NRGunder which it has a net liability position, but the counterparty has not called for the collateral due, which was approximately $175 million as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018.
See Note 4, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to this Form 10-Q for discussion regarding concentration of credit risk.

Note 7Impairments

2017 Impairment Losses
Bacliff Project — On June 16, 2017, NRG Texas Power LLC provided notice to BTEC New Albany, LLC that it was exercising its right to terminate the Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, or MIPA, due to the Bacliff Project, a new peaking facility at the former P.H. Robinson Electric Generating Station, not achieving commercial completion by the contractual expiration date of May 31, 2017. As a result of the MIPA termination, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $41 million to reduce the carrying amount of the related construction in progress to $0 during the second quarter of 2017. On July 14, 2017, the Company gave notice to BTEC New Albany, LLC that it owes NRG Texas Power LLC approximately $48 million under the terminated MIPA, consisting of $38 million in purchaser incurred costs and $10 million in liquidated damages.
Other Impairments — During the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded impairment losses of approximately $22 million in connection with the Company's Renewables business. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company recorded an additional $14 million in impairment losses, in connection with the Company's Renewable business.
2016 Impairment Losses
Rockford — On May 12, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with RA Generation, LLC to sell 100% of its interests in the Rockford generating stations for cash consideration of $55 million. The transaction triggered an indicator of impairment as the sale price was less than the carrying amount of the assets, and, as a result, the assets were considered to be impaired. The Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount of the assets and the agreed-upon sale price. The Company recorded an impairment loss of $17 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2016, to reduce the carrying amount of the assets held for sale to the fair market value.
Other Impairments — During the second quarter of 2016, the Company recorded impairment losses for intangible assets of $8 million in connection with the Company's strategic change in its residential solar business as well as $10 million of deferred marketing expenses. In addition, the Company also recorded an impairment loss of $17 million to record certain previously purchased solar panels at fair market value. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an additional $9 million in impairment losses related to investments and $8 million in other impairments.
Petra Nova Parish Holdings During the first quarter of 2016, management changed its plans with respect to its future capital commitments driven in part by the continued decline in oil prices. As a result, the Company reviewed its 50% interest in Petra Nova Parish Holdings for impairment utilizing the other-than-temporary impairment model. In determining fair value, the Company utilized an income approach and considered project specific assumptions for the future project cash flows. The carrying amount of the Company's equity method investment exceeded the fair value of the investment and the Company concluded that the decline is considered to be other than temporary. As a result, the Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the investment and recorded an impairment loss of $140 million.




Note 8Debt and Capital Leases
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 12, Debt and Capital Leases, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K. Long-term debt and capital leases consisted of the following:
(In millions, except rates)September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 
September 30, 2017 interest rate % (a)
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 
March 31, 2018 interest rate % (a)
   
Recourse debt:        
Senior notes, due 2018$398
 $398
 7.625
Senior notes, due 2021207
 207
 7.875
Senior notes, due 2022992
 992
 6.250992
 992
 6.250
Senior notes, due 2023869
 869
 6.625
Senior notes, due 2024733
 733
 6.250733
 733
 6.250
Senior notes, due 20261,000
 1,000
 7.2501,000
 1,000
 7.250
Senior notes, due 20271,250
 1,250
 6.6251,250
 1,250
 6.625
Senior notes, due 2028870
 870
 5.750
Term loan facility, due 20231,876
 1,891
 L+2.251,867
 1,872
 L+1.75
Tax-exempt bonds465
 455
 4.125 - 6.00465
 465
 4.125 - 6.00
Subtotal NRG recourse debt7,790
 7,795
 
Subtotal recourse debt7,177
 7,182
 
Non-recourse debt:        
NRG Yield, Inc. Convertible Senior Notes, due 2019345
 345
 3.500
NRG Yield, Inc. Convertible Senior Notes, due 2020288
 288
 3.250
NRG Yield Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2024500
 500
 5.375500
 500
 5.375
NRG Yield Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2026350
 350
 5.000350
 350
 5.000
NRG Yield, Inc. Convertible Senior Notes, due 2019345
 345
 3.500
NRG Yield, Inc. Convertible Senior Notes, due 2020288
 288
 3.250
NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2023(b)
75
 55
 L+2.500
El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023400
 443
 L+1.75 - L+2.375369
 400
 L+1.75 - L+2.375
Marsh Landing, due 2017 and 2023334
 370
 L+1.750 - L+1.875
Marsh Landing, due 2023309
 318
 L+2.125
Alta Wind I - V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 2035940
 965
 5.696 - 7.015926
 926
 5.696 - 7.015
Walnut Creek, term loans due 2023279
 310
 L+1.625259
 267
 L+1.625
Utah Portfolio, due 2022284
 287
 L+2.625278
 278
 various
Tapestry, due 2021165
 172
 L+1.625158
 162
 L+1.625
CVSR, due 2037746
 771
 2.339 - 3.775731
 746
 2.339 - 3.775
CVSR HoldCo, due 2037194
 199
 4.680188
 194
 4.680
Alpine, due 2022138
 145
 L+1.750135
 135
 L+1.750
Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2017 and 202582
 96
 5.95 - 7.25
Energy Center Minneapolis, due 202583
 83
 5.95
Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2031125
 125
 3.55125
 125
 3.55
Viento, due 2023169
 178
 L+3.00163
 163
 L+3.00
Buckthorn Solar, due 2018 and 2025183
 169
 L+1.750
NRG Yield - other562
 540
 various573
 579
 various
Subtotal NRG Yield debt (non-recourse to NRG)(c)5,901
 6,084
 6,038
 6,083
 
Ivanpah, due 2033 and 20381,097
 1,113
 2.285 - 4.2561,068
 1,073
 2.285 - 4.256
Carlsbad Energy Project(c)407
 
 4.120475
 427
 L+1.625 - 4.120
Agua Caliente, due 2037833
 849
 2.395 - 3.633815
 818
 2.395 - 3.633
Agua Caliente Borrower 1, due 203889
 
 5.43086
 89
 5.430
Cedro Hill, due 2025(c)153
 163
 L+1.75149
 151
 L+1.75
Midwest Generation, due 2019173
 231
 4.390132
 152
 4.390
NRG Other Renewables (c)
466
 478
 various
NRG Other689
 468
 various178
 180
 various
Subtotal other NRG non-recourse debt3,441
 2,824
 3,369
 3,368
 
Subtotal all non-recourse debt9,342
 8,908
 9,407
 9,451
 
Subtotal long-term debt (including current maturities)17,132

16,703
 16,584

16,633
 
Capital leases6
 6
 various4
 5
 various
Subtotal long-term debt and capital leases (including current maturities)17,138

16,709
 16,588

16,638
 
Less current maturities(1,247)
(516) 
Less current maturities(d)
(956)
(688) 
Less debt issuance costs(198) (188) (201) (204) 
Discounts(35) (48) (25) (30) 
Total long-term debt and capital leases$15,658

$15,957
 $15,406

$15,716
 
(a) As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, L+ equals 3 month LIBOR plus x%, except for the Buckthorn Solar and Utah Solar Portfolio where L+ equals 1 month LIBOR plus x%.
(b) Applicable rate is determined by the Borrower Leverage Ratio, as defined in the credit agreement.
(c) Debt associated with the exceptionasset sales announced in February 2018
(d) The NRG Yield, Inc. Convertible Senior Notes, due 2019, become due in February 2019 and are recorded in current maturities as of the Utah Portfolio term loans.

March 31, 2018.

Recourse Debt
2023 Term Loan Facility
On January 24, 2017,March 21, 2018, NRG repriced the 2023 Term Loan Facility, reducing the interest rate margin by 50 basis points to LIBOR plus 2.25%. The1.75% and reducing the LIBOR floor remains 0.75%to 0.00%.
Revolving Credit Facility
On June 12, 2017, NRG repaid $125 million on the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2017, no cash borrowings were outstanding on the revolver.
Senior Notes
2017 Senior Note Redemptions
On October 16, 2017, the Company redeemed $398 million of its 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018 and $206 million of its 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 for $630 million, which included $14 million in accrued interest.
2016 Senior Note Repurchases
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company repurchased $2.6 billion in aggregate principal of its Senior Notes in the open market for $2.7 billion, which included accrued interest of $67 million. In connection with the repurchases, a $94 million loss on debt extinguishment was recorded, which included the write-off of previously deferred financing costs of $15 million.
Issuance of 2026 Senior Notes
On May 23, 2016, NRG issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount at par of 7.25% senior notes due 2026, or the 2026 Senior Notes. The 2026 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of NRG and are guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries. Interest is paid semi-annually beginning on November 15, 2016, until the maturity date of May 15, 2026.
Issuance of 2027 Senior Notes
On August 2, 2016, NRG issued $1.25 billion in aggregate principal amount at par of 6.625% senior notes due 2027, or the 2027 Senior Notes. The 2027 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of NRG and are guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries. Interest is paid semi-annually beginning on January 15, 2017, until the maturity date of January 15, 2027. The proceeds from the issuance of the 2027 Senior Notes were utilized to retire the Company's 8.250% senior notes due 2020 and reduce the balance of the Company's 7.875% senior notes due 2021.
Non-recourse Debt
NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility
NRG Yield LLC and its direct wholly owned subsidiary, NRG Yield Operating LLC, entered intoare parties to a senior secured revolving credit facility, which can be used for cash and for the issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, there was $68$67 million of letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility and no borrowing outstanding borrowings of $75 million on the revolver. On April 30, 2018, NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC refinanced the revolving credit facility, which extended the maturity of the facility to April 28, 2023, and decreased the overall cost of borrowing from L+ 2.50% to L+1.75%.
Project Financings
Agua Caliente Project Financing
On February 17, 2017, Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC and Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, or Agua Caliente Holdco, the indirect owners of 51% of the Agua Caliente solar facility, issued $130 million of senior secured notes under the Agua Caliente Holdco Financing Agreement, or 2038 Agua Caliente Holdco Notes, that bear interest at 5.43% and mature on December 31, 2038. As described in Note 3, Discontinued Operations Dispositions and AcquisitionsDispositions, on March 27, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. acquired Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC from NRG. The debt is joint and several with respect to Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC and Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC and is secured by the equity interests of each borrower in the Agua Caliente solar facility.


Carlsbad Project Financing
On May 26, 2017, Carlsbad Energy Holdings, LLC entered into a note payable agreement with financial institutions for the issuance of up to $407 million of senior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.12%, and mature on October 31, 2038. As of September 30, 2017, all $407 million of these notes were outstanding.
Also on May 26, 2017, Carlsbad Energy Holdings, LLC entered into2038, and a credit agreement or the Carlsbad Financing Agreement, with the issuing banks, for a $194 million construction loan, that will convert to a term loan upon completion of the project. The Carlsbad Financing Agreement also includesproject as well as a letter of credit facility with an aggregate principleprincipal amount not to exceed $83 million, and a working capital loan facility with an aggregate principleprincipal amount not to exceed $4 million. As of March 31, 2018, $475 million was outstanding under both the note and the construction loan.
Note 98Variable Interest Entities, or VIEs
Entities that are not Consolidated
NRG has interests in entities that are considered VIEs under ASC 810, Consolidation, but NRG is not considered the primary beneficiary.  NRG accounts for its interests in these entities under the equity method of accounting.
Utility-Scale Solar PortfolioThrough its consolidated subsidiary, NRG Yield, Inc., the Company has equity interests in Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC, and Iron Springs Holdings, LLC which are accounted for as equity method investments as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. The assets have 20-year PPAs with PacifiCorp. NRG's maximum exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment, which was $338 million as of March 31, 2018.
GenConn Energy LLC Through its consolidated subsidiary, NRG Yield, Operating LLC,Inc., the Company owns a 50% interest in GCE Holding LLC, the owner of GenConn, which owns and operates two 190 MW peaking generation facilities in Connecticut at NRG's Devon and Middletown sites. NRG's maximum exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment, which was $102100 million as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018.
Entities that are Consolidated
The Company has a controlling financial interest in certain entities which have been identified as VIEs under ASC 810. These arrangements are primarily related to tax equity arrangements entered into with third-parties in order to finance the cost of solar energy systems under operating leases and wind facilities eligible for certain tax credits as further described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K. For one of the tax equity arrangements, the Company has a deficit restoration obligation equal to $100$81 million as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, which would be required to be funded if the arrangement were to be dissolved.

The summarized financial information for the Company's consolidated VIEs consisted of the following:
(In millions)September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Current assets$74
 $87
$171
 $118
Net property, plant and equipment1,466
 1,534
2,712
 2,337
Other long-term assets1,026
 954
665
 658
Total assets2,566
 2,575
3,548
 3,113
Current liabilities69
 59
111
 96
Long-term debt420
 442
856
 661
Other long-term liabilities187
 183
211
 209
Total liabilities676
 684
1,178
 966
Redeemable noncontrolling interest80
 78
Noncontrolling interests578
 529
646
 507
Net assets less noncontrolling interests$1,312
 $1,362
$1,644
 $1,562



Note 109Changes in Capital Structure
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 20162017, the Company had 500,000,000 shares of common stock authorized. The following table reflects the changes in NRG's common stock issued and outstanding:
Issued Treasury OutstandingIssued Treasury Outstanding
Balance as of December 31, 2016417,583,825
 (102,140,814) 315,443,011
Balance as of December 31, 2017418,323,134
 (101,580,045) 316,743,089
Shares issued under LTIPs634,738
 
 634,738
1,081,994
 
 1,081,994
Shares issued under ESPP
 560,769
 560,769

 175,862
 175,862
Balance as of September 30, 2017418,218,563
 (101,580,045) 316,638,518
Shares repurchased
 (3,114,748) (3,114,748)
Balance as of March 31, 2018419,405,128
 (104,518,931) 314,886,197
Preferred Stock
On May 24, 2016, NRG entered an agreement with Credit Suisse Group to repurchase 100% of the outstanding shares of its $344.5 million 2.822% preferred stock. On June 13, 2016, the Company completed the repurchase from Credit Suisse of 100% of the outstanding shares at a price of $226 million. The transaction resulted in a gain on redemption of $78 million, measured as the difference between the fair value of the cash consideration paid upon redemption of $226 million and the carrying value of the preferred stock at the time of the redemption of $304 million. This amount is reflected in net income/(loss) available to NRG common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share.
Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On April 27, 2017, NRG stockholders approved an increase of 3,000,000 shares available for issuance under the ESPP. As of September 30, 2017, there were 3,107,050In January 2018, 175,862 shares of common stock were issued to employee accounts from treasury stock available for issuance underthe offering period of July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. In January 2018, NRG suspended the ESPP.
AmendedShare Repurchases
In February 2018, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase $1 billion of its common stock, with the first $500 million program beginning as soon as permitted. In March 2018, share repurchases were made as follows:
 Total number of shares purchased 
Average price paid per share (a)
 
Amounts paid for shares purchased  (in millions) (a)
Board Authorized Share Repurchases     
March 20183,114,748
 $29.75
 $93
(a) The average price paid per share and Restated Long-term Incentive Plan
On April 27, 2017, NRG stockholders approved an increaseamounts paid for shares purchased exclude the commissions of 3,000,000 shares available for issuance under$0.01 per share paid in connection with the NRG Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated Long-term Incentive Plan.share repurchase.
NRG Common Stock Dividends
The following table lists the dividends paid during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017:March 31, 2018:
 Third Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2017
First Quarter 2017
Dividends per Common Share$0.03
 $0.03

$0.03
 First Quarter 2018
Dividends per Common Share$0.03
On October 18, 2017,April 19, 2018, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.03 per share, payable NovemberMay 15, 2017,2018, to stockholders of record as of NovemberMay 1, 2017,2018, representing $0.12 per share on an annualized basis.
The Company's common stock dividends are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws, regulations and other contractual obligations.


Note 1110Earnings/(Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) less accumulated preferred stock dividends 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 earnings/(loss) per share is computed in a manner consistent with that of basic income/(loss) per share while giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company repurchased 100% of the outstanding shares of its 2.822% preferred stock. The reconciliation of NRG's basic and diluted earnings/(loss)loss per share is shown in the following table:
Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(In millions, except per share data)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Basic and diluted income/(loss) per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholders
Basic income/(loss) per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholdersBasic income/(loss) per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholders
Net income/(loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$171
 $402
 $(619) $213
$279
 $(163)
Dividends for preferred shares
 
 
 5
Gain on redemption of 2.822% redeemable perpetual preferred stock
 
 
 (78)
Income/(loss) available for common stockholders$171

$402

$(619)
$286
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic317
 316

317
 315
318
 316
Income/(loss) per weighted average common share — basic$0.54
 $1.27
 $(1.95) $0.91
Earnings/(loss) per weighted average common share — basic$0.88
 $(0.52)
Diluted income/(loss) per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholdersDiluted income/(loss) per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholders    Diluted income/(loss) per share attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. common stockholders
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted317
 316
 317
 315
318
 316
Incremental shares attributable to the issuance of equity compensation (treasury stock method)5
 1
 
 1
4
 
Total dilutive shares322
 317
 317
 316
322
 316
Income/(loss) per weighted average common share — diluted$0.53
 $1.27
 $(1.95) $0.91
Earnings/(loss) per weighted average common share — diluted$0.87
 $(0.52)
The following table summarizes NRG’s outstanding equity instruments that are anti-dilutive and were not included in the computation of the Company’s diluted earnings/(loss)loss per share:
Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(In millions of shares)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Equity compensation plans1
 2
 6
 3
1
 6
Total1
 2
 6
 3
1
 6


Note 1211Segment Reporting
The Company's segment structure reflects how management currently makes financial decisions and allocates resources. The Company's businesses are segregated as follows: Generation, which includes generation, international and BETM; Retail, which includes Mass customers and Business Solutions, which includes C&I customers and other distributed and reliability products; Renewables, which includes solar and wind assets, excluding those in NRG Yield; NRG Yield; and corporate activities. The financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 has been recast to reflect the current segment structure.
On September 1, 2016, NRG Yield acquired the remaining 51.05% interest in CVSR Holdco LLC, which indirectly owns the CVSR solar facility, from the Company. On March 27,During 2017, NRG Yield acquired several projects totaling 555 MW from NRG. On March 30, 2018, the Company sold to NRG a 16% interest in the Agua Caliente solar project, andYield, Inc. 100% of NRG's interests in sevenBuckthorn Renewables, LLC, which owns a 154 MW construction-stage utility-scale solar projectsgeneration project, located in Utah. On August 1, 2017, NRG Yield acquired the remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco from the Company. All threeTexas. These acquisitions were treated as a transfer of entities under common control and accordingly, all historical periods have been recast to reflect the acquisition as if they had occurred at the beginning of the financial statement period.
On June 14, 2017, as described in Note 3, Discontinued Operations Dispositions and AcquisitionsDispositions, NRG deconsolidated GenOn for financial reporting purposes. The financial information for all historical periods have been recast to reflect the deconsolidationpresentation of GenOn and to presentas discontinued operations within the corporate segment.
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 capital for allocation, as well as net income/(loss).
 
Generation(a)
 
Retail (a)
 
Renewables(a)
 NRG Yield 
Corporate(a)
 Eliminations Total
Three months ended September 30, 2017(In millions)
Operating revenues(a)
$1,224
 $1,937
 $144
 $265
 $2
 $(523) $3,049
Depreciation and amortization96
 29
 51
 88
 8
 
 272
Impairment losses1
 
 13
 
 
 
 14
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates12
 
 (3) 28
 
 (10) 27
Loss on debt extinguishment, net
 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes258
 69
 (7) 49
 (161) (12) 196
Income/(loss) from continuing operations258
 69
 (4) 41
 (162) (12) 190
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
 
 (27) 
 (27)
Net Income/(loss)258
 69

(4) 41
 (189) (12) 163
Net Income/(loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$258

$69
 $9
 $35

$(220) $20
 $171
Total assets as of September 30, 2017$8,585
 $2,445
 $5,357
 $8,442
 $11,090
 $(10,449) $25,470
 
Retail (a)
 
Generation(a)
 
Renewables(a)
 NRG Yield 
Corporate(a)
 Eliminations Total
Three months ended March 31, 2018  (In millions)
Operating revenues(a)
$1,481
 $327
 $86
 $225
 $2
 $300
 $2,421
Depreciation and amortization28
 67
 51
 81
 8
 
 235
Reorganization costs3
 4
 
 
 13
 
 20
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
 2
 
 4
 (1) (7) (2)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes946
 (536) (40) (1) (126) (11) 232
Income/(loss) from continuing operations946
 (536) (34) 
 (132) (11) 233
Net Income/(Loss)946
 (536) (34) 
 (132) (11) 233
Net Income/(Loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$940
 $(536) $1
 $21

$(148) $1
 $279
Total assets as of March 31, 2018$3,521
 $7,313
 $5,191
 $8,362
 $9,108
 $(9,743) $23,752
(a) Operating revenues include inter-segment sales and net derivative gains and losses of:$491
 $(8) $19
 $
 $21
 $
 $523
(a) Operating revenues include inter-segment sales and net derivative gains and losses of:$1
 $(307) $8
 $
 $(2) $
 $(300)
 
Generation(a)
 
Retail(a)
 
Renewables(a)
 NRG Yield 
Corporate(a)
 Eliminations Total
Three months ended September 30, 2016(In millions)
Operating revenues(a)
$1,536
 $2,012
 $139
 $272
 $24
 $(562) $3,421
Depreciation and amortization134
 26
 48
 75
 15
 
 298
Impairment losses9
 
 
 
 
 
 9
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates6
 
 (10) 16
 5
 (1) 16
Gain on sale of assets

 
 
 
 4
 
 4
Loss on debt extinguishment, net
 
 
 
 (50) 
 (50)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes370
 (78) (1) 63
 (202) 4
 156
Income/(loss) from continuing operations372
 (78) 2
 50
 (222) 4
 128
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
 
 265
 
 265
Net Income/(Loss)372
 (78) 2
 50
 43
 4
 393
Net Income/(Loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$372
 $(78) $(9) $55
 $19
 $43
 $402
 
Retail(a)
 
Generation(a)
 
Renewables(a)
 NRG Yield 
Corporate(a)(b)
 Eliminations Total
Three months ended March 31, 2017  (In millions)
Operating revenues(a)
$1,335
 $965
 $95
 $221
 $10
 $(244) $2,382
Depreciation and amortization28
 97
 47
 77
 8
 
 257
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
 (13) 
 19
 3
 (4) 5
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes(31) 37
 (35) (3) (137) (4) (173)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations(34) 37
 (29) (2) (137) (4) (169)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
 
 (34) 
 (34)
Net (Loss)/Income(34) 37
 (29) (2) (171) (4) (203)
Net (Loss)/Income attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$(33) $37
 $(1) $12
 $(171) $(7) $(163)
(a) Operating revenues include inter-segment sales and net derivative gains and losses of:$506
 $(2) $8
 $
 $50
$52
$
 $562
(a) Operating revenues include inter-segment sales and net derivative gains and losses of:$1
 $209
 $8
 $
 $26
 $
 $244
(b) Includes other income - affiliate$
 $
 $
 $
 $48
 $
 $48



 
Generation(a)
 
Retail (a)
 
Renewables(a)
 NRG Yield 
Corporate(a)
 Eliminations Total
Nine months ended September 30, 2017(In millions)
Operating revenues(a)
$3,072
 $4,875
 $364
 $767
 $13
 $(959) $8,132
Depreciation and amortization287
 87
 150
 241
 24
 
 789
Impairment losses42
 
 35
 
 
 
 77
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(16) 
 (6) 63
 7
 (19) 29
Gain on sale of assets4
 
 
 
 
 
 4
Loss on debt extinguishment, net
 
 (3) 
 
 
 (3)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes202
 371
 (97) 100
 (430) (21) 125
Income/(loss) from continuing operations200
 380
 (84) 85
 (440) (21) 120
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
 
 (802) 
 (802)
Net Income/(Loss)200
 380
 (84) 85
 (1,242) (21) (682)
Net Income/(Loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$200
 $380
 $(18) $87
 $(1,306) $38
 $(619)
(a) Operating revenues include inter-segment sales and net derivative gains and losses of:$897
 $3
 $23
 $
 $36
 $
 $959
 
Generation(a)
 
Retail(a)
 
Renewables(a)
 
NRG Yield(a)
 
Corporate(a)
 Eliminations Total
Nine months ended September 30, 2016(In millions)
Operating revenues(a)
$3,173
 $4,918
 $336
 $789
 $54
 $(942) $8,328
Depreciation and amortization331
 83
 143
 224
 45
 
 826
Impairment losses26
 
 27
 
 12
 
 65
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates1
 
 (16) 34
 11
 (17) 13
Loss on sale of assets
 
 
 
 (79) 
 (79)
Impairment loss on investment(142) 
 1
 
 (6) 
 (147)
Loss on debt extinguishment, net
 
 
 
 (119) 
 (119)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes(51) 735
 (121) 141
 (706) (15) (17)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations(49) 734
 (107) 116
 (771) (15) (92)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
 
 256
 
 256
Net (Loss)/Income(49) 734
 (107) 116
 (515) (15) 164
Net (Loss)/Income attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$(49) $734
 $(103) $113
 $(547) $65
 $213
(a) Operating revenues include inter-segment sales and net derivative gains and losses of:$836
 $3
 $16
 $6
 $81
 $
 $942






Note 1312Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The income tax provision consisted of the following:
Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(In millions except otherwise noted)2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Income/(Loss) before income taxes$196
 $156
 $125
 $(17)$232
 $(173)
Income tax expense from continuing operations6
 28
 5
 75
Income tax benefit from continuing operations(1) (4)
Effective tax rate3.1% 17.9%
4.0%
(441.2)%(0.4)% 2.3%
For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35%21% primarily due to the tax benefit for the change in valuation allowance, and the generation of PTCs and ITCs from various wind and solar facilities respectively, partially offset byand the inclusion of consolidated partnerships andpartially offset by current state tax expense.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the tax benefit for the change in valuation allowance, partially offset by amortization of indefinite lived assets, inclusion of consolidated partnerships and state tax expense.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the amortization of indefinite lived assets, the inclusion of consolidated partnerships, state tax expense and the expense for the change in valuation allowance.allowance partially offset by the generation of PTCs and ITCs from various wind and solar facilities, respectively and current state tax expense.
Uncertain Tax Benefits
As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, NRG has recorded a non-current tax liability of $40$35 million for uncertain tax benefits from positions taken on various state income tax returns, including accrued interest. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, NRG accrued an immaterial amount of interest relating to the uncertain tax benefits. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, NRG had cumulative interest and penalties related to these uncertain tax benefits of $43 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits in income tax expense.
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. The Company is notno longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2015. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2015. With few exceptions, state and local income tax examinations are no longer open for years before 2010. The Company's primary foreign operations are also no longer subject to examination by local jurisdictions for years prior to 2010.


Note 1413Related Party Transactions
Services Agreement and Transition Services Agreement with GenOn
The Company provides GenOn with various management, personnel and other services, which include human resources, regulatory and public affairs, accounting, tax, legal, information systems, treasury, risk management, commercial operations, and asset management, as set forth in the services agreement with GenOn, or the Services Agreement. The initial term of the Services Agreement was through December 31, 2013, with an automatic renewal absent a request for termination. The fee charged was determined based on a fixed amount as described in the Services Agreement and was calculated based on historical GenOn expenses prior to the NRG Merger. The annual fees under the Services Agreement were approximately $193 million and management has concluded that this method of charging overhead costs is reasonable. As described in Note 3, Discontinued Operations Dispositions and AcquisitionsDispositions, in connection with the Restructuring Support Agreement, NRG agreed to provide shared services to GenOn under the Services Agreement for an adjusted annualized fee of $84 million throughmillion.
In December 2017, in conjunction with the pendencyconfirmation of the Chapter 11 Cases. Beginning on June 14, 2017, NRG records operating income for the amounts earned for shared services of approximately $5 million per month. Subsequent to the GenOn Entities' emergence from bankruptcy,plan of reorganization, the Services Agreement was terminated and replaced by the transition services agreement. Under the transition services agreement, NRG will continue to provide the shared services for two months at no charge; after which GenOn has an additional two, one-month options to provideand other separation services at an annualized feerate of $84 million.million, subject to certain credits and adjustments, until September 30, 2018, which GenOn can terminate earlier if NRG charges these fees on a monthly basis, less amounts incurred directly by GenOn.is provided 60 days' notice. NRG may provide additional separation services that are necessary for or reasonably related to the operation of GenOn's business after such date, subject to NRG's prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld. For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018, NRG recorded approximately $21 million against selling, general and administrative expenses post-Chapter 11 Filing. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, NRG recorded other income - affiliate related to these services of $14 million and $104 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, NRG recorded other income - affiliate related to these services of $48 million and $144 million, respectively.million.
In addition, as described in Note 3, Discontinued Operations Dispositions and Acquisitions,Dispositions, under the Restructuring Support Agreement, NRG has agreed to provide GenOn with a $28 million credit against amounts owed to NRG prior to the Petition Date under the current Services Agreement.transition services agreement. The credit wasis intended to reimburse GenOn for its payment of financing costs. In addition, the Restructuring Support Agreement provides thatAny unused amount can be paid in cash at GenOn's request, subject to the extent GenOn has paid for services during the bankruptcy proceedingsterms and the aforementioned credit has not been applied in full, NRG shall, upon request by GenOn, reimburse such payments in cash up to the amount of any unused portionconditions of the credit.
See Note 1, Basis of Presentation, for further discussion regarding the October 30, 2017 proposed changes to the Restructuring Support Agreement and Services Agreement, based on which NRG recorded a reserve of $15 million against affiliate receivable balances as of September 30, 2017.transition services agreement.
Credit Agreement with GenOn
NRG and GenOn are party to a secured intercompany revolving credit agreement.  The intercompany revolving credit agreement provided for a $500 million revolving credit facility, all of which was available for revolving loans and letters of credit. At September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016, $1032017, $86 million and $272$92 million, respectively, of letters of credit were issued and outstanding under the NRG credit agreement for GenOn. Additionally, as of September 30,March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were $125 million of loans outstanding under the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2016, no loans were outstanding under this intercompany secured revolving credit facility.facility, which will be applied against the settlement cash consideration that will be paid to GenOn upon emergence from bankruptcy, as further discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations and Dispositions. In addition, the intercompany secured revolving credit facility contains customary covenants and events of default. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, GenOn was in default under the secured intercompany revolving credit agreement due to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases.
As a result of the Chapter 11 Cases, no additional revolving loans or letters of credit are available to GenOn. In addition, NRG agreed to provide GenOn with a letter of credit facility during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, which could be utilized for required letters of credit in lieu of the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. The letter of credit facility provided availability of up to $330 million less amounts borrowed and letters of credit provided are required to be cash collateralized at 103% of the letter of credit amount. On July 27, 2017, this letter of credit facility was terminated as GenOn has obtained a separate letter of credit facility with a third party financial institution. Effective with completion of the reorganization, GenOn must repay NRG for all revolving loans outstanding, with such amount to be netted against the settlement payment owed from NRG to GenOn. Accordingly, the affiliate receivable is recorded net within accrued expenses and other current liabilities - affiliate on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018, all of which is to be settled at emergence. Interest continues to accrue during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases and borrowings remain secured obligations.



Commercial Operations Agreement
NRG Power Marketing LLC has entered into physical and financial intercompany commodity and hedging transactions with GenOn and certain of its subsidiaries. Subject to applicable collateral thresholds, these arrangements may provide for the bilateral exchange of credit support based upon market exposure and potential market movements. The terms and conditions of the agreements are generally consistent with industry practices and other third party arrangements. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, derivative assets and liabilities associated with these transactions are recorded within NRG's derivative instruments balances on the consolidated balance sheet, with related revenues and costs within operating revenues and cost of operations, respectively. Additionally, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $28 million and $32 million, respectively, of cash collateral posted in support of energy risk management activities by GenOn.

NRG will provide settlement cash consideration to GenOn of $261.3 million, which will be paid in cash less any amounts owed to NRG under the intercompany secured revolving credit facility.

Note 1514Commitments and Contingencies
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 22, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
Commitments
First Lien Structure
NRG has granted first liens to certain counterparties on a substantial portion of the Company's assets, excluding assets acquired in the GenOn and EME (including Midwest Generation) acquisitions, assets held by NRG Yield, Inc. and NRG's assets that have project-level financing, 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 hedge agreements for forward sales of power or MWh equivalents. The Company's lien counterparties may have a claim on NRG's assets to the extent market prices exceed the hedged price. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, hedges under the first lienslien were out-of-the-moneyin-the-money for NRG on a counterparty aggregate basis.
Lignite Contract with Texas Westmoreland Coal Co. — The Company has a contract with TWCC for reclamation activities associated with closure of the Jewett mine.  NRG is responsible for reclamation costs and has recorded an adequate ARO liability. The Railroad Commission of Texas has imposed a bond obligation of $95.5 million on TWCC for the reclamation of the mine. Pursuant to the contract with TWCC, NRG supports this obligation through surety bonds. Additionally, NRG is obligated to provide additional performance assurance if required by the Railroad Commission of Texas.
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 reserves 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 reserve for the matters discussed below. 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 reserves 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.
Midwest Generation Asbestos Liabilities — The Company, through its subsidiary, Midwest Generation, may be subject to potential asbestos liabilities as a result of its acquisition of EME. The Company is currently analyzing the scope of potential liability as it may relate to Midwest Generation. The Company believes that it has established an adequate reserve for these cases.
Energy Plus HoldingsOn August 7, 2012, Energy Plus Holdings receivedMarch 27, 2018, ComEd filed a subpoena from the NYAG which generally sought information and business recordsMotion to Compel Payments of Claims seeking $61 million related to Energy Plus Holdings' sales, marketingasbestos liabilities. On April 25, 2018, NRG filed an Omnibus Objection to All Remaining Claims of ComEd and business practices. Energy Plus Holdings provided documents and information to the NYAG. On June 22, 2015, the NYAG issued another subpoena seeking additional information. Energy Plus Holdings provided responsive documents to this second subpoena. On August 28, 2017, the parties entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance resolving this matter.Exelon.



Midwest Generation New Source Review Litigation — In August 2009, the EPA and the Illinois Attorney General, or the Government Plaintiffs, filed a complaint, or the Governments’ Complaint, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging violations of CAA PSD requirements by Midwest Generation arising from maintenance, repair or replacement projects at six Illinois coal-fired electric generating stations performed by Midwest Generation or ComEd, a prior owner of the stations, including alleged failures to obtain PSD construction permits and to comply with BACT requirements. The Government Plaintiffs also alleged violations of opacity and PM standards at the Midwest Generation plants. Finally, the Government Plaintiffs alleged that Midwest Generation violated certain operating permit requirements under Title V of the CAA allegedly arising from such claimed PSD, opacity and PM emission violations. In addition to seeking penalties of up to $37,500 per violation, per day, the complaint seeks an injunction ordering Midwest Generation to install controls sufficient to meet BACT emission rates at the units subject to the complaint and other remedies, which could go well beyond the requirements of the CPS. Several environmental groups intervened as plaintiffs in this litigation and filed a complaint, or the Intervenors’ Complaint, which alleged opacity, PM and related Title V violations. Midwest Generation filed a motion to dismiss nine of the ten PSD counts in the Governments’ Complaint, and to dismiss the tenth PSD count to the extent the Governments’ Complaint sought civil penalties for that count. The trial court granted the motion in March 2010.

In June 2010, the Government Plaintiffs and Intervenors each filed an amended complaint. The Governments’ Amended Complaint again alleged that Midwest Generation violated PSD (based upon the same projects as alleged in their original complaint, but adding allegations that the Company was liable as the “successor” to ComEd), Title V and opacity and PM standards. It named EME and ComEd as additional defendants and alleged PSD violations (again, premised on the same projects) against them. The Intervenors’ Amended Complaint named only Midwest Generation as a defendant and alleged Title V and opacity/PM violations, as well as one of the ten PSD violations alleged in the Governments’ Amended Complaint. Midwest Generation again moved to dismiss all but one of the Government Plaintiffs’ PSD claims and the related Title V claims. Midwest Generation also filed a motion to dismiss the PSD claim in the Intervenors’ Amended Complaint and the related Title V claims. In March 2011, the trial court granted Midwest Generation’s partial motion to dismiss the Government Plaintiffs’ PSD claims. The trial court denied Midwest Generation’s motion to dismiss the PSD claim asserted in the Intervenors’ Amended Complaint, but noted that the plaintiffs would be required to convince the court that the statute of limitations should be equitably tolled. The trial court did not address other counts in the amended complaints that allege violations of opacity and PM emission limitations under the Illinois State Implementation Plan and related Title V claims. The trial court also granted the motions to dismiss the PSD claims asserted against EME and ComEd.
Following the trial court ruling, the Government Plaintiffs appealed the trial court’s dismissals of their PSD claims, including the dismissal of nine of the ten PSD claims against Midwest Generation and of the PSD claims against the other defendants. Those PSD claim dismissals were affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in July 2013. In addition, in 2012, all but one of the environmental groups that had intervened in the case dismissed their claims without prejudice. As a result, only one environmental group remains a plaintiff intervenor in the case. The Company does not expectOn March 9, 2018, the resolutionConsent Decree which provides that Midwest Generation will be required to (x) pay $500,000 to each of this matter to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, resultsState of operations or cash flows.Illinois and the Federal Government and (y) make and maintain certain operational improvements was lodged with the court.
Telephone Consumer Protection Act Purported Class Actions Three purported class action lawsuits have been filed against NRG Residential Solar Solutions, LLC — one in California and two in New Jersey.  The plaintiffs generally allege misrepresentation by the call agents and violations of the TCPA, claiming that the defendants engaged in a telemarketing campaign placing unsolicited calls to individuals on the “Do Not Call List.” The plaintiffs seek statutory damages of up to $1,500 per plaintiff, actual damages and equitable relief. On June 22, 2017, plaintiffs in the California case filed a motion for leave to file a second amended complaint to substitute new plaintiffs. Defendants’Defendants filed an opposition to this motion on June 26, 2017. The court granted plaintiffs' motion to substitute new plaintiffs and on August 1, 2017, Defendantsdefendants filed an answer to the second amended complaint. On August 31, 2017, the court in the California case agreed that the litigation should be stayed pending final court approval of the New Jersey settlement. On July 12, 2017, the parties in the New Jersey action reached an agreement in principle to resolve the class allegations which was confirmed by a term sheet signed by the parties on July 28, 2017. On September 27, 2017, plaintiffs in the New Jersey case filed their motion for preliminary approval of the class settlement which was approved by the court on November 17, 2017. On May 1, 2018, the court granted plaintiffs' motion for final approval of the class action settlement.



California Department of Water Resources and San Diego Gas & Electric Company v. Sunrise Power Company LLC — On January 29, 2016, CDWR and SDG&E filed a lawsuit against Sunrise Power Company, along with NRG and Chevron Power Corporation.  In June 2001, CDWR and Sunrise entered into a 10-year PPA under which Sunrise would construct and operate a generating facility and provide power to CDWR.  At the time the PPA was entered into, Sunrise had a transportation services agreement, or TSA, to purchase natural gas from Kern River through April 30, 2018.  In August 2003, CDWR entered into an agreement with Sunrise and Kern River in which CDWR accepted assignment of the TSA through the term of the PPA.  After the PPA expired, Kern River demanded that any reassignment be to a party which met certain creditworthiness standards which Sunrise did not.  As such, the plaintiffs brought this lawsuit against the defendants alleging breach of contract, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing and improper distributions.  Plaintiffs generally claim damages of $1.2 million per month for the remaining 70 months of the TSA. On April 20, 2016, the defendants filed demurrersobjections in response to the plaintiffs' complaint. The demurrersobjections were granted on June 14, 2016; however, the plaintiffs were allowed to file amended complaints on July 1, 2016. On July 27, 2016, defendants filed demurrersobjections to the amended complaints. On November 18, 2016, the court sustained the demurrersobjections and allowed plaintiffs another opportunity to file a second amended lawsuit which they did on January 13, 2017. On April 21, 2017, the court issued an order sustaining the demurrersobjections without leave to amend. On July 14, 2017, CDWR filed a notice of appeal. On January 10, 2018, CDWR filed its appellate brief. Defendants filed their opposition brief on April 10, 2018.

Braun v. NRG Yield, Inc. — On April 19, 2016, plaintiffs filed a putative class action lawsuit against NRG Yield, Inc., the current and former members of its board of directors individually, and other parties in California Superior Court in Kern County, CA.  Plaintiffs allege various violations of the Securities Act due to the defendants’ alleged failure to disclose material facts related to low wind production prior to the NRG Yield, Inc.'s June 22, 2015 Class C common stock offering.  Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, rescission, attorney’s fees and costs. The Defendants filed demurrers and a motion challenging jurisdiction on October 18, 2016. The case is currently stayed by agreement of the parties. On October 26, 2017,May 2, 2018, the court approved the parties'a joint stipulation which provides theprovides: (i) plaintiffs' opposition brief is due on December 6, 2017 andor before July 30, 2018; (ii) defendants' reply brief is due on February 8,or before October 5, 2018; and (iii) a hearing on the motions is scheduled on October 30, 2018.

Ahmed v. NRG Energy, Inc. and the NRG Yield Board of Directors — On September 15, 2016, plaintiffs filed a putative class action lawsuit against NRG Energy, Inc., the directors of NRG Yield, Inc., and other parties in the Delaware Chancery Court. The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their respective fiduciary duties with regard to the recapitalization of NRG Yield, Inc. common stock in 2015. The plaintiffs generally seek economic damages, attorney’s fees and injunctive relief. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on December 21, 2016. Plaintiffs filed their objection to the motion to dismiss on February 15, 2017. The defendants' reply was filed on March 24, 2017. The court heard oral argument on defendants' motion to dismiss on June 20, 2017. On September 7, 2017, the court requested additional briefing which the parties provided on September 21, 2017.

Griffoul v. NRG Residential Solar Solutions — On February 28, 2017, plaintiffs, consisting of New Jersey residential solar customers, filed a purported class action lawsuit in New Jersey state court.  Plaintiffs allege violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Action and Truth-in-Consumer Contracts, Warranty and Notice Act with regard to certain provisions of their residential solar contracts.  The plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief as to the proper allocation of the solar renewable energy credits. On June 6, 2017, the defendants filed a motion to compel arbitration or dismiss the lawsuit. Plaintiffs filed their opposition on June 29, 2017. On July 14, 2017, the court denied NRG's motion to compel arbitration or dismiss the case. On July 25, 2017, NRG filed a motion for reconsideration of the appeal, which the courtwas denied. On August 22, 2017, NRG filed a notice of appeal. NRG’s appellate briefAfter fully briefing the appeal, oral argument was filedheard on October 25, 2017. Plaintiffs’ opposition is due on November 16, 2017.April 24, 2018.
Rice v. NRG — On April 14, 2017, plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against NRG, First Energy Corporation and Matt Canastrale Contracting, Inc.  Plaintiffs generally claim personal injury, trespass, nuisance and property damage related to the disposal of coal ash from GenOn's Elrama Power Plant and First Energy’s Mitchell and Hatfield Power Plants. Plaintiffs generally seek monetary damages, medical monitoring and remediation of their property. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on August 14, 2017. On October 20, 2017, NRG filed its answeranswers and affirmative defenses.

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 Louisiana Generating, L.L.C., or LaGen, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The plaintiffs claim 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 seek damages for the alleged improper charges and a declaration as to which charges are proper under the contract. On September 14, 2017, the court issued a scheduling order setting this case for trial on October 21, 2019. LaGen filed a motion for a more definite statementits answer and affirmative defenses on September 18,November 17, 2017.



GenOn Chapter 11 Cases — On the Petition Date, the GenOn Entities filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. Under the Restructuring Support Agreement to which the GenOn Entities, NRG and certain of GenOn's and GenOn Americas Generation's senior unsecured noteholders are parties, each of them has agreed to supportsupported the Bankruptcy CourtCourt's approval of the plan of reorganization. GenOn has a customary "fiduciary out" under the Restructuring Support Agreement. Moreover, the Bankruptcy Court may not approve the plan of reorganization. If the plan of reorganization is not approved,consummated, NRG may not be entitled to the benefits of the Settlement Agreement provided under the Restructuring Support Agreement and it will remain subject to any claims of GenOn and the noteholders, including claims relating to or arising out of any shared services and any other relationships or transactions between the companies. See Note 3, Discontinued Operations Dispositions and AcquisitionsDispositions, for additional information related to the Chapter 11 Cases.
GenOn Noteholders' Lawsuit On December 13, 2016, certain indenture trustees for an ad hoc group of holders, or the Noteholders, of the GenOn Energy, Inc. 7.875% Senior Notes due 2017, 9.500% Notes due 2018, and 9.875% Notes due 2020, and the GenOn Americas Generation, LLC 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 and 9.125% Senior Notes due 2031, along with certain of the Noteholders, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware against NRG and GenOn alleging certain claims related to the Services Agreement between NRG and GenOn. Plaintiffs generally seek return of all monies paid under the Services Agreement and any other damages that the court deems appropriate. On February 3, 2017, the court entered an order approving a Standstill Agreement whereby the parties agreed to suspend all deadlines in the case until March 1, 2017.  The Standstill Agreement terminated on March 1, 2017. On April 30, 2017, the Noteholders filed an amended complaint that asserts (i) additional fraudulent transfer claims in relation to GenOn’s sale of the Marsh Landing project to NRG Yield LLC, (ii) alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by certain current and former officers and directors of GenOn in relation to the Services Agreement and the alleged usurpation of corporate opportunities concerning the Mandalay and Canal projects and (iii) claims against NRG for allegedly aiding and abetting such claimed breaches of fiduciary duties. In addition to NRG and GenOn, the amended complaint names NRG Yield LLC and certain current and former officers and directors of GenOn as defendants. The plaintiffs, among other things, generally seek return of all monies paid under the services agreement and any other damages that the court deems appropriate. Pursuant to the terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement, this matterOn December 14, 2017, a settlement agreement was executed between GenOn and NRG which should ultimately be resolved if the GenOn Entities' plan of reorganization is approved by the Bankruptcy Court.resolve this lawsuit.

Morgantown v. GenOn Mid-Atlantic — On June 8, 2017, Morgantown and Dickerson Owner Lessors filed a lawsuit against GenOn Mid-Atlantic, LLC, NRG North America LLC, GenOn Americas Generation, LLC, NRG Americas, Inc., GenOn Energy Holdings, Inc., GenOn Energy, Inc., and NRG Energy, Inc. in New York State Supreme Court. The plaintiffs allege that they were overcharged by defendants for certain services outlined in a Services Agreement and that defendants caused a Qualified Credit Support portion of a Participation Agreement, or QCS Agreement, to be violated by causing the transfer of certain money outside the allowable confines set forth in the QCS Agreement. In addition, plaintiffs claim that the transfers were unfairly executed and done so in an effort to defraud plaintiffs and hinder their ability to continue to do business. As such, plaintiffs seek, among other things, the return of certain transferred funds and service charges paid and to bar defendants from executing additional transfers on plaintiffs’ behalf. A claims estimation ruling on this matter byOn November 7, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court could occur as early as November 7, 2017.issued an order estimating the claims to be valued at $0. On December 14, 2017, a settlement agreement was executed between GenOn and NRG. On April 27, 2018, the parties executed a mutual release which in conjunction with the settlement agreement resolved this lawsuit.

BTEC v. NRG Texas Power — On July 18, 2017, BTEC New Albany LLC, or BTEC, filed a lawsuit against NRG Texas Power LLC, or NRG Texas Power, in the Harris County District Court in Texas.  On January 15, 2013, the parties entered into a Membership  Interest and Purchase Agreement, or MIPA, whereby BTEC agreed to dismantle, transport and rebuild an electric power generation facility at the former P.H. Robinson Electric Generating Station in Bacliff, Texas.  The MIPA required BTEC to meet a Guaranteed Commercial Completion Date of May 31, 2016.  But even a year later, BTEC had not satisfied all of the contractually-required acceptance criteria.  As a result and given that the MIPA expiration date passed on May 31, 2017, NRG elected to terminate the contract in June 2017. BTEC claims that NRG Texas Power breached the MIPA by improperly terminating it, and seeks a declaratory judgment as to the rights and obligations of the parties.  In addition, BTEC seeks damages, interest and attorney’s fees. On August 14, 2017, NRG Texas Power served its answer to the lawsuit. On September 7, 2017, NRG Texas Power filed a counterclaim seeking damages in excess of $48 million. On March 21, 2018, BTEC filed a Second Amended Petition in which they supplemented their previous claims and added a claim for specific performance.



GenOn Related Contingencies

Actions Pursued by MC Asset Recovery With Mirant Corporation's emergence from bankruptcy protection in 2006, certain actions filed by GenOn Energy Holdings and some of its subsidiaries against third parties were transferred to MC Asset Recovery, a wholly owned subsidiary of GenOn Energy Holdings.  MC Asset Recovery is governed by a manager who is independent of NRG and GenOn.  MC Asset Recovery is a disregarded entity for income tax purposes. Under the remaining action transferred to MC Asset Recovery, MC Asset Recovery seeks to recover damages from Commerzbank AG and various other banks, or the Commerzbank Defendants, for alleged fraudulent transfers that occurred prior to Mirant's bankruptcy proceedings.  In December 2010, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas dismissed MC Asset Recovery's complaint against the Commerzbank Defendants.  In January 2011, MC Asset Recovery appealed the District Court's dismissal of its complaint against the Commerzbank Defendants to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, or the Fifth Circuit.  In March 2012, the Fifth Circuit reversed the District Court's dismissal and reinstated MC Asset Recovery's amended complaint against the Commerzbank Defendants.  On December 10, 2015, the District Court granted summary judgment in favor of the Commerzbank Defendants. On December 29, 2015, MC Asset Recovery filed a notice to appeal this judgment with the Fifth Circuit. On June 1, 2017, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the District Court's judgment. On June 12, 2017, MC Asset Recovery petitioned the Fifth Circuit for rehearing. The petition for rehearing was denied and a court order and judgment affirming the District Court's judgments was entered on July 17, 2017. On January 17, 2018, theThe bankruptcy court willis scheduled to hear a Motion for a Final Decree in the Mirant bankruptcy.bankruptcy on June 13, 2018.
Natural Gas Litigation GenOn is party to several lawsuits, certain of which are class action lawsuits, in state and federal courts in Kansas, Missouri, Nevada and Wisconsin. These lawsuits were filed in the aftermath of the California energy crisis in 2000 and 2001 and the resulting FERC investigations and relate to alleged conduct to increase natural gas prices in violation of state antitrust law and similar laws. The lawsuits seek treble or punitive damages, restitution and/or expenses. The lawsuits also name as parties a number of energy companies unaffiliated with NRG. In July 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, which was handling four of the five cases, granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment and dismissed all claims against GenOn in those cases. The plaintiffs appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, or the Ninth Circuit, which reversed the decision of the District Court. GenOn along with the other defendants in the lawsuit filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Ninth Circuit's decision and the U.S. Supreme Court granted the petition. On April 21, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Ninth Circuit’s holding that plaintiffs’ state antitrust law claims are not field-preempted by the federal Natural Gas Act and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  The U.S. Supreme Court left open whether the claims were preempted on the basis of conflict preemption. The U.S. Supreme Court directed that the case be remanded to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada for further proceedings. On March 7, 2016, class plaintiffs filed their motions for class certification. Defendants filed their briefs in opposition to class plaintiffs' motions for class certification on June 24, 2016. On March 30, 2017, the court denied the plaintiffs' motions for class certification. On April 13, 2017, the plaintiffs petitioned the Ninth Circuit for interlocutory review of the court’s order denying class certification. On June 13, 2017, the Ninth Circuit granted plaintiffs' petition for interlocutory review. The appeal is fully briefed.

In May 2016 in one of the Kansas cases, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment. Subsequently in December 2016, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal with the Ninth Circuit. The appeal has been fully briefed bywas argued on February 16, 2018. On March 27, 2018, the parties.Ninth Circuit reversed the District Court's decision. On April 10, 2018, the defendants filed a petition for rehearing. GenOn has agreed to indemnify CenterPoint against certain losses relating to these lawsuits.
In September 2012, the State of Nevada Supreme Court, which was handling the remaining case, affirmed dismissal by the Eighth Judicial District Court for Clark County, Nevada of all plaintiffs' claims against GenOn. In February 2013, the plaintiffs in the Nevada case filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court. In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the petition for a writ of certiorari, thereby ending one of the five lawsuits.
On February 26, 2018, GenOn filed objections to the proofs of claim filed in the Chapter 11 Cases by all of the plaintiffs in each of the four cases. GenOn filed that same day a motion seeking a schedule for a series of hearings to resolve the objections and asking the Bankruptcy Court to estimate all of the proofs of claim at zero dollars. The plaintiffs have objected to the request for Bankruptcy Court to estimate the proofs of claim. The Bankruptcy Court ordered briefing as to whether it had authority to resolve these claims.
Potomac River Environmental Investigation In March 2013, NRG Potomac River LLC, a subsidiary of GenOn, received notice that the District of Columbia Department of Environment (now renamed the Department of Energy and Environment, or DOEE) was investigating potential discharges to the Potomac River originating from the Potomac River Generating facility site, a site where the generation facility is no longer in operation. In connection with that investigation, DOEE served a civil subpoena on NRG Potomac River LLC requesting information related to the site and potential discharges occurring from the site.  NRG Potomac River LLC provided various responsive materials.  In January 2016, DOEE advised NRG Potomac River LLC that DOEE believed various environmental violations had occurred as a result of discharges DOEE believes occurred to the Potomac River from the Potomac River Generating facility site and as a result of associated failures to accurately or sufficiently report such discharges.  DOEE has indicated it believes that penalties are appropriate in light of the violations.  NRG Potomac River LLC is currently reviewing the information provided by DOEE.
Natixis v. GenOn Mid-AtlanticOn February 16, 2018, Natixis Funding Corp. and Natixis, New York Branch filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against GenOn Mid-Atlantic, the owner lessors under GenOn Mid-Atlantic’s operating leases of the Dickerson and Morgantown coal generation units, and the lease indenture trustee under those leases.  The plaintiffs’ allegations against GenOn Mid-Atlantic relate to a payment agreement between GenOn Mid-Atlantic and Natixis Funding Corp. to procure credit support for the payment of certain lease payments owed pursuant to the GenOn Mid-Atlantic operating leases for Morgantown and Dickerson.  The plaintiffs seek approximately $34 million in damages arising from GenOn Mid-Atlantic’s purported breach of certain warranties in the payment agreement. On April 2, 2018, GenOn Mid-Atlantic removed the allegations against it to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On April 11, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York entered a briefing schedule on a forthcoming motion to remand by Natixis Funding Corp. and a forthcoming motion to transfer by GenOn Mid-Atlantic.


Note 1615Regulatory Matters
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 23, Regulatory Matters, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
NRG operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to regulation by various federal and state agencies. As such, NRG is affected by regulatory developments at both the federal and state 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 businesses.
In addition to the regulatory proceedings 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.

National
Department of Energy Consideration of 202(c) and Defense Production Act On March 29, 2018, FirstEnergy Solutions requested that the Department of Energy provide price supports for its coal and nuclear units by having the DOE issue an emergency must-run order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. A number of parties have filed comments with the DOE, including PJM, challenging the assertion that the FirstEnergy Solutions’ units are necessary for grid reliability. The DOE has not yet formally responded. Subsequently, Senator Manchin of West Virginia has requested that the Administration utilize the Defense Production Act to require coal and nuclear units to continue to operate. The assertion is that these plants are needed to maintain national security. No formal timeline for action on either proposal has been set by the Administration.
Zero-Emission Credits for Nuclear Plants in Illinois — In 2016, Illinois enacted a Zero Emission Credit, or ZEC, program for selected nuclear units in Illinois. In total, the program directs over $2.5 billion over ten years to nuclear plants in Illinois that would otherwise retire. Pursuant to the legislation, the Illinois Power Agency, or IPA, conducts a competitive solicitation to procure ZECs, although both the Governor of Illinois and Exelon have already announced that the ZECs will be awarded to two Exelon-owned nuclear power plants in Illinois.  These ZECs are out-of-market subsidies that threaten to artificially suppress market prices and interfere with the wholesale power market. On February 14, 2017, NRG, along with other companies, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging that the state program is preempted by federal law and in violation of the dormant commerce clause. Another plaintiff group filed a similar complaint on the same day. Subsequently, on March 31, 2017, NRG, along with other companies, filed a motion for preliminary injunction. On April 10, 2017, Exelon, as an intervenor defendant, and State defendants filed motions to dismiss. On July 14, 2017, Defendants' motions to dismiss were granted. On July 17, 2017, NRG, along with other companies, filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. On July 18, 2017, the Court of Appeals issued an order setting an expedited briefing schedule for the matter. Briefing is underway.complete. Oral argument was held on January 3, 2018, with supplemental briefs filed on January 26, 2018. On February 21, 2018, the Seventh Circuit invited the U.S. to file an amicus brief in the proceeding.

Zero-Emission Credits for Nuclear Plants in New York — On August 1, 2016, the NYSPSC issued its Clean Energy Standard, or CES, which provided for ZECs which would provide more than $7.6 billion over 12 years in out-of-market subsidy payments to certain selected nuclear generating units in the state. These ZECs are out-of-market subsidies that threaten to artificially suppress market prices and interfere with the wholesale power market. On October 19, 2016, NRG, along with other companies, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenging the validity of the NYSPSC action and the ZEC program. On March 29, 2017, the U.S. District Court heard oral arguments on a motion to dismiss filed by defendants. On July 25, 2017, the defendants' motions to dismiss were granted. On August 24, 2017, NRG, along with other plaintiff companies, filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On September 9, 2017, the Court of Appeals issued a briefing schedule. Briefing is underway.complete. Oral argument took place on March 12, 2018.

Department of Energy's Proposed Grid Resiliency Pricing Rule and Subsequent FERC Proceeding — On September 29, 2017, the Department of Energy issued a proposed rulemaking titled the "Grid Resiliency Pricing Rule." The rulemaking directs FERC to take action to reform the ISO/RTO markets to value certain reliability and resiliency attributes of electric generation resources. On October 2, 2017, FERC issued a notice inviting comments. On October 4, 2017, FERC staff issued a series of questions requesting commenters to address. On October 23, 2017, NRG filed comments encouraging FERC to act expeditiously to modernize energy and capacity markets in a manner compatible with robust competitive markets. On January 8, 2018, FERC terminated the proposed rulemaking and opened a new proceeding asking each ISO/RTO to address specific questions focused on grid resilience. On March 9, 2018, the ISOs/RTOs filed comments to the questions posed by FERC.

East/West
Montgomery County Station Power TaxOn December 20, 2013, NRG received a letter from Montgomery County, Maryland requesting payment of an energy tax for the consumption of station power at the Dickerson Facility over the previous three years.  Montgomery County seeks payment in the amount of $22 million, which includes tax, interest and penalties.  NRG disputed the applicability of the tax. On December 11, 2015, the Maryland Tax Court reversed Montgomery County's assessment. Montgomery County filed an appeal, and on February 2, 2017, the Montgomery County Circuit Court affirmed the decision of the tax court. On February 17, 2017, Montgomery County filed an appeal to the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. On April 24, 2018, the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland affirmed the lower court's decision.
Puente Power Project — On October 5, 2017, the California Energy Commission, or CEC, the agency responsible for permitting the Puente Power Project, issued a statement on behalf of the committee of two Commissioners overseeing the permitting process stating their intention to issue a proposed decision that would deny a permit for the Puente Power Project. On October 16, 2017, NRG filed a motion to suspend the permitting proceeding for at least six months, which was granted on November 3, 2017. On April 20, 2018, NRG filed a motion requesting an additional extension of the suspension period to coincide with the CPUC’s final decision on SCE’s application seeking approval of resources procured through its Moorpark RFO, or until June 30, 2019, whichever is sooner.


Note 1716Environmental Matters
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 24, Environmental Matters, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
NRG is subject to a wide range of environmental laws in the development, construction, ownership and operation of projects. These laws generally require that governmental permits and approvals be obtained before construction and during operation of power plants. NRG is also subject to laws regarding the protection of wildlife, including migratory birds, eagles and threatened and endangered species. The electric generation industry has been facing requirements regarding GHGs, combustion byproducts, water discharge and use, and threatened and endangered species that have been put in place in recent years. However, under the current U.S. presidential administration, some of these rules are being reconsidered and reviewed. In general, future laws are expected to require the addition of emissions controls or other environmental controls or to impose certain 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. Federal and state environmental laws generally have become more stringent over time, although this trend could slow or pause in the near term with respect to federal laws under the current U.S. presidential administration.
The EPA finalized CSAPR in 2011, which was intended to replace CAIR in January 2012, to address certain states' obligations to reduce emissions so that downwind states can achieve federal air quality standards. In December 2011, the D.C. Circuit stayed the implementation of CSAPR and then vacated CSAPR in August 2012 but kept CAIR in place until the EPA could replace it. In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded the D.C. Circuit's decision. In October 2014, the D.C. Circuit lifted the stay of CSAPR. In response, the EPA in November 2014 amended the CSAPR compliance dates. Accordingly, CSAPR replaced CAIR on January 1, 2015. On July 28, 2015, the D.C. Circuit held that the EPA had exceeded its authority by requiring certain reductions that were not necessary for downwind states to achieve federal standards. Although the D.C. Circuit kept the rule in place, the court ordered the EPA to revise the Phase 2 (or 2017) (i) SO2 budgets for four states including Texas and (ii) ozone-season NOx budgets for 11 states including Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. On October 26, 2016, the EPA finalized the CSAPR Update Rule, which reduces future NOx allocations and discounts the current banked allowances to account for the more stringent 2008 Ozone NAAQS and to address the D.C. Circuit's July 2015 decision. This rule has been challenged in the D.C. Circuit. The Company believes its investment in pollution controls and cleaner technologies leave the fleet well-positioned for compliance.
In February 2012, the EPA promulgated standards (the MATS rule) to control emissions of HAPs from coal and oil-fired electric generating units. The rule established limits for mercury, non-mercury metals, certain organics and acid gases, which had to be met beginning in April 2015 (with some units getting a 1-year extension). In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of Michigan v. EPA, and held that the EPA unreasonably refused to consider costs when it determined that it was "appropriate and necessary" to regulate HAPs emitted by electric generating units. The U.S. Supreme Court did not vacate the MATS rule but rather remanded it to the D.C. Circuit for further proceedings. In December 2015, the D.C. Circuit remanded the MATS rule to the EPA without vacatur. On April 25, 2016, the EPA released a supplemental finding that the benefits of this regulation outweigh the costs to address the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that the EPA had not properly considered costs. This finding has been challenged in the D.C. Circuit. On April 18, 2017, the EPA asked the D.C. Circuit to postpone oral argument that had been scheduled for May 18, 2017 because the EPA is closely reviewing the supplemental finding to determine whether it should reconsider all or part of the rule. On April 27, 2017, the D.C. Circuit granted EPA's request to postpone the oral argument and hold the case in abeyance. While NRG cannot predict the final outcome of this rulemaking, NRG believes that because it has already invested in pollution controls and cleaner technologies, the fleet is well-positioned to comply with the MATS rule.

Water
In August 2014, the EPA finalized the regulation regarding the use of water for once through cooling at existing facilities to address impingement and entrainment concerns. NRG anticipates that more stringent requirements will be incorporated into some of its water discharge permits over the next several years as NPDES permits are renewed.
Effluent Limitations Guidelines — In November 2015, the EPA revised the Effluent Limitations Guidelines for Steam Electric Generating Facilities, which would have imposed more stringent requirements (as individual permits were renewed) for wastewater streams from flue gas desulfurization, or FGD, fly ash, bottom ash, and flue gas mercury control.  In April 2017, the EPA granted two petitions to reconsider the rule and also administratively stayed some of the deadlines. On September 18, 2017, the EPA promulgated a final rule that (i) postpones 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 completes its next rulemaking and (ii) withdrew the April 2017 administrative stay. The legal challenges have been suspended while the EPA reconsiders and likely modifies the rule. Accordingly, the Company has largely eliminated its estimate of the environmental capital expenditures that would have been required to comply with permits incorporating the revised guidelines. The Company will revisit these estimates after the rule is revised.


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 September 13, 2017, the EPA granted the petition for reconsideration that the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group filed in May 2017. The Company has evaluated the impact of the new rule on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows and has accrued its environmental and asset retirement obligations under the rule based on current estimates as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.
East RegionEast/West
Burton Island Old Ash LandfillNew Source Review The EPA and various states have been investigating compliance of electric generating facilities with the pre-construction permitting requirements of the CAA known as “new source review,” or NSR. In January 2006, NRG's Indian River Power LLC was notified2007, Midwest Generation received an NOV from the EPA alleging that it may be a potentially responsible party with respect to Burton Island Old Ash Landfill, a historic captive landfill locatedpast work at Crawford, Fisk, Joliet, Powerton, Waukegan and Will County generating stations violated NSR and other regulations. These alleged violations are the subject of litigation described in Note 14, Commitments and Contingencies. Additionally, in April 2013, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued four NOVs alleging that past work at oil-fired combustion turbines at the Indian River facility. On October 1, 2007, NRG signed an agreement with DNREC to investigate the site through the Voluntary Clean-up Program, or the VCP. On February 4, 2008, DNREC issued findings that no further action was required in relation to surface waterTorrington Terminal, Franklin, Branford and that a previously planned shoreline stabilization project would satisfactorily address shoreline erosion. The landfill itself required a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study to determine the type and scope of any additional required work. DNREC approved the Feasibility Study in December 2012. In January 2013, DNREC proposed a remediation plan based on the Feasibility Study. The remediation plan was approved in October 2013. In December 2015, DNREC approved the Company's remediation design and the Company's Long Term Stewardship Plan. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company completed the remediation requirements in the remediation plan. The cost of completing the work required by the remediation plan was within amounts budgeted in early 2016. The estimated cost to comply with the Long-Term Stewardship Plan was added to the liability in December 2016.Middletown generating stations violated regulations regarding NSR.
In addition to the VCP, on May 29, 2008, DNREC requested that NRG's Indian River Power LLC participate in the development and performance of a Natural Resource Damage Assessment at the Burton Island Old Ash Landfill. NRG is working with DNREC and other trustees to close out the assessment process.


Note 1817Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding $5.4$4.8 billion of Senior Notes due from 20182022 to 2027,2028, as shown in Note 87, Debt and Capital Leases. These Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of NRG's current and future 100% owned domestic subsidiaries, or guarantor subsidiaries. These guarantees are both joint and several. The non-guarantor subsidiaries include all of NRG's foreign subsidiaries and certain domestic subsidiaries, and NRG Yield, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Unless otherwise noted below, each of the following guarantor subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Senior Notes as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018:
Ace Energy, Inc.New Genco GP, LLCNRG Norwalk Harbor OperationsNortheast Affiliate Services Inc.
Allied Home Warranty GP LLCNorwalk Power LLCNRG Operating Services,Norwalk Harbor Operations Inc.
Allied Warranty LLCNRG Advisory Services LLCNRG Oswego Harbor Power OperationsOperating Services, Inc.
Arthur Kill Power LLCNRG Affiliate Services Inc.NRG PacGenOswego Harbor Power Operations Inc.
Astoria Gas Turbine Power LLCNRG Arthur Kill Operations Inc.NRG Portable Power LLCPacGen Inc.
Bayou Cove Peaking Power, LLCNRG Astoria Gas Turbine Operations Inc.NRG Portable Power Marketing LLC
BidURenergy, Inc.NRG Bayou Cove LLCNRG Reliability SolutionsPower Marketing LLC
Cabrillo Power I LLCNRG Business Services LLCNRG Renter's ProtectionReliability Solutions LLC
Cabrillo Power II LLCNRG Cabrillo Power Operations Inc.NRG RetailRenter's Protection LLC
Carbon Management Solutions LLCNRG California Peaker Operations LLCNRG Retail Northeast LLC
Cirro Group, Inc.NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company, LLCNRG Rockford AcquisitionRetail Northeast LLC
Cirro Energy Services, Inc.NRG Connected Home LLCNRG Saguaro Operations Inc.Rockford Acquisition LLC
Conemaugh Power LLCNRG Connecticut Affiliate Services Inc.NRG Security LLCSaguaro Operations Inc.
Connecticut Jet Power LLCNRG Construction LLCNRG Services CorporationSecurity LLC
Cottonwood Development LLCNRG Curtailment Solutions, IncNRG SimplySmart Solutions LLCServices Corporation
Cottonwood Energy Company LPNRG Development Company Inc.NRG South Central Affiliate Services Inc.SimplySmart Solutions LLC
Cottonwood Generating Partners I LLCNRG Devon Operations Inc.NRG South Central Generating LLCAffiliate Services Inc.
Cottonwood Generating Partners II LLCNRG Dispatch Services LLCNRG South Central Operations Inc.Generating LLC
Cottonwood Generating Partners III LLCNRG Distributed Energy Resources Holdings LLCNRG South Texas LPCentral Operations Inc.
Cottonwood Technology Partners LPNRG Distributed Generation PR LLCNRG SPV #1 LLCSouth Texas LP
Devon Power��Power LLCNRG Dunkirk Operations Inc.NRG Texas C&I Supply LLC
Dunkirk Power LLCNRG El Segundo Operations Inc.NRG Texas Gregory LLC
Eastern Sierra Energy Company LLCNRG Energy Efficiency-L LLCNRG Texas Holding Inc.
El Segundo Power, LLCNRG Energy Labor Services LLCNRG Texas LLC
El Segundo Power II LLCNRG ECOKAP Holdings LLCNRG Texas Power LLC
Energy Alternatives Wholesale, LLCNRG Energy Services Group LLCNRG Warranty Services LLC
Energy Choice Solutions LLCNRG Energy Services International Inc.NRG West Coast LLC
Energy Plus Holdings LLCNRG Energy Services LLCNRG Western Affiliate Services Inc.
Energy Plus Natural Gas LLCNRG Generation Holdings, Inc.O'Brien Cogeneration, Inc. II
Energy Protection Insurance CompanyNRG Greenco LLCONSITE Energy, Inc.
Everything Energy LLCNRG Home & Business Solutions LLCOswego Harbor Power LLC
Forward Home Security, LLCNRG Home Services LLCReliant Energy Northeast LLC
GCP Funding Company, LLCNRG Home Solutions LLCReliant Energy Power Supply, LLC
Green Mountain Energy CompanyNRG Home Solutions Product LLCReliant Energy Retail Holdings, LLC
Gregory Partners, LLCNRG Homer City Services LLCReliant Energy Retail Services, LLC
Gregory Power Partners LLCNRG Huntley Operations Inc.RERH Holdings, LLC
Huntley Power LLCNRG HQ DG LLCSaguaro Power LLC
Independence Energy Alliance LLCNRG Identity Protect LLCSomerset Operations Inc.
Independence Energy Group LLCNRG Ilion Limited PartnershipSomerset Power LLC
Independence Energy Natural Gas LLCNRG Ilion LP LLCTexas Genco GP, LLC
Indian River Operations Inc.NRG International LLCTexas Genco Holdings, Inc.
Indian River Power LLCNRG Maintenance Services LLCTexas Genco LP, LLC
Keystone Power LLCNRG Mextrans Inc.Texas Genco Services, LP
Langford Wind Power,Louisiana Generating LLCNRG MidAtlantic Affiliate Services Inc.US Retailers LLC
Louisiana GeneratingMeriden Gas Turbines LLCNRG Middletown Operations Inc.Vienna Operations Inc.
Meriden Gas TurbinesMiddletown Power LLCNRG Montville Operations Inc.Vienna Power LLC
MiddletownMontville Power LLCNRG New Roads Holdings LLCWCP (Generation) Holdings LLC
Montville Power LLCNEO CorporationNRG North Central Operations Inc.West Coast Power LLC
NEO CorporationNRG Northeast Affiliate Services Inc.


NRG conducts much of its business through and derives much of its income from its subsidiaries. Therefore, the Company's ability to make required payments with respect to its indebtedness and other obligations depends on the financial results and condition of its subsidiaries and NRG's ability to receive funds from its subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability of any of the guarantor subsidiaries to transfer funds to NRG. However, there may be restrictions for certain non-guarantor subsidiaries.
The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial information of NRG Energy, Inc., the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries in accordance with Rule 3-10 under the SEC Regulation S-X. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations or financial position had the guarantor subsidiaries or non-guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities.
In this presentation, NRG Energy, Inc. consists of parent company operations. Guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries of NRG are reported on an equity basis. For companies acquired, the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired have been presented on a push-down accounting basis.


NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Operating Revenues         
Total operating revenues$2,160
 $1,021
 $
 $(132) $3,049
Operating Costs and Expenses         
Cost of operations1,588
 682
 15
 (129) 2,156
Depreciation and amortization104
 160
 8
 
 272
Impairment losses
 14
 
 
 14
Selling, general and administrative97
 29
 88
 (1) 213
Reorganization
 
 18
 
 18
Development activity expenses
 9
 5
 
 14
Total operating costs and expenses1,789
 894
 134
 (130) 2,687
     Other income - affiliate
 
 14
 
 14
Operating Income/(Loss)371
 127
 (120) (2) 376
Other Income/(Expense)         
Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries(41) (9) (134) 184
 
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
 (606) 666
 (33) 27
Other income7
 3
 5
 
 15
Loss on debt extinguishment
 (1) 
 
 (1)
Interest expense(4) (103) (114) 
 (221)
Total other (expense)/income(38) (716) 423
 151
 (180)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes333
 (589) 303
 149
 196
Income tax expense/(benefit)113
 (209) 102
 
 6
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations220
 (380) 201
 149
 190
Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax
 (27) 
 
 (27)
Net Income/(Loss)220
 (407) 201
 149
 163
Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests
 (3) 30
 (35) (8)
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to
NRG Energy, Inc.
$220
 $(404) $171
 $184
 $171
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.











NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Operating Revenues         
Total operating revenues$5,517

$2,872

$

$(257)
$8,132
Operating Costs and Expenses         
Cost of operations4,156
 1,904
 46
 (254) 5,852
Depreciation and amortization307
 458
 24
 
 789
Impairment losses42
 35
 
 
 77
Selling, general and administrative281
 115
 304
 (3) 697
Reorganization
 
 18
 
 18
Development activity expenses
 34
 15
 
 49
Total operating costs and expenses4,786
 2,546
 407
 (257) 7,482
     Other income - affiliate
 
 104
 
 104
Gain on sale of assets4
 
 
 
 4
Operating Income/(Loss)735
 326
 (303) 
 758
Other Income/(Expense)         
Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries(61) (66) (182) 309
 
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates
 101
 (3) (69) 29
Other income8
 15
 10
 
 33
Loss on debt extinguishment
 (3) 
 
 (3)
Interest expense(11) (328) (353) 
 (692)
Total other expense(64) (281) (528) 240
 (633)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes671
 45
 (831) 240
 125
Income tax expense/(benefit)244
 28
 (267) 
 5
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations427
 17
 (564) 240
 120
Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax
 (802) 
 
 (802)
Net Income/(Loss)427
 (785) (564) 240
 (682)
Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests
 (49) 55
 (69) (63)
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to
NRG Energy, Inc.
$427
 $(736) $(619) $309
 $(619)
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.



NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
For the three months ended September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Net Income/(Loss)$220
 $(407) $201
 $149
 $163
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), net of tax         
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net
 7
 7
 (7) 7
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net2
 2
 2
 (4) 2
Available-for-sale securities, net
 
 1
 
 1
Defined benefit plans, net
 
 (2) 1
 (1)
Other comprehensive income2
 9
 8
 (10) 9
Comprehensive Income/(Loss)222
 (398) 209
 139
 172
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 
 30
 (35) (5)
Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$222
 $(398) $179
 $174
 $177
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.























NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Net Income/(Loss)$427
 $(785) $(564) $240
 $(682)
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), net of tax         
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net
 6
 7
 (7) 6
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net7
 7
 9
 (13) 10
Available-for-sale securities, net
 
 2
 
 2
Defined benefit plans, net
 29
 25
 (28) 26
Other comprehensive income7
 42
 43
 (48) 44
Comprehensive Income/(Loss)434
 (743) (521) 192
 (638)
Less: Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 (47) 55
 (69) (61)
Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$434
 $(696) $(576) $261
 $(577)
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.






NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2017
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
ASSETS(In millions)
Current Assets         
Cash and cash equivalents$(20) $350
 $893
 $
 $1,223
Funds deposited by counterparties29
 2
 
 
 31
Restricted cash14
 523
 
 
 537
Accounts receivable - trade, net876
 395
 3
 
 1,274
Accounts receivable - affiliate222
 191
 (22) (337) 54
Inventory406
 224
 
 
 630
Derivative instruments438
 106
 5
 (74) 475
Cash collateral posted in support of energy risk management activities190
 13
 
 
 203
Prepayments and other current assets108
 147
 45
 
 300
Current assets - held for sale
 33
 
 
 33
Total current assets2,263
 1,984
 924

(411) 4,760
Net property, plant and equipment3,980
 11,142
 236
 (26) 15,332
Other Assets         
Investment in subsidiaries1,098
 1,004
 9,409
 (11,511) 
Equity investments in affiliates
 1,135
 3
 
 1,138
Notes receivable, less current portion
 5
 
 
 5
Goodwill359
 303
 
 
 662
Intangible assets, net520
 1,321
 
 (3) 1,838
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund670
 
 
 
 670
Derivative instruments187
 38
 27
 (46) 206
Deferred income tax(5) (148) 358
 
 205
Non-current assets held-for-sale
 10
 
 
 10
Other non-current assets63
 520
 61
 
 644
Total other assets2,892
 4,188
 9,858
 (11,560) 5,378
Total Assets$9,135
 $17,314
 $11,018
 $(11,997) $25,470
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY         
Current Liabilities         
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases$
 $623
 $624
 $
 $1,247
Accounts payable599
 285
 31
 
 915
Accounts payable — affiliate528
 (340) 146
 (338) (4)
Derivative instruments418
 178
 
 (74) 522
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities29
 2
 
 
 31
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities301
 57
 472
 
 830
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities-affiliate
 164
 
 
 164
Total current liabilities1,875
 969
 1,273
 (412) 3,705
Other Liabilities         
Long-term debt and capital leases244
 8,644
 6,770
 
 15,658
Nuclear decommissioning reserve265
 
 
 
 265
Nuclear decommissioning trust liability397
 
 
 
 397
Deferred income taxes428
 
 (407) 
 21
Derivative instruments194
 159
 
 (46) 307
Out-of-market contracts, net69
 144
 
 
 213
Non-current liabilities held-for-sale
 13
 
 
 13
Other non-current liabilities377
 315
 424
 
 1,116
Total non-current liabilities1,974
 9,275
 6,787
 (46) 17,990
Total liabilities3,849
 10,244
 8,060
 (458) 21,695
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 85
 
 
 85
Stockholders’ Equity5,286
 6,985
 2,958
 (11,539) 3,690
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$9,135
 $17,314
 $11,018
 $(11,997) $25,470
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Operating Revenues         
Total operating revenues$1,483
 $885
 $
 $53
 $2,421
Operating Costs and Expenses         
Cost of operations1,082
 409
 14
 53
 1,558
Depreciation and amortization73
 154
 8
 
 235
Selling, general and administrative98
 32
 61
 
 191
Reorganization costs2
 
 18
 
 20
Development costs
 9
 4
 
 13
Total operating costs and expenses1,255
 604
 105
 53
 2,017
Gain/(loss) on sale of assets3
 (1) 
 
 2
Operating Income/(Loss)231
 280
 (105) 
 406
Other Income/(Expense)         
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries210
 
 330
 (540) 
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates
 (1) (1) 
 (2)
Other income/(expense), net21
 (11) 3
 (16) (3)
Loss on debt extinguishment, net
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Interest expense(3) (72) (92) 

 (167)
Total other income/(expense)228
 (84) 238
 (556) (174)
Income Before Income Taxes459
 196
 133
 (556) 232
Income tax expense/(benefit)113
 48
 (162) 
 (1)
Net Income346
 148
 295
 (556) 233
Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests
 (46) 16
 (16) (46)
Net Income Attributable to
NRG Energy, Inc.
$346
 $194
 $279
 $(540) $279
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities         
Net income/(loss)$427
 $(785) $(564) $240
 $(682)
Loss from discontinued operations
 (802) 
 
 (802)
Net income/(loss) from continuing operations427
 17
 (564) 240
 120
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates
 60
 
 (7) 53
Equity in losses/(earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates
 (101) 3
 69
 (29)
Depreciation and amortization307
 458
 24
 
 789
Provision for bad debts40
 2
 15
 
 57
Amortization of nuclear fuel37
 
 
 
 37
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums
 31
 13
 
 44
Adjustment for debt extinguishment
 3
 
 
 3
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts20
 59
 
 
 79
Amortization of unearned equity compensation
 
 27
 
 27
Impairment losses42
 35
 
 
 77
Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits244
 28
 (246) 
 26
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability20
 
 


 20
Changes in derivative instruments(11) 32
 12
 (8) 25
Changes in collateral deposits supporting energy risk management activities(126) 23
 
 
 (103)
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances21
 
 
 
 21
Gain on sale of assets(22) 
 
 
 (22)
Cash (used)/provided by changes in other working capital(958) (523) 1,395
 (294) (380)
Cash provided by continuing operations41
 124
 679
 
 844
Cash used by discontinued operations
 (38) 
 
 (38)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities41
 86
 679
 
 806
Cash Flows from Investing Activities         
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 
 69
 (69) 
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired
 (176) 
 176
 
Intercompany dividends
 
 129
 (129) 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
 (36) 
 
 (36)
Capital expenditures(135) (606) (19) 
 (760)
Decrease in notes receivable
 11
 
 
 11
Purchases of emission allowances(47) 
 
 
 (47)
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances105
 
 
 
 105
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(402) 
 
 
 (402)
Proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities382
 
 
 
 382
Proceeds from renewable energy grants and state rebates8
 


 
 8
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed of36
 
 
 
 36
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 (31) 
 
 (31)
Other22
 
 
 
 22
Cash (used)/provided by continuing operations(31) (838) 179
 (22) (712)
Cash used by discontinued operations
 (53) 
 
 (53)
Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Investing Activities(31) (891) 179
 (22) (765)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities

  
  
    
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 (69) 
 69
 
Payments from/(for) intercompany loans9
 417
 (426) 
 
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired
 
 176
 (176) 
Intercompany dividends
 (129) 
 129
 
Payment of dividends to common and preferred stockholders
 
 (28) 
 (28)
Net receipts from settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements
 2
 
 
 2
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 920
 214
 
 1,134
Payments for short and long-term debt
 (493) (219) 
 (712)
Receivable from affiliate
 (125) 
 
 (125)
Contributions from, net of distributions to, noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 65
 
 
 65
Payment of debt issuance costs
 (38) (5) 
 (43)
Other - contingent consideration
 (10) 
 
 (10)
Cash provided/(used) by continuing operations9
 540
 (288) 22
 283
Cash used by discontinued operations
 (224) 
 
 (224)
Net Cash Provided/(Used) by Financing Activities9
 316
 (288) 22
 59
Change in cash from discontinued operations
 (315) 
 
 (315)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 (10) 
 
 (10)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Funds Deposited by Counterparties19
 (184) 570
 
 405
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Funds Deposited by Counterparties at Beginning of Period4
 1,059
 323
 
 1,386
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Funds Deposited by Counterparties at End of Period$23

$875

$893

$
 $1,791
(a) All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSCOMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the three months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Operating Revenues         
Total operating revenues$2,424
 $1,090
 $
 $(93) $3,421
Operating Costs and Expenses         
Cost of operations1,719
 804
 10
 (93) 2,440
Depreciation and amortization147
 144
 7
 
 298
Impairment losses8
 1
 
 
 9
Selling, general and administrative115
 50
 112
 
 277
Development activity expenses
 10
 11
 
 21
Total operating costs and expenses1,989
 1,009
 140
 (93) 3,045
     Other income - affiliate
 
 48
 
 48
Gain on sale of assets
 
 4
 
 4
Operating Income/(Loss)435
 81
 (88) 
 428
Other Income/(Expense)     
    
Equity in (losses)/earnings of consolidated subsidiaries(114) (10) 562
 (438) 
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates2
 75
 (12) (49) 16
Loss on investment
 (8) 
 
 (8)
Other income/(loss), net1
 6
 ��
 
 7
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
 (50) 
 (50)
Interest expense(4) (104) (129) 
 (237)
Total other expense(115) (41) 371
 (487) (272)
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes320
 40
 283
 (487) 156
Income tax expense/(benefit)134
 45
 (151) 
 28
Income from Continuing Operations186
 (5) 434
 (487) 128
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax
 263
 2
 
 265
Net Income186
 258
 436
 (487) 393
Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 6
 34
 (49) (9)
Net Income Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$186
 $252
 $402
 $(438) $402
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Net Income$346
 $148
 $295
 $(556) $233
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income, net of tax         
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net
 16
 15
 (17) 14
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net(2) (2) (3) 5
 (2)
Defined benefit plans, net
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income(2) 14
 11
 (12) 11
Comprehensive Income344
 162
 306
 (568) 244
Less: Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 (46) 24
 (16) (38)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$344
 $208
 $282
 $(552) $282
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Operating Revenues         
Total operating revenues$6,079
 $2,400
 $
 $(151) $8,328
Operating Costs and Expenses         
Cost of operations4,278
 1,558
 29
 (154) 5,711
Depreciation and amortization372
 435
 19
 
 826
Impairment losses8
 57
 
 
 65
Selling, general and administrative306
 144
 351
 
 801
Development activity expenses
 42
 23
 
 65
Total operating costs and expenses4,964
 2,236
 422
 (154) 7,468
     Other income - affiliate
 
 144
 
 144
Loss on sale of assets
 
 (79) 
 (79)
Operating Income/(Loss)1,115
 164
 (357) 3
 925
Other Income/(Expense)     
    
Equity in (losses)/earnings of consolidated subsidiaries(195) (80) 904
 (629) 
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates5
 114
 (2) (104) 13
Impairment loss on investment
 (147) 
 
 (147)
Other income, net3
 25
 2
 (1) 29
Loss on debt extinguishment
 (4) (115) 
 (119)
Interest expense(11) (312) (395) 

 (718)
Total other (expense)/income(198) (404) 394
 (734) (942)
Income/(Loss) Before Income Taxes917
 (240) 37
 (731) (17)
Income tax expense/(benefit)362
 (49) (238) 
 75
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations555
 (191) 275
 (731) (92)
Income from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax
 248
 8
 
 256
Net Income555
 57
 283
 (731) 164
Less: Net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 (17) 70
 (102) (49)
Net Income Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$555
 $74
 $213
 $(629) $213
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.



NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
For the three months ended September 30, 2016
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Net Income$186
 $258
 $436
 $(487) $393
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), net of tax         
Unrealized income on derivatives, net
 40
 26
 (39) 27
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net2
 2
 4
 (5) 3
Defined benefit plans, net54
 
 (43) 20
 31
Other comprehensive loss56
 42
 (13) (24) 61
Comprehensive Income242
 300
 423
 (511) 454
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 13
 34
 (49) (2)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$242
 $287
 $389
 $(462) $456
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.









NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Net Income$555
 $57
 $283
 $(731) $164
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), net of tax        
Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net
 (15) 46
 (39) (8)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net4
 4
 6
 (8) 6
Available-for-sale securities, net
 
 1
 
 1
Defined benefit plans, net55
 
 (43) 20
 32
Other comprehensive income/(loss)59
 (11) 10
 (27) 31
Comprehensive Income614
 46
 293
 (758) 195
Less: Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 (38) 70
 (102) (70)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.614
 84
 223
 (656) 265
Dividends for preferred shares
 
 5
 
 5
Gain on redemption of preferred shares
 
 (78) 
 (78)
Comprehensive Income Available for Common Stockholders$614
 $84
 $296
 $(656) $338
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

















NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
DecemberMarch 31, 20162018
(Unaudited)
Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations (a)
 ConsolidatedGuarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
ASSETS(In millions)(In millions)
Current Assets                  
Cash and cash equivalents$(9) $624
 $323
 $
 $938
$43
 $371
 $350
 $
 $764
Funds deposited by counterparties2
 
 
 
 2
241
 
 
 
 241
Restricted cash11
 435
 
 
 446
8
 399
 
 
 407
Accounts receivable - trade, net734
 321
 3
 
 1,058
Accounts receivable - affiliate307
 (254) 200
 (139) 114
Accounts receivable, net610
 290
 3
 
 903
Inventory482
 239
 
 
 721
323
 205
 
 
 528
Derivative instruments962
 196
 1
 (92) 1,067
932
 207
 12
 (136) 1,015
Cash collateral posted in support of energy risk management activities116
 34
 
 
 150
Current assets held-for-sale
 9
 
 
 9
Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities211
 
 
 
 211
Accounts receivable - affiliate509
 141
 491
 (1,068) 73
Current assets - held for sale
 89
 
 
 89
Prepayments and other current assets76
 152
 62
 
 290
154
 134
 38
 
 326
Current assets - discontinued operations
 1,919
 
 
 1,919
Total current assets2,681
 3,675
 589
 (231) 6,714
3,031
 1,836
 894

(1,204) 4,557
Net Property, Plant and Equipment4,219
 10,926
 251
 (27) 15,369
Property, plant and equipment, net2,500
 11,196
 240
 (25) 13,911
Other Assets                  
Investment in subsidiaries1,090
 1,054
 10,128
 (12,272) 
511
 1
 7,374
 (7,886) 
Equity investments in affiliates(13) 1,128
 5
 
 1,120

 1,010
 1
 
 1,011
Notes receivable, less current portion
 16
 
 
 16
Goodwill359
 303
 
 
 662
360
 179
 
 
 539
Intangible assets, net592
 1,384
 
 (3) 1,973
439
 1,290
 
 (3) 1,726
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund610
 
 
 
 610
680
 
 
 
 680
Derivative instruments144
 44
 36
 (43) 181
245
 118
 38
 (47) 354
Deferred income taxes3
 
 222
 
 225
Non-current assets held for sale
 10
 
 
 10
Deferred income tax264
 (34) (94) 
 136
Non-current assets held-for-sale
 157
 
 
 157
Other non-current assets67
 446
 328
 
 841
73
 489
 119
 
 681
Non-current assets - discontinued operations
 2,961
 
 
 2,961
Total other assets2,852
 7,346
 10,719
 (12,318) 8,599
2,572
 3,210
 7,438
 (7,936) 5,284
Total Assets$9,752
 $21,947
 $11,559
 $(12,576) $30,682
$8,103
 $16,242
 $8,572
 $(9,165) $23,752
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
Current Liabilities                  
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases$
 $498
 $18
 $
 $516
$
 $935
 $21
 $
 $956
Accounts payable501
 247
 34
 
 782
510
 241
 36
 
 787
Accounts payable — affiliate744
 (452) (122) (139) 31
1,662
 (121) (441) (1,068) 32
Derivative instruments947
 237
 
 (92) 1,092
857
 69
 
 (136) 790
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities81
 
 
 
 81
240
 
 
 
 240
Current liabilities held-for-sale
 80
 
 
 80
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities316
 209
 465
 
 990
236
 146
 280
 
 662
Current liabilities - discontinued operations
 1,210
 
 
 1,210
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities-affiliate
 
 161
 
 161
Total current liabilities2,589
 1,949
 395
 (231) 4,702
3,505
 1,350
 57
 (1,204) 3,708
Other Liabilities                  
Long-term debt and capital leases244
 8,252
 7,461
 
 15,957
244
 8,387
 6,775
 
 15,406
Nuclear decommissioning reserve287
 
 
 
 287
272
 
 
 
 272
Nuclear decommissioning trust liability339
 
 
 
 339
400
 
 
 
 400
Deferred income taxes186
 125
 (291) 
 20
112
 64
 (156) 
 20
Derivative instruments157
 170
 
 (43) 284
224
 87
 
 (47) 264
Out-of-market contracts, net80
 150
 
 
 230
62
 139
 
 
 201
Non-current liabilities held-for-sale
 11
 
 
 11

 7
 
 
 7
Other non-current liabilities396
 456
 324
 
 1,176
419
 324
 393
 
 1,136
Non-current liabilities - discontinued operations
 3,184
 
 
 3,184
Total non-current liabilities1,689
 12,348
 7,494
 (43) 21,488
1,733
 9,008
 7,012
 (47) 17,706
Total Liabilities4,278
 14,297
 7,889
 (274) 26,190
Total liabilities5,238
 10,358
 7,069
 (1,251) 21,414
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 46
 
 
 46

 80
 
 
 80
Stockholders’ Equity5,474
 7,604
 3,670
 (12,302) 4,446
2,865
 5,804
 1,503
 (7,914) 2,258
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$9,752
 $21,947
 $11,559

$(12,576) $30,682
$8,103
 $16,242
 $8,572
 $(9,165) $23,752
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016 March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities         
Net Income$555
 $57
 $283
 $(731) $164
Less: Income from discontinued operations
 248
 8
 
 256
Net income/(loss) from continuing operations555
 (191) 275
 (731) (92)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:         
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates
 65
 
 (8) 57
Equity in (earnings)/losses of unconsolidated affiliates(5) (20) 2
 10
 (13)
Depreciation and amortization372
 435
 19
 
 826
Provision for bad debts31
 5
 
 
 36
Amortization of nuclear fuel39
 
 
 
 39
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums
 25
 17
 
 42
Adjustment for debt extinguishment
 102
 17
 
 119
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts32
 99
 
 
 131
Amortization of unearned equity compensation
 
 23
 
 23
Impairment losses8
 203
 
 
 211
Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits(134) (90) 253
 
 29
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability24
 
 
 
 24
Changes in derivative instruments(173) 206
 (3) 
 30
Changes in collateral posted supporting energy risk management activities268
 (7) 
 
 261
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances11
 
 
 
 11
Loss on sale of assets
 
 70
 
 70
Cash (used)/provided by changes in other working capital(827) 168
 (200) 729
 (130)
Net cash provided by continuing operations201
 1,000

473


 1,674
Cash provided by discontinued operations
 67
 
 
 67
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities201
 1,067
 473
 
 1,741
Cash Flows from Investing Activities         
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 
 59
 (59) 
Acquisition of September 2016 Drop Down assets, net of cash acquired
 (77) 
 77
 
Intercompany dividends
 
 12
 (12) 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 (18) 
 
 (18)
Capital expenditures(145) (474) (40) 
 (659)
Increase in notes receivable
 2
 
 
 2
Purchases of emission allowances(32) 
 
 
 (32)
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances47
 
 
 
 47
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(378) 
 
 
 (378)
Proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities354
 
 
 
 354
Proceeds from renewable energy grants and state rebates
 11
 
 
 11
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed of
 67
 17
 
 84
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates2
 (25) 
 
 (23)
Other27
 (4) 8
 
 31
Net cash (used)/provided by continuing operations(125) (518) 56

6
 (581)
Cash provided by discontinued operations
 326
 
 
 326
Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Investing Activities(125) (192) 56
 6
 (255)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities         
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 (59) 
 59
 
Payments (for)/from intercompany loans(2) (134) 136
 
 
Acquisition of September 2016 Drop Down assets, net of cash acquired
 
 77
 (77) 
Intercompany dividends(52) 40
 
 12
 
Payment of dividends to common and preferred stockholders
 
 (66) 
 (66)
Payment for preferred shares
 
 (226) 
 (226)
Net receipts for settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements
 6
 
 
 6
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 1,097
 4,140
 
 5,237
Payments for short and long-term debt(2) (811) (4,540) 
 (5,353)
Payments for debt extinguishment costs
 (98) 
 
 (98)
Distributions from, net of contributions to, noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 (127) 
 
 (127)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
 
 1
 
 1
Payment of debt issuance costs
 (17) (53) 
 (70)
Other(3) (7) 
 
 (10)
Net cash used by continuing operations(59) (110) (531) (6) (706)
Cash provided by discontinued operations
 119
 
 
 119
Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Financing Activities(59) 9
 (531) (6) (587)
Change in cash from discontinued operations
 512
 
 
 512
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 (6) 
 
 (6)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Funds Deposited by Counterparties17
 366
 (2) 
 381
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Funds Deposited by Counterparties at Beginning of Period
 629
 693
 
 1,322
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Funds Deposited by Counterparties at End of Period$17
 $995
 $691
 $
 $1,703
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities         
Net income$346
 $148
 $295
 $(556) $233
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided/(used) by operating activities:        
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates
 13
 
 (3) 10
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates
 1
 1
 
 2
Depreciation and amortization73
 154
 8
 
 235
Provision for bad debts17
 (2) 
 
 15
Amortization of nuclear fuel13
 
 
 
 13
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums
 10
 4
 
 14
Adjustment for debt extinguishment
 
 2
 
 2
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts3
 19
 
 
 22
Amortization of unearned equity compensation
 
 13
 
 13
Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits114
 27
 (144) 
 (3)
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability34
 
 
 
 34
Changes in derivative instruments5
 (220) (14) (18) (247)
Changes in collateral deposits in support of energy risk management activities162
 1
 
 
 163
Gain on sale of emission allowances(8) 
 
 
 (8)
(Gain)/loss on sale of assets(3) 1
 
 
 (2)
Changes in other working capital(442) 22
 (296) 577
 (139)
Net Cash Provided/(Used) by Operating Activities314
 174
 (131) 
 357
Cash Flows from Investing Activities         
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 
 25
 (25) 
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired
 (42) 
 42
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired(2) (60) 
 
 (62)
Capital expenditures(61) (276) (21) 
 (358)
Decrease in notes receivable
 3
 
 
 3
Purchases of emission allowances(17) 
 
 
 (17)
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances23
 
 
 
 23
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(216) 
 
 
 (216)
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities182
 
 
 
 182
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed of10
 1
 
 
 11
Change in investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 2
 
 
 2
Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Investing Activities(81) (372) 4
 17
 (432)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities

  
  
    
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 (25) 
 25
 
Payment from/(for) intercompany loans18
 80
 (98) 
 
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired
 
 42
 (42) 
Payment of dividends to common and preferred stockholders
 
 (10) 
 (10)
Payment for treasury stock
 
 (93) 
 (93)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 179
 
 
 179
Payments for short and long-term debt
 (222) (6) 
 (228)
Contributions from, net of distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 110
 
 
 110
Payment of debt issuance costs
 (6) (1) 
 (7)
Net Cash Provided/(Used) by Financing Activities18
 116
 (166) (17) (49)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash251
 (82) (293) 
 (124)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period41
 852
 643
 
 1,536
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at End of Period$292

$770

$350

$
 $1,412
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Operating Revenues         
Total operating revenues$1,599
 $867
 $
 $(84) $2,382
Operating Costs and Expenses         
Cost of operations1,260
 664
 18
 (80) 1,862
Depreciation and amortization99
 150
 8
 
 257
Selling, general and administrative96
 46
 118
 
 260
Development costs
 12
 5
 
 17
Total operating costs and expenses1,455
 872
 149
 (80) 2,396
     Other income - affiliate
 
 48
 
 48
Gain on sale of assets2
 
 
 
 2
Operating Income/(Loss)146
 (5) (101) (4) 36
Other (Expense)/Income     
    
Equity in (losses)/earnings of consolidated subsidiaries(42) 1
 68
 (27) 
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(1) 7
 (1) 
 5
Other (expense)/income, net(2) 5
 7
 3
 13
Loss on debt extinguishment, net
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Interest expense(4) (104) (117) 
 (225)
Total other expense(49) (93) (43) (24) (209)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes97
 (98) (144) (28) (173)
Income tax expense/(benefit)19
 (46) 25
 (2) (4)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations78
 (52) (169) (26) (169)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income tax
 (37) 3
 
 (34)
Net Income/(Loss)78
 (89) (166) (26) (203)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 (38) (3) 1
 (40)
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$78
 $(51) $(163) $(27) $(163)
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Net Income/(Loss)$78
 $(89) $(166) $(26) $(203)
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax         
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net
 5
 4
 (5) 4
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net5
 4
 7
 (9) 7
Defined benefit plans, net
 1
 (1) 
 
Other comprehensive income5
 10
 10
 (14) 11
Comprehensive Income/(Loss)83
 (79) (156) (40) (192)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
 (37) (3) 1
 (39)
Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$83
 $(42) $(153) $(41) $(153)
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2017
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations (a)
 Consolidated
ASSETS(In millions)
Current Assets         
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $348
 $643
 $
 $991
Funds deposited by counterparties37
 
 
 
 37
Restricted cash4
 504
 
 
 508
Accounts receivable, net768
 307
 4
 
 1,079
Inventory338
 194
 
 
 532
Derivative instruments625
 81
 9
 (89) 626
Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities170
 1
 
 
 171
Accounts receivable - affiliate709
 213
 (129) (698) 95
Current assets held-for-sale8
 107
 
 
 115
Prepayments and other current assets116
 118
 27
 
 261
Total current assets2,775
 1,873
 554
 (787) 4,415
Property, plant and equipment, net2,502
 11,194
 238
 (26) 13,908
Other Assets         
Investment in subsidiaries305
 
 7,581
 (7,886) 
Equity investments in affiliates
 1,036
 2
 
 1,038
Goodwill360
 179
 
 
 539
Intangible assets, net454
 1,295
 
 (3) 1,746
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund692
 
 
 
 692
Derivative instruments121
 40
 31
 (20) 172
Deferred income taxes377
 (7) (236) 
 134
Non-current assets held for sale
 43
 
 
 43
Other non-current assets50
 461
 158
 (38) 631
Total other assets2,359
 3,047
 7,536
 (7,947) 4,995
Total Assets$7,636
 $16,114
 $8,328
 $(8,760) $23,318
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY         
Current Liabilities         
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases$
 $667
 $59
 $(38) $688
Accounts payable545
 281
 55
 
 881
Accounts payable — affiliate751
 (201) 181
 (698) 33
Derivative instruments535
 108
 
 (88) 555
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities37
 
 
 
 37
Current liabilities held-for-sale
 72
 
 
 72
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities290
 175
 425
 
 890
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities - affiliate
 
 161
 
 161
Total current liabilities2,158
 1,102
 881
 (824) 3,317
Other Liabilities         
Long-term debt and capital leases244
 8,733
 6,739
 
 15,716
Nuclear decommissioning reserve269
 
 
 
 269
Nuclear decommissioning trust liability415
 
 
 
 415
Deferred income taxes112
 64
 (155) 
 21
Derivative instruments110
 107
 
 (20) 197
Out-of-market contracts, net66
 141
 
 
 207
Non-current liabilities held-for-sale
 8
 
 
 8
Other non-current liabilities410
 321
 391
 
 1,122
Total non-current liabilities1,626
 9,374
 6,975
 (20) 17,955
Total Liabilities3,784
 10,476
 7,856
 (844) 21,272
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 78
 
 
 78
Stockholders’ Equity3,852
 5,560
 472
 (7,916) 1,968
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$7,636
 $16,114
 $8,328

$(8,760) $23,318
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
(Unaudited)
 Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries 
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Note Issuer)
 
Eliminations(a)
 Consolidated
 (In millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities         
Net income/(loss)$78
 $(89) $(166) $(26) $(203)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations
 (37) 3
 
 (34)
Net income/(loss) from continuing operations78
 (52) (169) (26) (169)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash (used)/provided by operating activities:         
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates
 18
 
 (5) 13
Equity in losses/(earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates1
 (7) 1
 
 (5)
Depreciation and amortization99
 150
 8
 
 257
Provision for bad debts8
 1
 
 
 9
Amortization of nuclear fuel12
 
 
 
 12
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums
 11
 4
 
 15
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts6
 24
 
 
 30
Amortization of unearned equity compensation
 
 8
 
 8
Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits19
 (46) 28
 
 1
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability36
 
 
 
 36
Changes in derivative instruments(4) 43
 (1) 
 38
Changes in collateral deposits in support of energy risk management activities(136) 9
 
 
 (127)
Gain on sale of assets(2) 
 
 
 (2)
Changes in other working capital(118) 458
 (601) 63
 (198)
Net cash (used)/provided by continuing operations(1) 609

(722)
32
 (82)
Cash provided by discontinued operations
 15
 
 
 15
Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Operating Activities(1) 624
 (722) 32
 (67)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities         
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 
 22
 (22) 
Intercompany dividends
 
 129
 (129) 
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired
 (131) 
 131
 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 (3) 
 
 (3)
Capital expenditures(64) (168) (4) 
 (236)
Decrease in notes receivable
 4
 
 
 4
Purchases of emission allowances(9) 
 
 
 (9)
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances11
 
 
 
 11
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(153) 
 
 
 (153)
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities117
 
 
 
 117
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed of11
 3
 
 
 14
Change in investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 (12) 
 
 (12)
Other18
 
 
 
 18
Net cash (used)/provided by continuing operations(69) (307) 147

(20) (249)
Cash used by discontinued operations
 (32) 
 
 (32)
Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Investing Activities(69) (339) 147
 (20) (281)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities         
Dividends from NRG Yield, Inc.
 (22) 
 22
 
Payments (for)/from intercompany loans65
 (428) 395
 (32) 
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired
 
 131
 (131) 
Intercompany dividends
 (129) 
 129
 
Payment of dividends to common and preferred stockholders
 
 (9) 
 (9)
Net receipts from settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements
 1
 
 
 1
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 167
 26
 
 193
Payments for short and long-term debt
 (146) (31) 
 (177)
Distributions to, net of contributions from, noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
 (5) 
 
 (5)
Payment of debt issuance costs
 (10) (4) 
 (14)
Other - contingent consideration
 (10) 
 
 (10)
Net cash provided/(used) by continuing operations65
 (582) 508
 (12) (21)
Cash used by discontinued operations
 (132) 
 
 (132)
Net Cash Provided/(Used) by Financing Activities65
 (714) 508
 (12) (153)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 (7) 
 
 (7)
Change in cash from discontinued operations
 (149) 
 
 (149)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash(5) (287) (67) 
 (359)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period13
 1,050
 323
 
 1,386
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at End of Period$8
 $763
 $256
 $
 $1,027
(a)All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

ITEM 2 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to NRG's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations to this Form 10-Q, which present the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 20162017. Also refer to NRG's 20162017 Form 10-K, which includes detailed discussions of various items impacting the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition, including: Introduction and Overview section; NRG's Business Strategy section; Business section, including how regulation, weather, and other factors affect NRG's business; and Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section.
The discussion and analysis below has been organized as follows:
Executive summary, including introduction and overview, business strategy, and changes to the business environment during the period, including environmental and regulatory matters;
Results of operations;
Financial condition, addressing liquidity position, sources and uses of liquidity, capital resources and requirements, commitments, and off-balance sheet arrangements; and
Known trends that may affect NRG's results of operations and financial condition in the future.


Executive Summary
Introduction and Overview
NRG Energy, Inc., or NRG or the Company, is a leadingcustomer-driven integrated power company built on the strengtha portfolio of a diverse competitive electric generation portfolio and leading retail electricity platform.brands and diverse generation assets. NRG is continuously focused on excellence in operating performance of its existing assets and optimal hedging of generation assets and retail load operations, as well as serving the energy needs of end-use residential, commercial and industrial customers in competitive markets through multiple brands and channels. The Company owns and operates approximately 30,000 MW of generation; engages in the trading of wholesale energy, capacity and related products; transacts in and trades fuel and transportation services; and Company:
directly sells energy services, and innovative, sustainable products and services to retail customers under the names “NRG”, "Reliant"“Reliant” and other retail brand names owned by NRG. NRG;
owns and operates approximately 30,000 MW of generation;
engages in the trading of wholesale energy, capacity and related products; and
transacts in and trades fuel and transportation services.
NRG was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on May 29, 1992.
The following table summarizes NRG's global generation portfolio as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, by operating segment:

 
Global Generation Portfolio(a)(b)
 
Global Generation Portfolio(a)
 (In MW) (In MW)
 Generation         Generation        
Generation Type Gulf Coast 
East/West (c)
 
Renewables(d) 
 
NRG Yield(e) 
 
Other(f) 
 Total Global 
Gulf Coast(f)(i)
 
East/West(b)
 
Renewables(c)(g)(j)
 
NRG Yield(d)(j)
 
Other(e)(j)
 Total Global
Natural gas(g)(f)
 7,464
 4,939
 
 1,878
 
 14,281
 7,464
 4,878
 
 1,878
 
 14,220
Coal 5,114
 3,869
 
 
 
 8,983
 5,114
 3,871
 
 
 
 8,985
Oil 
 3,642
 
 190
 
 3,832
 
 3,641
 
 190
 
 3,831
Nuclear 1,136
 
 
 
 
 1,136
 1,136
 
 
 
 
 1,136
Wind(g) 
 
 743
 2,206
 
 2,949
 
 
 739
 2,200
 
 2,939
Utility Scale Solar 
 
 742
 921
 
 1,663
 
 
 738
 921
 
 1,659
Distributed Solar 
 
 175
 14
 114
 303
 
 
 182
 52
 114
 348
Total generation capacity(g)(h)
 13,714
 12,450
 1,660
 5,209
 114
 33,147
 13,714
 12,390
 1,659
 5,241
 114
 33,118
Capacity attributable to noncontrolling interest(h)
 
 
 (684) (2,342) 
 (3,026) 
 
 (776) (2,353) 
 (3,129)
Total net generation capacity 13,714
 12,450
 976
 2,867
 114
 30,121
 13,714
 12,390
 883
 2,888
 114
 29,989
(a) All Utility Scale Solar and Distributed Solar facilities are described in MW on an alternating current basis. MW figures provided represent nominal summer net MW capacity of power generated as adjusted for the Company's owned or leased interest excluding capacity from inactive/mothballed units.
(b)
GenOn, which represented 16,423 MW of global generation at December 31, 2016, was deconsolidated from NRG on June 14, 2017.
(c) Includes International and BETM.
(d)(c) Includes Distributed Solar capacity from assets held by DGPV Holdco 1, DGPV Holdco 2, and DGPV Holdco 2.3.
(e)(d) Does not include NRG Yield, Inc.'s thermal converted (MWt) capacity, which is part of the NRG Yield operating segment.
(f)(e) The Distributed Solar figure within "Other" includes the aggregate production capacity of installed and activated residential solar energy systems. Also includes capacity from operating portfolios of residential solar assets held by RPV Holdco.
(g)(f) Natural gas generation does not include 51371 MW related to the Miramar and El Cajon sites which were part of the San Diego Combustion Turbines and retired on January 1, 2017, and 106 MW related to Encina Unit 1Greens Bayou 5 which was deactivated on March 31, 2017.retired in January 2018.
(g)During the first quarter of 2018, NRG sold 10 MW to third parties related to the Minnesota wind assets.
(h)NRG Yield's total generation capacity includes 6 MWs for noncontrolling interest for Spring Canyon II and III. NRG Yield's total generation capacity net of this noncontrolling interest was 5,203 MWs.5,247 MW.
(i)Includes the South Central business, which owns and operates a 3,555 MW portfolio of generation assets in Gulf Coast, and which the Company expects to sell as announced on February 6, 2018. NRG will lease back the 1,263 MW Cottonwood facility.
(j)Includes net MW for NRG Yield, Inc. of 2,888 MW and the Renewables operating and development platform of 467 MW, which the Company expects to sell as announced on February 6, 2018.

GenOnStrategy
On June 14, 2017, GenOn, GenOn Americas GenerationNRG's strategy is to maximize stockholder value through the safe production and certainsale of their directly and indirectly-owned subsidiaries, all of which are subsidiaries of NRG, filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Codereliable power to its customers in the United States Bankruptcy Courtmarkets served by the Company, while positioning the Company to provide fully integrated solutions to the end-use energy consumer. This strategy is intended to enable the Company to create and maintain growth at reasonable margins while de-risking the Company in terms of reduced and mitigated exposure to cyclical commodity price risk. At the same time, the Company's relentless commitment to safety for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. As a result of the bankruptcy filingsits employees, customers and beginning on June 14, 2017, GenOn and its subsidiaries, representing approximately 15,000 MW, were deconsolidated from NRG’s consolidated financial statements.partners continues unabated.


To effectuate the Company’s strategy, NRG is focused on: (i) excellence in operating performance of its existing assets including repowering its power generation assets at premium sites and optimal hedging of generation assets and retail load operations; (ii) serving the energy needs of end-use residential, commercial and industrial customers in competitive markets through multiple brands and channels with a variety of retail energy products and services differentiated by innovative features, premium service, sustainability, and loyalty/affinity programs; (iii) deploying innovative and renewable energy solutions for consumers within its retail businesses; and (iv) engaging in a proactive capital allocation plan focused on achieving the regular return of and on stockholder capital within the dictates of prudent balance sheet management, including reducing consolidated debt and pursuing selective acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures and investments.

Transformation Plan
On July 12, 2017, NRG announcedis in the process of executing its Transformation Plan, which is designed to significantly strengthen earnings and cost competitiveness, lower risk and volatility, and create significant shareholder value. The Company expects to fully implement the Transformation Plan by the end of 2020 with significant completion by the end of 2018. The three-part, three-year plan is comprised of the following targets:targets, and the Company's first quarter achievements towards such targets are as follows:
Operations and cost excellence — Cost savings and margin enhancement of $1,065 million recurring, which consists of $590 million of annualcumulative cost savings, a $215 million net margin enhancement program, $50 million annual reduction in maintenance capital expenditures, and $210 million in permanent selling, general and administrative expense reduction associated with asset sales.

Portfolio optimization — Targeting up to $4.0$3.2 billion of asset sale net cash proceeds, including divestitures of 6 GWs of conventional generation and businesses (excluding GenOn) and the expected monetization of 100% of its interest in NRG Yield, Inc. and its renewables platform.
In 2017, NRG executed asset sales of 322 MW for aggregate cash of $150 million, which includes sales to NRG Yield, Inc. and the sale of Minnesota wind projects to third parties.
On February 6, 2018, NRG announced agreements to sell (i) NRG's full ownership interest in NRG Yield, Inc. and NRG's renewables platform, a 3,440 MW portfolio, for cash of $1.375 billion, subject to certain adjustments; and (ii) NRG's South Central business, a 3,555 MW portfolio of generation assets, for cash of $1.0 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions and are expected to close in the second half of 2018.
On February 6, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with NRG Yield, Inc. to sell 100% of the membership interests in Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, which owns the Carlsbad project, a 527-MW natural gas-fired project in Carlsbad, CA, pursuant to the ROFO Agreement. The purchase price for the transaction is $365 million in cash consideration, subject to customary working capital and other adjustments.
On February 23, 2018, NRG entered into an agreement to sell BETM for $70 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2018.
On March 30, 2018, the Company completed the sale of 100% of its ownership interest in Buckthorn Solar to NRG Yield, Inc. for cash consideration of approximately $42 million.

Capital structure and allocation enhancements — A prioritized capital allocation strategy that targets a reduction in consolidated debt from approximately $19.5 billion ($18 billion net debt) to approximately $6.5 billion ($6 billion net debt). Following the completion of the contemplated asset sales, the Company expects $4.8-$6.3 billion in excess cash to be available for allocation through 2020, after achievingachieve its targeted 3.0x net debt / Adjusted EBITDA corporate credit ratio.
Expected reduction in non-recourse debt related to the sale of NRG's ownership in NRG Yield, Inc. and the NRG renewables platform and the sales of Carlsbad Energy Center and Buckthorn Solar.

The Company expectsWorking Capital and Costs to fully implement the Transformation Plan by the end of 2020 with significant completion by the end of 2018. Achieve The Company expects to realize (i) $370 million of non-recurring working capital improvements through 2020 and (ii) approximately $290 million, one-time costs to achieve.
Since the inception of the Transformation Plan, NRG has realized $242 million of non-recurring working capital improvements and $83 million of one-time costs to achieve.

Regulatory Matters
The Company’s regulatory matters are described in the Company’s 20162017 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business — Regulatory Matters. These matters have been updated below and in Note 16,15, Regulatory Matters, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q as found in Item 1.
As owners of power plants and participants in wholesale and retail energy markets, certain NRG entities are subject to regulation by various federal and state government agencies. These include the CFTC, FERC, NRC, and the PUCT, as well as other public utility commissions in certain states where NRG's generating, thermal, or distributed generation assets are located. In addition, NRG is subject to the market rules, procedures and protocols of the various ISO and RTO markets in which it participates. Likewise, certain NRG entities participating in the retail markets are subject to rules and regulations established by the states in which NRG entities are licensed to sell at retail. NRG must also comply with the mandatory reliability requirements imposed by NERC and the regional reliability entities in the regions where NRG operates.
NRG's operations within the ERCOT footprint are not subject to rate regulation by FERC, as they are deemed to operate solely within the ERCOT market and not in interstate commerce. These operations are subject to regulation by the PUCT, as well as to regulation by the NRC with respect to NRG's ownership interest in STP.

Federal Energy Regulation

Department of Energy's Proposed Grid Resiliency Pricing Rule and Subsequent FERC Proceeding — On September 29, 2017, the Department of Energy issued a proposed rulemaking titled the "Grid Resiliency Pricing Rule." The rulemaking proposed that FERC take action to reform the ISO/RTO markets to value certain reliability and resiliency attributes of electric generation resources. On October 23, 2017, NRG filed comments encouraging FERC to act expeditiously to modernize energy and capacity markets in a manner compatible with robust competitive markets. On January 8, 2018, FERC terminated the proposed rulemaking and opened a new proceeding asking each ISO/RTO to address specific questions focused on grid resilience. On March 9, 2018, the ISOs/RTOs filed comments to the questions posed by FERC.
East RegionState Energy Regulation
State Out-Of-Market Subsidy Proposals — On April 12, 2018, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a bill to provide out-of-market subsidies to the state’s nuclear plants. The bill has not yet been signed by the New Jersey Governor. In addition, Certain other states in the areas of the country in which NRG operates, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, have considered but have not enacted proposals to provide out-of-market subsidy payments to potentially uneconomic nuclear and fossil generating units.  NRG has opposed efforts to provide out-of-market subsidies, and intends to continue opposing them in the future.
Regional Regulatory Developments
NRG is affected by rule/tariff changes that occur in the ISO regions. For further discussion on regulatory developments see Note 15, Regulatory Matters, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Gulf Coast
MISO
Revisions to MISO Capacity Construct — On February 28, 2018, FERC issued two orders on MISO’s capacity market design, which together, re-affirm MISO’s existing capacity market structure. FERC also held that, even though there was a period of time between where MISO’s capacity market structure may not have just and reasonable, that FERC exercised its remedial authority not to rerun past auctions. On March 30, 2018, the Company filed a motion for rehearing with FERC. The eventual outcome of this proceeding will affect capacity prices in MISO and the incentive for generators in MISO to sell capacity into neighboring markets.
East/West
PJM
Minimum Offer Price Rule Exemption AppealCapacity Market Reforms Filing On July 7, 2017,April 9, 2018, PJM filed with FERC two capacity market reform proposals in one filing attempting to address market impacts created by out-of-market subsidies.PJM proposed a capacity re-pricing proposal as its preferred option to accommodate state subsidies in the D.C. Circuit vacated a FERC order from 2013 relatedwholesale market. In the alternative, PJM proposes extending its MOPR to existing resources, along with other changes. The outcome of this proceeding will potentially affect future capacity market prices.

PJM Seasonal Capacity Proceeding — On November 17, 2016, PJM proposed to allow winter- and summer-peaking capacity resources to “aggregate” their seasonal capacity into an exemptionannual capacity product eligible to participate as Capacity Performance resources. NRG filed comments specifically supporting PJM’s proposal to modify the Minimum Offer Price Rule, or MOPR,aggregation rules to allow seasonal capacity resources to aggregate across LDAs and remandedto allow aggregations through RPM auctions, but opposing the issue backmove to FERC.seasonal capacity. On OctoberJanuary 23, 2017, PJM re-filedamended its initial 2012 MOPR. FERC's rulingproposal to address questions from FERC. On March 21, 2017, FERC issued a decision accepting PJM's seasonal capacity aggregation filing pursuant to FERC staff's delegated authority, since FERC did not have a quorum at the time. On February 23, 2018, FERC re-affirmed its prior order. On February 23, 2018, FERC accepted PJM's filing and dismissed the requests for clarification. The outcome of this proceeding could have a material impact on PJM's renewed proposal could affect how generators participate in thefuture PJM Base Residual Auction.capacity prices.
2020/2021 PJM Auction ResultsComplaints Related to Extension of Base Capacity On May 23, 2017, PJM announcedIn 2015, FERC approved changes to PJM’s capacity market, which included moving from the results of its 2020/2021 base residual auction. NRG, excluding GenOn, cleared approximately 3,992 MW ofBase Capacity product to the higher performance Capacity Performance product. NRG’s expected capacity revenues, excluding GenOn, fromproduct over the base residual auctioncourse of a five year transition. Under this transition, as of the May 2017 BRA, the Base Capacity product will no longer be available.  Several parties have filed complaints at FERC seeking to maintain the RPM Base Capacity product for the 2020/2021at least one more delivery year are approximately $268 million. For results of the 2019/2020or until such time as PJM base residual auction, referdevelops a model for seasonal resources to Item 1 - Business of the 2016 Form 10-K.
The table below providesparticipate. On February 23, 2018, FERC issued an Order scheduling a detailed description of NRG’s 2020/2021 base residual auction result:
 Capacity Performance Product
Zone
Cleared Capacity (MW)(a)
 Price ($/MW-day)
COMED3,315 $188.12
EMAAC519 $187.87
MAAC158 $86.04
Total3,992  
(a) Includes imports. Does not include capacity sold by NRG Curtailment Specialists.technical conference. Multiple parties filed for rehearing. On March 16, 2018, FERC issued a notice for technical conference that took place on April 24, 2018.
New England
2020/2021 Massachusetts Attorney General Report on the Retail Electric Market — On March 29, 2018, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey released a study of the retail electric market titled “Are Consumers Benefitting from Competition: An Analysis of the Individual Residential Electricity Supply Market in Massachusetts.” The report compared retail electric supply prices with Basic Service rates charged by local distribution companies over a two year period from July 2015 to July 2017 and concluded that customers taking supply from the retail market paid more than if they remained on Basic Service.  The Massachusetts Legislature is currently considering the Attorney General's report. 
ISO-NE Auction ResultsRetention of Mystic Units — ISO-NE recently announced that it had denied delist bids submitted by two of the three Mystic generating units attached to the DistriGas LNG terminal outside of Boston, citing local reliability concerns. Subsequently, ISO-NE announced its intent to retain the Mystic units in future auctions through an out-of-market payment, citing “fuel security” concerns. On May 1, 2018, ISO-NE filed with FERC to allow it to retain the Mystic units. ISO-NE has also stated that it intends to start a new stakeholder process to consider the pricing impacts of the units retained for fuel security at a later date. Retention of resources through out-of-market mechanisms will suppress future prices in the Forward Capacity Market.
Competitive Auctions with Sponsored Resources Proposal (CASPR) On January 8, 2018, ISO-NE filed the CASPR proposal which attempts to accommodate state sponsored resources while maintaining competitive market pricing. On January 29, 2018, NRG protested certain aspects of the proposal and also supported ISO-NE’s beginning attempts to address state sponsored resources entering the capacity market. On March 9, 2018, FERC accepted ISO-NE's proposal. On April 9, 2018, NRG joined another generator in filing a request for rehearing. The rehearing is pending at FERC. The outcome of this proceeding will potentially affect future capacity market prices.
Renewable Technology Resource (RTR) Exemption In 2014, FERC approved a package of revisions that included a renewables exemption called the RTR Exemption. After FERC denied rehearing, the case was appealed to the D.C. Circuit. After a voluntary remand motion, the Court remanded the case back to FERC. In 2016, FERC issued an order reaffirming its decision. In 2017, a group of generators, including NRG, filed a petition for review with the D.C. Circuit. Briefing is complete. The D.C. Circuit heard oral argument on April 13, 2018.
Northern Pass Siting Application — On February 6, 2017, ISO-NE announced1, 2018, the results of its 2020/2021 forward capacity auction. NRG cleared 2,641 MW at $5.297 KW per month providing expected annual capacity revenues of $167.9 million. The 333 MWs at Canal Unit 3, which previously clearedNew Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee denied the tenth forward capacity auctionapplication for Northern Pass Transmission to cross the state with a seven year price lock at160-mile transmission line from Quebec into southern New Hampshire.  The Northern Pass transmission line project had previously been awarded a pricecontract by the State of $7.03 KW per monthMassachusetts, which is now in doubt. The addition of 1,000 MW of additional Canadian hydropower associated with Northern Pass would have affected energy and capacity prices. On February 28, 2018, Northern Pass Transmission filed a motion for rehearing. On March 13, 2018, the 2020/2021 deliverability year, are excluded from these results.New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee suspended the request for rehearing pending a written decision on the project's full application.

Peak Energy Rent Adjustment Complaint — On September 30, 2016, the New England Power Generators Association, or NEPGA, filed a complaint against ISO-NE asking FERC to find the Peak Energy Rent, or PER, unjust and unreasonable. The PER adjustment reduces capacity payments on days where energy prices exceed a pre-defined level, known as the "PER strike price." On January 9, 2017, FERC granted NEPGA’s complaint requiring a change to the methodology used to calculate the PER strike price. FERC also directed the parties to determine any refunds for PER paid between September 30, 2016 and May 31, 2018. On July 26, 2017, NEPGA filed settlement documents at FERC, which NRG supported. TheOn February 20, 2018, FERC accepted the settlement is pending at FERC. The outcome of this matter will determine the amount of refunds that the NRG fleet may receive asand directed ISO-NE to submit a result of negotiatingcompliance filing setting out the PER strike price methodology.calculation. On March 22, 2018, ISO-NE submitted its compliance filing.
New York
Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY) Complaint — On January 9, 2017, EPSA requested FERC to promptly direct the NYISO to file tariff provisions to address pending market concerns related to out-of-market payments to existing generation in the NYISO. This request was prompted by the ZEC program initiated by the NYSPSC. This request follows IPPNY’s complaint at FERC against the NYISO on May 10, 2013, as amended on March 25, 2014. On April 5, 2018, EPSA filed a motion for renewed request for expedited action on the MOPR. The generators asked FERC to direct the NYISO to require that capacity from existing generation resources that would have exited the market but for out-of-market payments be mitigated. Failure to implement buyer-side mitigation measures could result in uneconomic entry, which artificially decreases capacity prices below competitive market levels.
New York Public Service Commission Retail Energy Market Proceedings — On February 23, 2016, the NYSPSC issued what it refers to as its “Retail Reset” order, or Reset Order, in docketDocket 12-M-0476 et al.al. Among other things, the Reset Order placed a price cap on energy supply offers and required many retail providers to seek affirmative consent from certain retail customers. Various parties have challenged the NYPSC’s abilityauthority to regulate ratesprices charged by competitive suppliers in New York state court. On March 29, 2018, the New York State Court of Appeals granted a motion by the Retail Energy Supply Association and National Energy Marketers Association for leave to appeal an earlier adverse Appellate Division ruling. In conjunction with the court challenges, the NYPSC is scheduled to commencenoticed both an evidentiary proceeding onand a collaborative track to address the functioning of the competitive retail marketsmarkets. An administrative hearing on November 29, 2017.the evidentiary track concluded on December 12, 2017 after 10 days of testimony and is now in the post-hearing brief phase. The outcome of thisthe evidentiary and collaborative process,processes, combined with the outcome of the appeal of the Appellate Division order,Reset Order, could affect the viability of the New York retail energy market.
General
State Out-Of-Market Subsidy Proposals — Certain states including Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania have considered but have not enacted proposals to provide out-of-market subsidy payments to potentially uneconomic nuclear and fossil generating units.  NRG has opposed those efforts to provide out of market subsidies, and intends to continue opposing them in the future.   



West Region
CAISO
Puente Power Project — On October 5, 2017, the California Energy Commission, or CEC, the agency responsible for permitting the Puente Power Project, issued a statement on behalf of the committee of two Commissioners overseeing the permitting process stating their intention to issue a proposed decision that would deny a permit for the Puente Power Project. On October 16, 2017, NRG filed a motion to suspend the permitting proceeding for at least six months. A hearingmonths, which was granted on theNovember 3, 2017. On April 20, 2018, NRG filed a motion was held on October 31, 2017, after which the CEC took the matter under submission subject to a written decision to be issued atrequesting an unspecified later date. If the CEC Commissioners accept the recommendation, and formally deny a permit for the Puente Power Project, then the project will not move forward.
Nuclear Operations
Decommissioning Trusts — Upon expirationadditional extension of the operating licenses forsuspension period to coincide with the two generating units at STP, recently extendedCPUC’s final decision on SCE’s application seeking approval of resources procured through its Moorpark RFO, or until 2047 and 2048, respectively, the co-owners of STP are required under federal law to decontaminate and decommission the STP facility. Under NRC regulations, a power reactor licensee generally must pre-fund the full amount of its estimated NRC decommissioning obligations unless itJune 30, 2019, whichever is a rate-regulated utility, or a state or municipal entity that sets its own rates, or has the benefit of a state-mandated non-bypassable charge available to periodically fund the decommissioning trust such that the trust, plus allowable earnings, will equal the estimated decommissioning obligations by the time the decommissioning is expected to begin.sooner.
Environmental Matters
NRG is subject to a wide range ofnumerous environmental laws in the development, construction, ownership and operation of projects. These laws generally require that governmental permits and approvals be obtained before construction and maintained during operation of power plants. NRG is also subject toFederal and state environmental laws regarding the protection of wildlife, including migratory birds, eagles and threatened and endangered species. Requirements regarding GHGs, combustion byproducts, water discharge and use, and threatened and endangered specieshistorically have been put in place in recent years. However, under the current U.S. presidential administration, some of these rules are being reconsidered and reviewed.become more stringent over time. Future laws may require the addition of emissions controls or other environmental controls or impose restrictions on theour operations, of the Company's facilities, which could have a material effect onaffect the Company's operations. Complying with environmental laws often involves significant capital and operating expenses.expenses, as well as occasionally curtailing operations. NRG decides to invest capital for environmental controls based on the relative certainty of the requirements, an evaluation of compliance options, and the expected economic returns on capital.
A number of regulations with the potential tothat may affect the Company and its facilities have been recently promulgatedare under review by the EPA, but are being reconsidered, including ESPS/NSPSESPS for GHGs, ash disposal requirements, NAAQS revisions and implementation and effluent limitation guidelines. NRG is evaluatingwill evaluate the potential outcomes and any resulting impactsimpact of recently promulgatedthese regulations that the EPA is now reconsidering andas they are revised but cannot fully predict such impactsthe impact of each until administrative reconsiderations andanticipated legal challenges are resolved. Federal and state environmental laws generally have become more stringent over time, although this trend could slow or pause in the near term with respect to federal laws under the current U.S. presidential administration. The Company’s environmental matters are described in the Company’s 20162017 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business - Environmental Matters and Item 1A, Risk Factors. These matters have been updated in Item 1 — Note 17,16, Environmental Matters, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q and as follows.
National
Air
The CAA and the resulting regulations (as well as similar state and local requirements) have the potential to affect air emissions, operating practices and pollution control equipment required at power plants. Under the CAA, the EPA sets NAAQS for certain pollutants including SO2, ozone, and PM2.5.PM2.5. Many of the Company's facilities are located in or near areas that are classified by the EPA as not achieving certain NAAQS (non-attainment areas). The relevant NAAQS have historically become more stringent. The Company maintains a comprehensive compliance strategy to address continuing and new requirements. Complying with increasingly stringent NAAQSair regulations could require the installation of additional emissions control equipment at some NRG facilities or retiring of units if installing such controls is not economical. Significant changes to air regulatory programs affecting the Company are described below.economic.
Ozone NAAQS — On October 26, 2015, the EPA promulgated a rule that reduces the ozone NAAQS to 0.070 ppm. Challenges to this rule have been stayed at the request of the EPA so that it can evaluate the rule. If the rule is not altered by the EPA and survives legal challenges, this more stringent NAAQS will obligate the states to develop plans to reduce NOx (an ozone precursor), which could affect some of the Company's units.


Clean Power Plan — The attention in recent years on GHG emissions has resulted in federal regulations and state legislative and regulatory action. In October 2015, the EPA finalized the Clean Power Plan, or CPP, addressing GHG emissions from existing EGUs. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the CPP. The D.C. Circuit heard oral argument on the legal challenges to the CPP in September 2016. At the EPA's request, the D.C. Circuit agreed on April 28, 2017 to hold the case in abeyance. On October 16, 2017, the EPA proposed a rule to repeal the CPP. Accordingly, the Company believes the CPP is not likely to survive.
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 September 13, 2017, the EPA granted the petition for reconsideration that the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group filed in May 2017. The Company has evaluated the impact of the new rule on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows and has accrued its environmental and asset retirement obligations under the rule based on current estimates as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.
Water
Nuclear WasteClean Water Act The Company is required under the CWA to comply with intake and discharge requirements, requirements for technological controls and operating practices. As with air quality regulations, federal and state water regulations have become more stringent and imposed new requirements.
Once Through Cooling Regulation The federal government's programIn August 2014, EPA finalized the regulation regarding the use of water for once through cooling at existing facilities to construct a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada was discontinued in 2010. Since 1998,address impingement and entrainment concerns. NRG anticipates that more stringent requirements will be incorporated into some of its water discharge permits over the U.S. DOE has been in defaultnext several years as NPDES permits are renewed.
Effluent Limitations Guidelines — In November 2015, the EPA revised the Effluent Limitations Guidelines for Steam Electric Generating Facilities, which would have imposed more stringent requirements (as individual permits were renewed) for wastewater streams from flue gas desulfurization, or FGD, fly ash, bottom ash, and flue gas mercury control. In April 2017, the EPA granted two petitions to reconsider the rule and also administratively stayed some of the federal government's obligationsdeadlines. On September 18, 2017, the EPA promulgated a final rule that (i) postpones the compliance dates to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel, or SNF,preserve the status quo for FGD wastewater and high-level radioactive waste, or HLW, underbottom ash transport water by two years to November 2020 until the U.S. Nuclear Waste Policy ActEPA completes its next rulemaking and (ii) withdrew the April 2017 administrative stay. The legal challenges have been suspended while the EPA reconsiders and likely modifies the rule. Accordingly, the Company has largely eliminated its estimate of 1982, or the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. Owners of nuclear plants, including the owners of STP, hadenvironmental capital expenditures that would have been required to enter into contracts setting outcomply with permits incorporating the obligations ofrevised guidelines. The Company will revisit these estimates after the owners and the U.S. DOE, including the fees to be paid by the owners for the U.S. DOE's services to license a spent fuel repository. Effective May 16, 2014, the U.S. DOE stopped collecting the fees.
On February 5, 2013, STPNOC entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. DOE for payment of damages relating to the U.S. DOE's failure to accept SNF and HLW under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act through December 31, 2013, which was extended through an addendum dated January 24, 2014, to December 31, 2016. On December 12, 2016, STPNOC received the federal government's offer of another three-year extension of payment for continued failure to accept SNF and HLW. The proposal has been reviewed for adequacy and, with advice of counsel, was accepted. There are no facilities for the reprocessing or permanent disposal of SNF currently in operation in the U.S., nor has the NRC licensed any such facilities. STPNOC currently stores all SNF generated by its nuclear generating facilities in on-site storage pools.  Since STPNOC's SNF storage pools do not have sufficient storage capacity for the life of the units, STPNOCrule is proceeding to construct dry cask storage capability on-site. STPNOC plans to continue to assert claims against the U.S. DOE for damages relating to the U.S. DOE's failure to accept SNF and HLW.
Under the federal Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980, as amended, the state of Texas is required to provide, either on its own or jointly with other states in a compact, for the disposal of all low-level radioactive waste generated within the state. STP's warehouse capacity is adequate for on-site storage until a site in Andrews County, Texas becomes fully operational.revised.
Regional Environmental Developments
Gulf Coast Region
Texas Regional Haze — On October 17, 2017, the EPA promulgated a final rule creating a Texas-only SO2 cap-and-trade program to address regional haze. The program is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2019. Several of the Company's units in Texas will be affected by this rule.

East Region
Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act Proposed Regulation - In May 2016, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that the Massachusetts DEP had not complied with the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, which requires establishing limits for sources of GHGs. The Court held that participation in RGGI was not sufficient.  In August 2017, the Massachusetts DEP finalized  a regulation that, if it survives legal challenges, would limit GHG emissions, and may limit operations, from electric generating facilities located in Massachusetts.  The final regulationrule has been challenged by several environmental groups in The Commonwealththe Fifth Circuit of Massachusetts Superiorthe U.S. Court of Suffolk County.Appeals, which litigation has been stayed pending resolution of administrative petitions for reconsideration.




Significant Events
The following significant events have occurred during 2017,2018, as further described within this Management's Discussion and Analysis and the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
NRG Transformation Plan
On July 12, 2017, NRG announcedAs described above, the Company has continued to execute on its Transformation Plan. The three-part, three-year plan is comprised of targets in the areas of operational and cost excellence, portfolio optimization, and capital structure and allocation enhancement.
GenOn Chapter 11 Bankruptcy FilingRetail Acquisition
On the Petition Date, the GenOn Entities filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court. As a result of the bankruptcy filings and beginning on the Petition Date, NRG no longer consolidates GenOn for financial reporting purposes, as discussed in more detail in Note 1, Basis of Presentation, Note 3, Discontinued Operations, Dispositions and Acquisitions and Note 14, Related Party Transactionsof this Form 10-Q.
Transfers of Assets Under Common Control
On March 27, 2017,2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire XOOM Energy, LLC, an electricity and natural gas retailer operating in 19 states, Washington, D.C. and Canada for approximately $204 million in cash, plus estimated transaction costs of $6 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2018.
Canal 3 Sale
On March 22, 2018, NRG completedagreed to sell Canal 3 to Stonepeak Kestrel Holdings II LLC in conjunction with GenOn's sale of Canal Units 1 and 2 to Stonepeak Kestrel Holdings LLC. The final purchase price for the Canal 3 sale will be determined based on a formula including capital reimbursement, return on capital and a development fee. Upon closing the sale of Canal 3, NRG also expects to reimburse GenOn for $13.5 million of the following projects$15 million one-time payment GenOn made in December 2017 to NRG Yield, Inc.: (i)as compensation for being granted a 16% interestpurchase option and a rejection option with respect to the Canal 3 project. The Canal 3 sale is expected to enhance 2018 capital allocation by approximately $130 million early in the Agua Caliente solar project, and (ii) NRG's interests in seven utility-scale solar projects located in Utah, which have reached commercial operations, for $130 million cash consideration, as discussed in more detail in Note 3, Discontinued Operations, Dispositions and Acquisitionsthird quarter of this Form 10-Q.2018.
On August 1, 2017, NRG closed on the sale of its remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco, a portfolio of 12 wind projects, to NRG Yield, Inc. for total cash consideration of $44 million, including working capital adjustments. The transaction also includes potential additional payments to NRG dependent upon actual energy prices for merchant periods beginning in 2027.
On October 17, 2017, the Company offered NRG Yield, Inc. the opportunity to purchase 100% of its ownership interest in Buckthorn Solar pursuant to the ROFO Agreement.
On November 1, 2017, NRG completed the sale of a 38 MW solar portfolio primarily comprised of assets from SPP funds in addition to other projects developed by NRG, to NRG Yield, Inc. for cash consideration of $71 million, plus $3 million in working capital adjustments.
Financing Activities
On May 26, 2017, Carlsbad Energy Holdings, LLC entered intoMarch 21, 2018, the Company repriced the 2023 Term Loan Facility, reducing the interest rate margin by 50 basis points to LIBOR plus 1.75% and reducing the LIBOR floor to 0.00%. As a note payable agreement with financial institutions for the issuance of up to $407 million of senior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.12%, and mature on October 31, 2038, as discussed in more detail in Note 8, Debt and Capital Leases.
On June 12, 2017, NRG repaid $125 million on the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings outstanding on the revolver.
On October 16, 2017, NRG redeemed all of its outstanding 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018 and all of its outstanding 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 for $630 million, which included $14 million in accrued interest.
Operational Matters
Extreme Weather Events
In late August 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast.  During the third quarter of 2017, the Company’s Retail business was impacted by Hurricane Harvey by approximately $20 million.

In addition, during August 2017, NRG's Cottonwood generating station was damaged when the Sabine River Authority opened the floodgatesresult of the Toledo Bend reservoir, which resulted in downstream flooding of the Sabine River. The generating station was returned to service during the fourth quarter of 2017. NRG is continuing to work with insurers on potential property insurance recovery and does not anticipate recovery from business interruption insurance due to the short period of the outage. The Company estimates the impact of the Cottonwood damage and Hurricane Harvey on Gulf Coast Generation to be approximately $20 million.


Carlsbad Energy Center Power Purchase Tolling Agreement
As of May 1, 2017, NRG’s subsidiary, Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, achieved the Conditions Precedent, or CP, Satisfaction Date under its power purchase tolling agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric Company for the Carlsbad Energy Center.  The CP Satisfaction Date is the date on which specified conditions precedent under the power purchase tolling agreement have either been satisfied or waived. 
Bacliff Project
On June 16, 2017, the Company provided notice to BTEC New Albany, LLC that NRG Texas Power LLC was exercising its right to terminate the Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, or MIPA, due to the Bacliff Project, a new peaking facility at the former P.H. Robinson Electric Generating Station, not achieving commercial completion by the contractual expiration date of May 31, 2017. On July 14, 2017, the Company gave notice to BTEC New Albany, LLC that it owes NRG Texas Power LLC approximately $48 million under the terminated MIPA, consisting of $38 million in purchaser incurred costs and $10 million in liquidated damages.
Will County Unit 4
In May 2017, NRG's Will County Unit 4 suffered an equipment failure that is projected to result in an extended outage. At this time,repricing, the Company expects approximately $47 million in interest savings over the remaining life of the loan.
Share Repurchases
In February 2018, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company to complete repairs and returnrepurchase $1 billion of its common stock, with the unit to service in by early 2018.first $500 million program beginning as soon as permitted. In March 2018, the Company repurchased 3,114,748 shares of NRG common stock for approximately $93 million at an average cost of $29.75 per share.
Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance
In addition to below, theThe Company’s trends are described in the Company’s 20162017 Form 10-K in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance,.and below.

ERCOT RetirementsPricing A number of announced retirement notices of coal generating facilities in Texas could lower reserve margins in ERCOT. This trend of retirement notices couldERCOT forward prices for July and August 2018 are significantly higher than where previous summers have settled.  These elevated pricing levels mean that deviations from expected demand and/or generation availability may have an effectexaggerated and material impact on the Company’s results of operations and future business performance, particularly in the ERCOT market.actual results.

Changes in Accounting Standards
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, for a discussion of recent accounting developments.


Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table provides selected financial information for the Company:
Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(In millions except otherwise noted)2017 2016 Change 2017 2016 Change2018 2017 Change
Operating Revenues                
Retail revenue$1,486
 $1,341
 $145
Energy revenue (a)
$665
 $933
 $(268) $1,908
 $2,478
 $(570)619
 587
 32
Capacity revenue (a)
335
 303
 32
 894
 937
 (43)288
 262
 26
Retail revenue1,934

2,015
 (81) 4,880
 4,931
 (51)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities26

62
 (36) 185
 (360) 545
(106)
118
 (224)
Contract amortization(12) (12) 
 (41) (41) 
(14) (15) 1
Other revenues (b)
101
 120
 (19) 306
 383
 (77)148
 89
 59
Total operating revenues3,049
 3,421
 (372) 8,132
 8,328
 (196)2,421
 2,382
 39
Operating Costs and Expenses                
Cost of sales (c)
1,679
 1,847
 168
 4,362
 4,526
 164
1,391
 1,259
 (132)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities50
 149
 99
 168
 (301) (469)(302) 137
 439
Contract and emissions credit amortization (c)
8
 11
 3
 24
 34
 10
6
 7
 1
Operations and maintenance326
 354
 28
 1,038
 1,196
 158
370
 371
 1
Other cost of operations93
 79
 (14) 260
 256
 (4)93
 88
 (5)
Total cost of operations2,156
 2,440
 284
 5,852
 5,711
 141
1,558
 1,862
 304
Depreciation and amortization272
 298
 26
 789
 826
 37
235
 257
 22
Impairment losses14
 9
 (5) 77
 65
 (12)
Selling, general and administrative213
 277
 64
 697
 801
 104
191
 260
 69
Reorganization18
 
 (18) 18
 
 (18)
Reorganization costs20
 
 (20)
Development costs14
 21
 7
 49
 65
 16
13
 17
 4
Total operating costs and expenses2,687
 3,045
 358
 7,482

7,468
 (14)2,017
 2,396
 379
Other income - affiliate14
 48
 (34) 104
 144
 (40)
 48
 (48)
Gain/(loss) on sale of assets
 4
 (4) 4
 (79) 83
Gain on sale of assets2
 2
 
Operating Income376
 428
 (52) 758
 925
 (167)406
 36
 370
Other Income/(Expense)                
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates27
 16
 11
 29
 13
 16
Impairment loss on investment
 (8) 8
 
 (147) 147
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates(2) 5
 (7)
Other income, net15
 7
 8
 33
 29
 4
(3) 13
 (16)
Loss on debt extinguishment, net(1) (50) 49
 (3) (119) 116
(2) (2) 
Interest expense(221) (237) 16
 (692) (718) 26
(167) (225) 58
Total other expense(180) (272) 92
 (633) (942) 309
(174) (209) 35
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes196
 156
 40
 125

(17) 142
232
 (173) 405
Income tax expense6
 28
 (22) 5
 75
 (70)
Income tax benefit(1) (4) 3
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations190
 128
 62
 120
 (92) 212
233
 (169) 402
(Loss)/Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax(27) 265
 (292) (802) 256
 (1,058)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax
 (34) 34
Net Income/(Loss)163
 393
 (230) (682) 164
 (846)233
 (203) 436
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest(8) (9) 1
 (63) (49) (14)(46) (40) (6)
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.$171
 $402
 $(231) $(619) $213
 $(832)$279
 $(163) $442
Business Metrics    

          

Average natural gas price — Henry Hub ($/MMBtu)$3.00
 $2.81
 7% $3.17
 $2.29
 38%$3.00
 $3.32
 (10)%
(a) Includes realized gains and losses from financially settled transactions.
(b) Includes unrealized trading gains and losses.
(c) Includes amortization of SO2 and NOx credits and excludes amortization of RGGI credits.    


Management’s discussion of the results of operations for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016
Electricity Prices
The following table summarizes average on peak power prices for each of the major markets in which NRG operates for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016.2017. The average on-peak power prices have generally decreasedincreased primarily due to the increase in natural gas prices for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2016.2017.
Average on Peak Power Price ($/MWh)Average on Peak Power Price ($/MWh)
Three months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
Region2017 2016 Change %2018 2017 Change %
Gulf Coast (a)
          
ERCOT - Houston (b)
$33.09
 $33.12
  %$33.15
 $27.70
 20%
ERCOT - North(b)
29.35
 30.47
 (4)%31.67
 22.76
 39%
MISO - Louisiana Hub(c)
39.56
 39.83
 (1)%46.24
 44.66
 4%
East/West    
     
NY J/NYC(c)
37.42
 42.50
 (12)%61.97
 35.61
 74%
NEPOOL(c)
31.94
 42.33
 (25)%65.86
 33.81
 95%
PEPCO (PJM)(c)
38.81
 42.57
 (9)%
COMED (PJM)(c)
33.21
 30.39
 9%
PJM West Hub(c)
35.10
 38.84
 (10)%47.43
 32.02
 48%
CAISO - NP15(c)
46.69
 38.13
 22 %32.73
 26.47
 24%
CAISO - SP15(c)
46.54
 40.24
 16 %35.44
 23.01
 54%
(a) Gulf Coast region also transacts in PJM - West Hub.
(b) Average on peak power prices based on real time settlement prices as published by the respective ISOs.
(c) Average on peak power prices based on day ahead settlement prices as published by the respective ISOs.

The following table summarizes average realized power prices for each region in which NRG operates for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, which reflects the impact of settled hedges.
Average Realized Power Price ($/MWh)Average Realized Power Price ($/MWh)
Three months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
Region2017 2016 Change %2018 2017 Change %
Gulf Coast$34.69
 $39.68
 (13)%$36.42
 $35.83
 2%
East/West38.19
 40.44
 (6)%85.12
 74.58
 14%
Though the average on peak power prices have decreasedincreased on average by 5%40%, average realized prices by region for the Company have generally fluctuated at a slower rate year-over-year due to the Company's multi-year hedging program.

Gross Margin
The Company calculates gross margin in order to evaluate operating performance as operating revenues less cost of sales, which includes cost of fuel, other costs of sales, contract and emission credit amortization and mark-to-market for economic hedging activities.
Economic Gross Margin
In addition to gross margin, the Company evaluates its operating performance using the measure of economic gross margin, which is not a GAAP measure and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or deemed more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. Economic gross margin should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for the Company's presentation of gross margin, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Economic gross margin is not intended to represent gross margin. The Company believes that economic gross margin is useful to investors as it is a key operational measure reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. Economic gross margin is defined as the sum of energy revenue, capacity revenue, retail revenue and other revenue, less cost of fuels and other cost of sales.
Economic gross margin does not include mark-to-market gains or losses on economic hedging activities, contract amortization, emission credit amortization, or other operating costs.


The below tables present the composition and reconciliation of gross margin and economic gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016:2017:
Three months ended September 30, 2017Three months ended March 31, 2018
Generation            Generation        
(In millions)Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
 Subtotal Retail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate/Eliminations TotalRetail Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
 Subtotal Renewables NRG Yield Corporate/Eliminations Total
Energy revenue$540
 $243
 $783
 $
 $119
 $146
 $(383) $665
$

$371

$218

$589

$77

$114

$(161)
$619
Capacity revenue74
 172
 246
 
 1
 92
 (4) 335


67

140

207



82

(1)
288
Retail revenue
 
 
 1,936
 
 
 (2) 1,934
1,487











(1)
1,486
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities133
 
 133
 
 5
 
 (112) 26
(6)
(564)
(10)
(574)
(10)


484

(106)
Contract amortization5
 
 5
 1
 (1) (18) 1
 (12)

3



3



(17)


(14)
Other revenue (b)
41
 16
 57
 
 20
 44
 (20) 101


86

16

102

19

46

(19)
148
Operating revenue793
 431
 1,224
 1,937
 144
 264
 (520) 3,049
1,481

(37)
364

327

86

225

302

2,421
Cost of fuel(292) (123) (415) (1) (1) (6) 17
 (406)(8)
(193)
(83)
(276)
(1)
(15)
(63)
(363)
Other cost of sales(c)
(102) (79) (181) (1,457) (3) (9) 377
 (1,273)(1,100)
(79)
(73)
(152)
(1)
(5)
230

(1,028)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities2
 10
 12
 (174) 
 
 112
 (50)792

(3)
(3)
(6)




(484)
302
Contract and emission credit amortization(7) (1) (8) 
 
 
 
 (8)

(6)


(6)






(6)
Gross margin$394
 $238
 $632
 $305
 $140
 $249
 $(14) $1,312
$1,165

$(318)
$205

$(113)
$84

$205

$(15)
$1,326
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net135

10

145
 (174)
5




 (24)786

(567)
(13)
(580)
(10)




196
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net(2)
(1)
(3) 1

(1)
(18)
1
 (20)

(3)


(3)


(17)


(20)
Economic gross margin$261
 $229

$490

$478

$136

$267

$(15)
$1,356
$379

$252

$218

$470

$94

$222

$(15)
$1,150
Business Metrics                              
MWh sold (thousands)(d)(e)
15,568
 6,363
     928
 1,544
      11,238
 4,494
   1,015
 1,616
    
MWh generated (thousands) (f)
14,185
 4,106
     928
 2,261
      10,186
 2,561
   1,015
 1,616
    
(a) Includes International, BETM and Generation eliminations
(b) Renewables other revenue includes $7 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.
(b) Renewables other revenue includes $13 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.(b) Renewables other revenue includes $13 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.
(c) Includes purchased energy, capacity and emissions credits(d) MWh sold excludes generation at facilities in East/West and NRG Yield that generate revenue under capacity agreements.
(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 9 thousand or MWt of 463 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.
(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 44 thousand or MWt of 463 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.
(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 9 thousand or MWt of 617 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 9 thousand or MWt of 617 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.
(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 19 thousand or MWt of 617 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 19 thousand or MWt of 617 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.

Three months ended September 30, 2016Three months ended March 31, 2017
Generation            Generation        
(In millions)Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
 Subtotal Retail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate/Eliminations TotalRetail Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
 Subtotal Renewables NRG Yield Corporate/Eliminations Total
Energy revenue$650
 $362
 $1,012
 $
 $127
 $158

$(364) $933
$

$383

$225

$608

$70

$116

$(207)
$587
Capacity revenue72
 148
 220
 
 
 86
 (3) 303


66

121

187



79

(4)
262
Retail revenue
 
 
 2,009
 
 
 6
 2,015
1,334











7

1,341
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities179
 57
 236
 2
 1
 
 (177) 62
2

131

(9)
122

6



(12)
118
Contract amortization4
 
 4
 1
 (1) (17) 1
 (12)(1)
3



3



(17)


(15)
Other revenue (b)
51
 13
 64
 
 12
 45
 (1) 120


46

(1)
45

19

43

(18)
89
Operating revenue956
 580
 1,536
 2,012
 139
 272
 (538) 3,421
1,335

629

336

965

95

221

(234)
2,382
Cost of fuel(317) (190) (507) (1) (2) (7) 18
 (499)(5)
(214)
(87)
(301)
(1)
(12)
26

(293)
Other cost of sales(c)
(114) (83) (197) (1,484) (1) (11) 345
 (1,348)(992)
(78)
(74)
(152)
(3)
(4)
185

(966)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities27
 7
 34
 (360) 
 
 177
 (149)(139)
(10)


(10)




12

(137)
Contract and emission credit amortization(9) 
 (9) (2) 
 
 
 (11)

(6)
(1)
(7)






(7)
Gross margin$543
 $314
 $857
 $165
 $136
 $254
 $2
 $1,414
$199

$321

$174

$495

$91

$205

$(11)
$979
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net206

64

270
 (358)
1




 (87)(137)
121

(9)
112

6





(19)
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net(5)


(5) (1)
(1)
(17)
1
 (23)(1)
(3)
(1)
(4)


(17)


(22)
Economic gross margin$342
 $250
 $592
 $524
 $136
 $271
 $1
 $1,524
$337

$203

$184

$387

$85

$222

$(11)
$1,020
Business Metrics                              
MWh sold (thousands)(d)(e)
16,380
 8,951
     977
 1,744
      11,383
 5,178
   915
 1,677
    
MWh generated (thousands) (f)
14,927
 6,426
     977
 2,372
      10,689
 3,017
   915
 1,677
    
(a) Includes International, BETM and Generation eliminations.
(b) Renewables other revenue includes $5 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.
(b) Renewables other revenue includes $7 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.(b) Renewables other revenue includes $7 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.
(c) Includes purchased energy, capacity and emissions credits(d) MWh sold excludes generation at facilities in the East, West and NRG Yield that generate revenue under capacity agreements.
(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 12 thousand or MWt of 496 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.
(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 125 thousand or MWt of 496 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.
(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 9 thousand or MWt of 569 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 9 thousand or MWt of 569 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.
(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 32 thousand or MWt of 569 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 32 thousand or MWt of 569 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.
The table below represents the weather metrics for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 2016:2017:
Three months ended September 30, Three months ended March 31,
Weather MetricsGulf Coast East/West Gulf Coast East/West
2017     
2018   
CDDs (a)
1,528
 770
 133
 18
HDDs (a)
1
 34
  1,034
 1,728
2016    
2017   
CDDs1,655
 806
  204
 20
HDDs
 23
 1,086
 1,799
10 year average        
CDDs1,617
 705
 93
 17
HDDs6
 40
  1,036
 1,776
(a)National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Climate Prediction Center - A Cooling Degree Day, or CDD, represents the number of degrees that the mean temperature for a particular day is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit in each region. A Heating Degree Day, or HDD, represents the number of degrees that the mean temperature for a particular day is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit in each region. The CDDs/HDDs for a period of time are calculated by adding the CDDs/HDDs for each day during the period.




Retail gross margin and economic gross margin
The following is a discussion of gross margin and economic gross margin for Retail.
 Three months ended March 31,
(In millions except otherwise noted)2018 2017
Retail revenue$1,446
 $1,295
Supply management revenue33
 33
Capacity revenue8
 6
Customer mark-to-market(6) 2
Contract amortization
 (1)
Operating revenue (a)
1,481
 1,335
Cost of sales (b)
(1,108) (997)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities792
 (139)
Gross Margin$1,165
 $199
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net786
 (137)
Less: Contract amortization, net
 (1)
Economic Gross Margin$379
 $337
    
Business Metrics   
Mass electricity sales volume — GWh - Gulf Coast7,943
 6,984
Mass electricity sales volume — GWh - All other regions1,718
 1,641
C&I electricity sales volume — GWh - All regions5,027
 4,833
Natural gas sales volumes (MDth)2,175
 1,262
Average Retail Mass customer count (in thousands) 
2,878
 2,826
Ending Retail Mass customer count (in thousands)2,878
 2,832
(a)Includes intercompany sales of $1 million and $1 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing sales from Retail to the Gulf Coast region.
(b)Includes intercompany purchases of $164 million and $209 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Retail gross margin increased $966 million and economic gross margin increased $42 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, due to:
  (In millions)
Higher gross margin due to higher revenue of $37 million, driven by customer product, term, and mix, offset by higher supply costs of $14 million driven primarily by an increase in power prices $23
Higher gross margin of $19 million due to an increase in load of 706,000 MWh driven by colder weather conditions in 2018 compared to 2017 19
Increase in economic gross margin $42
Increase in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges 923
Increase in contract amortization 1
Increase in gross margin $966


Generation gross margin and economic gross margin
Generation gross margin decreased $225$608 million and economic gross margin decreased $102increased $83 million, both of which include intercompany sales, during the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2016:2017:

The table below describes the decrease in Generation gross margin and the increase in economic gross margin:

Gulf Coast Region
 (In millions)
Lower gross margin due to a 12% decrease in average realized prices primarily in Texas due to lower hedged power prices$(76)
Lower energy margin due to increased supply cost on load contracts(13)
Lower capacity margin on contract expirations and lower demand(9)
Higher gross margin due to increased generation primarily due to lower unplanned outages16
Other1
Decrease in economic gross margin$(81)
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges(71)
Increase in contract and emission credit amortization3
Decrease in gross margin$(149)
East/West
 (In millions)
Lower gross margin due to a 37% decrease in generation driven by lower economic generation due to milder weather conditions and the Will County outage$(28)
Lower gross margin from commercial optimization activities(8)
Higher gross margin due to a 38% increase in PJM capacity volumes coupled with a 140% increase in NY/NE realized capacity prices21
Higher gross margin due to a 12% increase in average realized energy prices due to extreme heat in California and increased pricing during high demand periods in the East10
Lower gross margin by BETM due to higher gains in 2016 on over the counter strategies, offset in small part by higher gains in 2017 on congestion strategies(16)
Decrease in economic gross margin$(21)
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges(54)
Decrease in contract and emission credit amortization(1)
Decrease in gross margin$(76)





Retail gross margin and economic gross margin
The following is a discussion of gross margin and economic gross margin for Retail.
 Three months ended September 30,
(In millions except otherwise noted)2017 2016
Retail revenue$1,845
 $1,911
Supply management revenue63
 53
Capacity revenue28
 45
Customer mark-to-market
 2
Contract amortization1
 1
Operating revenue (a)
1,937
 2,012
Cost of sales (b)
(1,458) (1,485)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(174) (360)
Contract amortization
 (2)
Gross Margin$305
 $165
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net(174) (358)
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net1
 (1)
Economic Gross Margin$478
 $524
    
Business Metrics   
Mass electricity sales volume - GWh - Gulf Coast11,935
 11,996
Mass electricity sales volume - GWh - All other regions1,724
 1,986
C&I electricity sales volume — GWh - All regions5,087
 5,146
Natural gas sales volumes (MDth)241
 172
Average Retail Mass customer count (in thousands) 
2,884
 2,786
Ending Retail Mass customer count (in thousands)2,880
 2,797
(a)Includes intercompany sales of $2 million and $1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing sales from Retail to the Gulf Coast region.
(b)Includes intercompany purchases of $365 million and $340 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Retail gross margin increased $140 million and economic gross margin decreased $46 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due to:
 (In millions)
Lower gross margin due to lower rates to customers driven by customer product, term, and mix of $26 million or approximately $1.25 per MWh and higher supply costs of $10 million or approximately $0.50 per MWh driven primarily by an increase in power prices at the time of procurement$(36)
Lower gross margin of $15 million due to a reduction in load of 477,000 MWh partially offset by $4 million in higher margin due to the lower unfavorable impacts of selling back excess supply due to milder weather conditions in 2017 as compared to 2016(11)
Lower gross margin of $9 million due to a reduction in load of 200,000 MWh, and the unfavorable impact of selling back excess supply along with $7 million of customer relief related to the impact of Hurricane Harvey in 2017(16)
Higher gross margin due to higher volumes driven by higher average customer usage and mix17
Decrease in economic gross margin$(46)
Increase in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges184
Increase in contract and emission credit amortization2
Increase in gross margin$140




Mark-to-market for Economic Hedging Activities
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities includes asset-backed hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges and ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges. Total net mark-to-market results increased by $63 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.
The breakdown of gains and losses included in operating revenues and operating costs and expenses by region was as follows:
 Three months ended September 30, 2017
 Generation        
 Gulf Coast East/West Retail Renewables 
Eliminations(a)
 Total
 (In millions)
Mark-to-market results in operating revenues           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges$121
 $5
 $
 $1
 $(68) $59
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges12
 (5) 
 4
 (44) (33)
Total mark-to-market gains/(losses) in operating revenues$133
 $
 $
 $5
 $(112) $26
Mark-to-market results in operating costs and expenses           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains)/losses on settled positions related to economic hedges$(5) $(1) $(127) $
 $68
 $(65)
Reversal of acquired gain positions related to economic hedges
 
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges7
 11
 (45) 
 44
 17
Total mark-to-market gains/(losses) in operating costs and expenses$2
 $10
 $(174) $
 $112
 $(50)
(a)Represents the elimination of the intercompany activity between Retail and Generation.
 Three months ended September 30, 2016
 Generation        
 Gulf Coast East/West Retail Renewables 
Eliminations(a)
 Total
 (In millions)
Mark-to-market results in operating revenues           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges$8
 $(1) $
 $
 $(77) $(70)
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges171
 58
 2
 1
 (100) 132
Total mark-to-market gains/(losses) in operating revenues$179
 $57
 $2
 $1
 $(177) $62
Mark-to-market results in operating costs and expenses           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges$7
 $2
 $(46) $
 $77
 $40
Reversal of acquired gain positions related to economic hedges
 (5) (2) 
 
 (7)
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges20
 10
 (312) 
 100
 (182)
Total mark-to-market gains/(losses) in operating costs and expenses$27
 $7
 $(360) $
 $177
 $(149)
(a)Represents the elimination of the intercompany activity between Retail and Generation.

Mark-to-market results consist of unrealized gains and losses on contracts that are not yet settled. The settlement of these transactions is reflected in the same revenue or cost caption as the items being hedged.
The reversals of acquired gain or loss positions were valued based upon the forward prices on the acquisition date.


For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the $26 million gain in operating revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period, partially offset by a decrease in value of open positions as a result of an increase in natural gas prices. The $50 million loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period, partially offset by an increase in value of open positions as a result of an increase in coal prices.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the $62 million gain in operating revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in value of open positions as a result of decreases in gas and electricity prices, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period. The $149 million loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in value of open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and ERCOT electricity prices, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period.
In accordance with ASC 815, the following table represents the results of the Company's financial and physical trading of energy commodities for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The realized and unrealized financial and physical trading results are included in operating revenue within the Generation segment. The Company's trading activities are subject to limits within the Company's Risk Management Policy and are primarily transacted through BETM.
 Three months ended September 30,
(In millions)2017 2016
Trading (losses)/gains   
Realized$(10) $20
Unrealized(5) (5)
Total trading (losses)/gains$(15) $15



Operations and Maintenance Expense
 GenerationRetail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate EliminationsTotal
 Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
     
 (In millions)
Three months ended September 30, 2017$120
 $85
 $56
 $28
 $46
 $3
 $(12)$326
Three months ended September 30, 2016139
 97
 58
 19
 41
 7
 (7)354
(a)Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations of $2 million in 2017 and $1 million in 2016.

Operations and maintenance expense decreased by $28 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due to the following:
 (In millions)
Decrease in operation and maintenance expenses due to a reduction in normal maintenance at various gas and coal facilities in Texas$(18)
Decrease in operation and maintenance expenses primarily due to major maintenance activities and environmental work at Midwest Generation in 2016(11)
Other1
 $(28)
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:
 Generation Retail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate Total
 (In millions)
Three months ended September 30, 2017$42
 $112
 $14
 $4
 $41
 $213
Three months ended September 30, 201664
 137
 12
 4
 60
 277
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $64 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. The decrease in year over year expenses is due primarily to a reduction in personnel costs and selling and marketing activities as the Company continues to focus on cost management.
Reorganization
Reorganization expenses of $18 million were incurred during the third quarter of 2017 related to the Transformation Plan announced on July 12, 2017.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
A loss on debt extinguishment of $50 million was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily driven by the repurchase of NRG Senior Notes at a price above par value, combined with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.


Interest Expense
NRG's interest expense decreased by $16 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016 due to the following:
 (In millions)
Decrease due to the repurchase of Senior Notes in 2016 of $25 million, partly offset by Senior Notes issued in 2016 of $7 million$(18)
Decrease due to termination of swaps related to 2016 Capistrano debt refinancing(16)
Increase due to the issuance of Carlsbad Energy Project debt during 2017, and Utah Portfolio debt, due 2022, during 20168
Increase in derivative interest expense from changes in fair value of interest rate swaps4
Increase due to the issuance of Yield Operating Senior Notes, due 20263
Other3
 $(16)
Income Tax Expense
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, NRG recorded income tax expense of $6 million on pre-tax income of $196 million. For the same period in 2016, NRG recorded income tax expense of $28 million on pre-tax income of $156 million. The effective tax rate was 3.1% and 17.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different then the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the tax benefit for the change in valuation allowance and the generation of PTCs and ITCs from various wind and solar facilities, respectively, partially offset by the inclusion of consolidated partnerships and current state tax expense.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the tax benefit for the change in valuation allowance, partially offset by amortization of indefinite lived assets, inclusion of consolidated partnerships and state tax expense.
(Loss)/Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, NRG recorded loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense/(benefit) of $27 million.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, NRG recorded income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense/(benefit) of $265 million.




Management’s discussion of the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 2016
Electricity Prices
The following table summarizes average on-peak power prices for each of the major markets in which NRG operates for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 2016. Average on-peak power prices increased primarily due to the increase in natural gas prices for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.
 Average on Peak Power Price ($/MWh)
 Nine months ended September 30,
Region2017
2016 Change %
Gulf Coast (a)
     
ERCOT - Houston (b)
$35.61
 $25.97
 37 %
ERCOT - North(b)
26.64
 24.14
 10 %
MISO - Louisiana Hub(c)
42.33
 33.47
 26 %
East/West    
    NY J/NYC(c)
37.46
 35.04
 7 %
    NEPOOL(c)
33.11
 33.80
 (2)%
    PEPCO (PJM)(c)
35.65
 38.15
 (7)%
    PJM West Hub(c)
33.30
 33.95
 (2)%
CAISO - NP15(c)
33.82
 29.38
 15 %
CAISO - SP15(c)
33.42
 30.22
 11 %
(a) Gulf Coast region also transacts in PJM - West Hub.
(b) Average on peak power prices based on real time settlement prices as published by the respective ISOs.
(c) Average on peak power prices based on day ahead settlement prices as published by the respective ISOs.

The following table summarizes average realized power prices for each region in which NRG operates for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 2016, which reflects the impact of settled hedges.
 Average Realized Power Price ($/MWh)
 Nine months ended September 30,
Region2017 2016 Change %
Gulf Coast$34.42
 $39.52
 (13)%
East/West40.33
 42.38
 (5)%
Though the average on peak power prices have increased on average by 7%, average realized prices by region for the Company have generally fluctuated at a slower rate year-over-year due to the Company's multi-year hedging program.

Gross Margin
The Company calculates gross margin in order to evaluate operating performance as operating revenues less cost of sales, which includes cost of fuel, other costs of sales, contract and emission credit amortization and mark-to-market for economic hedging activities.
Economic Gross Margin
In addition to gross margin, the Company evaluates its operating performance using the measure of economic gross margin, which is not a GAAP measure and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or deemed more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. Economic gross margin should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for the Company's presentation of gross margin, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Economic gross margin is not intended to represent gross margin. The Company believes that economic gross margin is useful to investors as it is a key operational measure reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. Economic gross margin is defined as the sum of energy revenue, capacity revenue, retail revenue and other revenue, less cost of fuels and other cost of sales.
Economic gross margin does not include mark-to-market gains or losses on economic hedging activities, contract amortization, emission credit amortization, or other operating costs.


The below tables present the composition and reconciliation of gross margin and economic gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 Generation          
(In millions)Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
 Subtotal Retail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate/Eliminations Total
Energy revenue$1,408
 $651
 $2,059
 $
 $298
 $436
 $(885) $1,908
Capacity revenue207
 438
 645
 
 1
 256
 (8) 894
Retail revenue
 
 
 4,875
 
 
 5
 4,880
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities174
 4
 178
 
 8
 
 (1) 185
Contract amortization11
 
 11
 
 (1) (52) 1
 (41)
Other revenue (b)
143
 36
 179
 
 58
 127
 (58) 306
Operating revenue1,943
 1,129
 3,072
 4,875
 364
 767
 (946) 8,132
Cost of fuel(790) (293) (1,083) (8) (3) (24) 48
 (1,070)
Other cost of sales(c)
(259) (203) (462) (3,661) (8) (21) 860
 (3,292)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(22) 7
 (15) (154) 
 

 1
 (168)
Contract and emission credit amortization(21) (3) (24) 
 
   
 (24)
Gross margin$851
 $637
 $1,488
 $1,052
 $353
 $722
 $(37) $3,578
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net152
 11
 163
 (154) 8
 
 
 17
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net(10) (3) (13) 
 (1) (52) 1
 (65)
Economic gross margin$709
 $629
 $1,338
 $1,206
 $346
 $774
 $(38) $3,626
Business Metrics               
MWh sold (thousands)(d)(e)
40,908
 16,140
     2,940
 5,295
    
MWh generated (thousands) (f)
37,975
 10,202
     2,940
 6,467
    
(a) Includes International, BETM and Generation eliminations.
(b) Renewables other revenue includes $21 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.
(c) Includes purchased energy, capacity and emissions credits.
(d) MWh sold excludes generation at facilities in the East, West and NRG Yield that generate revenue under capacity agreements.
(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 27 thousand or MWt of 1,450 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.
(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 80 thousand or MWt of 1,450 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.


 Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 Generation          
(In millions)Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
 Subtotal Retail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate/Eliminations Total
Energy revenue$1,598
 $896
 $2,494
 $
 $303
 $459
 $(778) $2,478
Capacity revenue222
 468
 690
 
 
 256
 (9) 937
Retail revenue
 
 
 4,918
 
 
 13
 4,931
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(270) (9) (279) 
 
 
 (81) (360)
Contract amortization11
 
 11
 
 (1) (51) 
 (41)
Other revenue (b)
182
 75
 257
 
 34
 125
 (33) 383
Operating revenue1,743
 1,430
 3,173
 4,918
 336
 789
 (888) 8,328
Cost of fuel(718) (371) (1,089) (5) (3) (25) 114
 (1,008)
Other cost of sales(c)
(309) (245) (554) (3,628) (9) (23) 696
 (3,518)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities62
 8
 70
 150
 
 
 81
 301
Contract and emission credit amortization(22) (4) (26) (5) 
 (6) 3
 (34)
Gross margin$756
 $818
 $1,574
 $1,430
 $324
 $735
 $6
 $4,069
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net(208) (1) (209) 150
 
 
 
 (59)
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net(11) (4) (15) (5) (1) (57) 3
 (75)
Economic gross margin$975
 $823
 $1,798
 $1,285
 $325
 $792
 $3
 $4,203
Business Metrics               
MWh sold (thousands)(d)(e)
40,433
 21,141
     2,968
 5,563
    
MWh generated (thousands) (f)
36,427
 13,732
     2,968
 6,828
    
(a) Includes International, BETM and Generation eliminations.
(b) Renewables other revenue includes $13 million of intercompany revenue to NRG Yield.
(c) Includes purchased energy, capacity and emissions credits
(d) MWh sold excludes generation at facilities in the East, West and NRG Yield that generate revenue under capacity agreements.
(e) Does not include thermal MWh of 61 thousand or MWt of 1,497 thousand for thermal sold by NRG Yield.
(f) Does not include thermal MWh of 248 thousand or MWt of 1,497 thousand for thermal generated by NRG Yield.

The table below represents the weather metrics for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 Nine months ended September 30,         
Weather MetricsGulf Coast East/West          
2017             
CDDs (a)
2,653
 1,071
          
HDDs (a)
674
 2,041
          
2016             
CDDs2,605
 1,098
          
HDDs984
 2,046
          
10 year average             
CDDs2,656
 976
          
HDDs1,167
 2,277
          
(a)National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Climate Prediction Center - A Cooling Degree Day, or CDD, represents the number of degrees that the mean temperature for a particular day is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit in each region. A Heating Degree Day, or HDD, represents the number of degrees that the mean temperature for a particular day is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit in each region. The CDDs/HDDs for a period of time are calculated by adding the CDDs/HDDs for each day during the period.



Generation gross margin and economic gross margin
Generation gross margin decreased $86 million and economic gross margin decreased $460 million, both of which include intercompany sales, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016:

The tables below describe the decrease in Generation gross margin and economic gross margin:

Gulf Coast Region
 (In millions)
Lower gross margin due to a 12% decrease in average realized prices primarily in Texas due to lower hedged power prices$(225)
Lower energy margin due to increased supply costs on load contracts(39)
Lower capacity margin on contract expirations and lower demand(29)
Lower gross margin due to a 42% decrease in ISO capacity prices and a 58% decrease in volume(18)
Lower gross margin from a 7% decrease in nuclear generation driven by the timing of planned outages(17)
Higher gross margin primarily due to 19% higher coal generation mainly in Texas driven by timing of planned outages59
Other3
Decrease in economic gross margin$(266)
Increase in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges360
Increase in contract and emission credit amortization1
Increase in gross margin$95

 (In millions)
Higher gross margin from sales of NOx emission credits$35
Higher gross margin due to a 17% increase in average realized prices in South Central and a 3% increase in average realized prices in Texas20
Higher capacity margins due to an 18% increase in demand in the South Central business15
Higher gross margin from commercial optimization activities10
Lower energy margin due to a 33% increase in supply cost on load contracts(27)
Other(4)
Increase in economic gross margin$49
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges(688)
Decrease in gross margin$(639)
East/West
 (In millions)
Lower gross margin due to a 14% decrease in generation driven by lower economic generation due to milder weather conditions and the Will County outage$(60)
Lower gross margin by BETM due to higher gains in 2016 on over the counter strategies, offset in small part by higher gains in 2017 on congestion strategies(45)
Lower gross margin from commercial optimization activities(39)
Lower gross margin due to lower load contracted prices coupled with slightly lower volumes(26)
Lower gross margin due to a 16% decrease in capacity pricing in New York of $10 million coupled with decreases in capacity pricing and volumes due to the Long Beach capacity toll expiration and unit retirements in California(23)
Other(1)
Decrease in economic gross margin$(194)
Increase in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges12
Increase in contract and emission credit amortization1
Decrease in gross margin$(181)
 (In millions)
Higher gross margin due to a 108% increase in New England cleared capacity pricing$20
Higher gross margin due to a 20% increase in PJM cleared capacity pricing14
Higher gross margin from commercial optimization activities16
Lower gross margin due to a 31% decrease in capacity pricing in New York of $12 million coupled with decreases in capacity pricing and volumes due to the Long Beach capacity toll expiration and unit retirements in California(18)
Lower gross margin due to lower load contracted prices coupled with lower contracted volumes(12)
Higher gross margin by BETM due to higher gains in congestion strategies14
Increase in economic gross margin$34
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges(4)
Increase in contract and emission credit amortization1
Increase in gross margin$31





Retail gross margin and economic gross margin
The following is a discussion of gross margin and economic gross margin for Retail.
 Nine months ended September 30,
(In millions except otherwise noted)2017 2016
Retail revenue$4,658
 $4,727
Supply management revenue147
 117
Capacity revenue70
 74
Operating revenue (a)
4,875
 4,918
Cost of sales (b)
(3,669) (3,633)
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(154) 150
Contract amortization
 (5)
Gross Margin$1,052
 $1,430
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net(154) 150
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net
 (5)
Economic Gross Margin$1,206
 $1,285
    
Business Metrics   
Mass electricity sales volume - GWh - Gulf Coast28,153
 27,382
Mass electricity sales volume - GWh - All other regions4,722
 5,264
C&I electricity sales volume — GWh - All regions (c)
15,228
 14,357
Natural gas sales volumes (MDth)1,941
 1,423
Average Retail Mass customer count (in thousands)2,857
 2,770
Ending Retail Mass customer count (in thousands)2,880
 2,797
(a)Includes intercompany sales of $4 million and $3 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing sales from Retail to the Gulf Coast region.
(b)Includes intercompany purchases of $830 million and $655 million in 2017 and 2016.
(c)Includes volumes for 2017 for one customer that self-supplied their volumes during the first six months of 2016.

Retail gross margin decreased $378 million and economic gross margin decreased $79 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due to:
 (In millions)
Lower gross margin due to lower rates to customers driven by customer product, term, and mix of $95 million or approximately $2 per MWh, partially offset by lower supply costs of $5 million or approximately $0.10 per MWh driven primarily by a decrease in power prices at the time of procurement$(90)
Lower gross margin of $9 million due to a reduction in load of 200,000 MWh, and the unfavorable impact of selling back excess supply along with $7 million of customer relief related to the impact of Hurricane Harvey in 2017(16)
Lower gross margin of $13 million due to a reduction in load of 420,000 MWh and $2 million in lower margin due to the unfavorable impacts of selling back excess supply due to milder weather conditions in 2017 as compared to 2016(15)
Higher gross margin due to higher volumes driven by higher average customer usage and mix42
Decrease in economic gross margin$(79)
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges(304)
Increase in contract and emission credit amortization5
Decrease in gross margin$(378)




Renewables gross margin and economic gross margin
Renewables gross margin increased $29decreased $7 million and economic gross margin increased $21$9 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2016,2017. The increase in economic gross margin was primarily driven by newadditional distributed generation solar projects placedfacilities reaching commercial operations in service, increased margin2017 and early 2018. The decrease in operations and maintenance agreements and receipt of insurance proceeds offsetting lower volume at the Ivanpah solar plant.
NRG Yield gross margin and economic gross margin
NRG Yield gross margin decreased $13 million and economic gross margin decreasedwas primarily driven by $19 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due to a 4% decrease in volume generated atunrealized losses on wind projects, primarily in connection with lower wind resources at the Alta Wind and NRG Wind TE Holdco projects, as well as 5% decrease in solar generation, primarily at CVSR in connection with lower insolation.hedges.

Mark-to-market for Economic Hedging Activities
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities includes asset-backed hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges and ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges. Total net mark-to-market results increased by $76$215 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2016.2017.
The breakdown of gains and losses included in operating revenues and operating costs and expenses by region was as follows:
 Three months ended March 31, 2018
   Generation      
 Retail Gulf Coast East/West Renewables 
Eliminations(a)
 Total
 (In millions)
Mark-to-market results in operating revenues           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains)/losses on settled positions related to economic hedges$(1) $(34) $
 $
 $3
 $(32)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on open positions related to economic hedges(5) (530) (10) (10) 481
 (74)
Total mark-to-market (losses)/gains in operating revenues$(6) $(564) $(10) $(10) $484
 $(106)
Mark-to-market results in operating costs and expenses           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges$42
 $(1) $(4) $
 $(3) $34
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges750
 (2) 1
 
 (481) 268
Total mark-to-market gains/(losses) in operating costs and expenses$792
 $(3) $(3) $
 $(484) $302
(a)
Represents the elimination of the intercompany activity between Retail and Generation.
Nine months ended September 30, 2017Three months ended March 31, 2017
Generation          Generation      
Gulf Coast East/West Retail Renewables 
Eliminations(a)
 TotalRetail Gulf Coast East/West Renewables 
Eliminations(a)
 Total
(In millions)(In millions)
Mark-to-market results in operating revenues                      
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges$113
 $(32) $(1) $1
 $21
 $102
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains)/losses on settled positions related to economic hedges$
 $(1) $(26) $
 $39
 $12
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges61
 36
 1
 7
 (22) 83
2
 132
 17
 6
 (51) 106
Total mark-to-market gains/(losses) in operating revenues$174
 $4
 $
 $8
 $(1) $185
$2
 $131
 $(9) $6
 $(12) $118
Mark-to-market results in operating costs and expenses                      
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains)/losses on settled positions related to economic hedges$(12) $1
 $(51) $
 $(21) $(83)
Reversal of acquired gain positions related to economic hedges
 
 (1) 
 
 (1)
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges$31
 $(3) $2
 $
 $(39) $(9)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on open positions related to economic hedges(10) 6
 (102) 
 22
 (84)(170) (7) (2) 
 51
 (128)
Total mark-to-market (losses)/gains in operating costs and expenses$(22) $7
 $(154) $
 $1
 $(168)$(139) $(10) $
 $
 $12
 $(137)
(a)Represents the elimination of the intercompany activity between Retail and Generation.


 Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 Generation       
 Gulf Coast East/West Retail Renewables 
Eliminations(a)
 Total
 (In millions)
Mark-to-market results in operating revenues           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on settled positions related to economic hedges$(260) $(68) $(1) $
 $
 $(329)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on open positions related to economic hedges(10) 59
 1
 
 (81) (31)
Total mark-to-market losses in operating revenues$(270) $(9) $
 $
 $(81) $(360)
Mark-to-market results in operating costs and expenses           
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on settled positions related to economic hedges$26
 $10
 $218
 $
 $
 $254
Reversal of acquired gain positions related to economic hedges
 (10) (1) 
 
 (11)
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges36
 8
 (67) 
 81
 58
Total mark-to-market gains in operating costs and expenses$62
 $8
 $150
 $
 $81
 $301
(a)Represents the elimination of the intercompany activity between Retail and Generation.

Mark-to-market results consist of unrealized gains and losses on contracts that are not yet settled. The settlement of these transactions is reflected in the same revenue or cost caption as the items being hedged.
The reversals of acquired gain or loss positions were valued based upon the forward prices on the acquisition date.
For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the $185$106 million gainloss in operating revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period, as well as an increase in value of open positions as a result of decreasesERCOT heat rate expansion and increases in PJM power prices, New York capacity prices, and natural gas prices. The $168 million loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by the decrease in value of open positions as a result of decreases in coal, natural gas, and ERCOT powerelectricity prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the $360 million loss in operating revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period. The $301$302 million gain in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in value of open positions as a result of ERCOT heat rate expansion and increases in ERCOT electricity prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period, as well asperiod.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the $118 million gain in operating revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in value of open positions as a result of increasesdecreases in natural gas prices.and ERCOT electricity prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on contracts that settled during the period. The $137 million loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in value of open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas, coal, and ERCOT electricity prices, in addition to the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period.
In accordance with ASC 815, the following table represents the results of the Company's financial and physical trading of energy commodities for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 and 2016.2017. The realized and unrealized financial and physical trading results are included in operating revenue within the Generation segment. The Company's trading activities are subject to limits within the Company's Risk Management Policy and are primarily transacted through BETM.
Nine months ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)2017 20162018 2017
Trading gains/(losses)      
Realized$18
 $67
$15
 $14
Unrealized(7) 27
8
 (14)
Total trading gains$11
 $94
$23
 $



Operations and Maintenance Expense
 GenerationRetail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate EliminationsTotal
 Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
     
 (In millions) 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017$370
 $284
 $170
 $91
 $143
 $12
 $(32)$1,038
Nine months ended September 30, 2016419
 374
 178
 93
 134
 19
 (21)1,196
 Retail GenerationRenewables NRG Yield Corporate EliminationsTotal
  Gulf Coast 
East/West(a)
    
   (In millions)
Three months ended March 31, 2018$47

$151

$105

$28

$52

$1

$(14)$370
Three months ended March 31, 2017$59

$143

$96

$28

$52

$4

$(11)$371
(a)Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations of $3 million in 2017 and $4 million in 2016.
(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations of $1 million in 2018 and $1 million in 2017.

Operations and maintenance expense decreased by $158$1 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2016,2017, due to the following:
 (In millions)
Decrease in operation and maintenance expenses due to major maintenance activities and environmental control work at Midwest Generation in 2016$(68)
Decrease in operation and maintenance expenses due to lower expenses at Big Cajun II in 2017(26)
Decrease in operation and maintenance expenses due to the deactivation of the Huntley and Dunkirk facilities in 2016(16)
Decrease in operation and maintenance expenses due to a reduction in normal maintenance at various gas and coal facilities in Texas(15)
Decrease in Retail operation and maintenance expenses due to reduced headcount(8)
Decrease in operations and maintenance expenses related to outage work at Arthur Kill in 2016(6)
Decrease in operations and maintenance expenses due to a reduction in headcount related to the sale of the Engine Services business(4)
Other(15)
 $(158)

 (In millions)
Decrease in Retail operation and maintenance expenses due to reduced headcount$(12)
Increase in operation and maintenance expenses due to planned outages primarily at Midwest Generation9
Increase in operation and maintenance expenses primarily due to timing of outages at W.A Parish, offset by a decrease in personnel costs due to the sale of the engine services business8
Other(6)
 $(1)
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised of the following:
 Generation Retail Renewables NRG Yield Corporate Total
 (In millions)
Nine months ended September 30, 2017$155
 $337
 $43
 $16
 $146
 $697
Nine months ended September 30, 2016195
 362
 43
 10
 191
 801
 Retail Generation Renewables NRG Yield Corporate Total
   (In millions)
Three months ended March 31 2018$115

$50

$10

$6

$10

$191
Three months ended March 31, 2017119

61

14

4

62

260
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $104$69 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2016.2017. The decrease in year over year expenses is due primarily to a $18 million reduction in personnel costsgeneral and administrative expenses and an $11 million reduction in selling and marketing activities as the Company continues to focus on cost management.
Reorganization
Reorganization In addition, there was a reduction to general and administrative expenses of $18$25 million were incurred during the third quarter of 2017 related to the Transformation Plan announced on July 12, 2017.
Loss on Saleprior year consulting costs incurred of Assets
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016,which $14 million related to advisors engaged to assist the Company sold a majority interest in its EVgo businessstrategic review and $11 million in connection with advisors and other consultants engaged to Vision Ridge Partners, as described in Note 3, Discontinued Operations, Dispositions and Acquisitions, of this Form 10-Q, which resulted in a loss on sale of $79 million .
Impairment Losses on Investments
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016,assist the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment losses of $147 million, which is primarily duewith GenOn's ability to its 50% interest in Petra Nova Parish Holdings,continue as further described in Note 7, Impairments, of this Form 10-Q.a going concern.


Reorganization Costs
Loss on Debt ExtinguishmentReorganization costs of $20 million, primarily related to employee costs, were incurred as part of the Transformation Plan.
A loss on debt extinguishmentOther Income - Affiliate
Other income - affiliate represents the services fees charged to GenOn for shared services under the Services Agreement through June 14, 2017, the date of $119 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily driven by the repurchase of NRG Senior Notes at a price above par value, combined with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.deconsolidation.
Interest Expense
NRG's interest expense decreased by $26$58 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 20162017 due to the following:
 (In millions)
Decrease due to the repurchase of Senior Notes in 2016 of $127 million, partly offset by Senior Notes issued in 2016 of $78 million$(49)
Decrease due to termination of swaps related to 2016 Capistrano debt refinancing(16)
Increase due to the issuance of Utah Portfolio debt, due 2022 and CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037 during 201616
Increase due to the issuance of Carlsbad Energy Project debt and Agua Caliente HoldCo, due 2038 during 201710
Increase in derivative interest expense from changes in fair value of interest rate swaps9
Increase due to the issuance of Yield Operating Senior Notes, due 2026, partially offset by repayment of the Yield Revolving Credit Facility, due 2019 during 20168
Other(4)
 $(26)
 (In millions)
Decrease in derivative interest expense from changes in fair value of interest rate swaps$(45)
Decrease due to repurchases of Senior Notes(20)
Other, primarily related to the issuance of project-level debt7
 $(58)
Income Tax Expense
For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, NRG recorded an income tax expensebenefit of $5$1 million on a pre-tax income of $125$232 million. For the same period in 2016,2017, NRG recorded an income tax expensebenefit of $75$4 million on a pre-tax loss of $17$173 million. The effective tax rate was 4.0%(0.4)% and (441.2)%2.3% for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively.
For the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the tax benefit for the change in valuation allowance, the generation of PTCs from various wind facilities and the inclusion of consolidated partnerships partially offset by current state tax expense.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the tax benefit for the change in valuation allowance andpartially offset by the generation of PTCs and ITCs from various wind and solar facilities, respectively partially offset by the inclusion of consolidated partnerships and current state tax expense.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, NRG's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due the amortization of indefinite lived assets, the inclusion of consolidated partnerships, state tax expense and the expense for the change in valuation allowance.
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests
For the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests primarily reflects net losses allocated to tax equity investors in tax equity arrangements using the hypothetical liquidation at book value, or HLBV, method, partially offset by NRG Yield, Inc.'s share of net income.
(Loss)/Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Tax (Benefit)/Expense
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, NRG recorded loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax (benefit)/expense of $802 million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, NRG recorded income from discontinued operations, net of income tax (benefit)/expense of $256 million.


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity Position
As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 20162017, NRG's liquidity, excluding collateral received, was approximately $3.4$2.8 billion and $2.43.2 billion, respectively, comprised of the following:
(In millions)September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents:      
NRG excluding NRG Yield$1,044
 $621
$591
 $843
NRG Yield and subsidiaries179
 317
173
 148
Restricted cash - operating124
 56
77
 71
Restricted cash - reserves (a)
413
 390
330
 437
Total1,760
 1,384
1,171
 1,499
Total credit facility availability1,604

989
1,614
 1,711
Total liquidity, excluding collateral received$3,364
 $2,373
$2,785
 $3,210
(a) Includes reserves primarily for debt service, performance obligations, and capital expenditures.
For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, total liquidity, excluding collateral funds deposited by counterparties, increaseddecreased by $1 billion.$425 million. Changes in cash and cash equivalentsequivalent balances are further discussed hereinafter under the heading Cash Flow Discussion. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, were predominantly held in money market funds invested in treasury securities, treasury repurchase agreements or government agency debt.
Management believes that the Company's liquidity position and cash flows from operations will be adequate to finance operating and maintenance capital expenditures, to fund dividends to NRG's common stockholders, and to fund other liquidity commitments. Management continues to regularly monitor the Company's ability to finance the needs of its operating, financing and investing activity within the dictates of prudent balance sheet management.
On July 12, 2017, NRG announced its Transformation Plan, which is described further in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Summary.
Credit Ratings
The following table summarizes the Company's credit ratings as of September 30, 2017:
S&PMoody's
NRG Energy, Inc. BB- StableBa3 Stable
7.625% Senior Notes, due 2018BB-B1
7.875% Senior Notes, due 2021BB-B1
6.25% Senior Notes, due 2022BB-B1
6.625% Senior Notes, due 2023BB-B1
6.25% Senior Notes, due 2024BB-B1
7.25% Senior Notes, due 2026BB-B1
6.625% Senior Notes, due 2027BB-B1
Term Loan Facility, due 2023BB+Baa3
NRG Yield, Inc.BBBa2
5.375% NRG Yield Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2024BBBa2
5.00% NRG Yield Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2026BBBa2
On October 6, 2017, Moody's upgraded the NRG rating outlook to positive from stable and affirmed NRG's Ba3 Corporate Family Rating.


Sources of Liquidity
The principal sources of liquidity for NRG's future operating and capital expenditures are expected to be derived from new and existing financing arrangements, existing cash on hand, cash flows from operations, and cash proceeds from future sales of assets, including sales to NRG Yield, Inc. Asand under the Transformation Plan, and financing arrangements, as described in Note 8,7, Debt and Capital Leases, to this Form 10-Q and Note 12,, Debt and Capital Leases,, to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K, the2017 10-K. The Company's financing arrangements consist mainly of the Senior Credit Facility, the Senior Notes, the NRG Yield 2019 Convertible Notes, the NRG Yield 2020 Convertible Notes, the NRG Yield Operating LLC senior unsecured notes, the NRG Yield, Inc. revolving credit facility, and project-related financings.
Carlsbad Project FinancingSale of Ownership in NRG Yield, Inc. and Renewables Platform
On May 26, 2017, Carlsbad Energy Holdings, LLCFebruary 6, 2018, NRG and Global Infrastructure Partners, or GIP, entered into a note payablepurchase and sale agreement for GIP to purchase NRG's ownership in NRG Yield, Inc. and NRG's renewables platform for cash of $1.375 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The purchase and sale agreement includes the sale of all of NRG's ownership in NRG Yield, Inc., NRG's renewable energy development and operations platforms and NRG's renewable energy non-ROFO backlog and pipeline.
In connection with financial institutions for the issuance of up to $407 million of senior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.12%, and mature on October 31, 2038. As of September 30, 2017, all $407 million of these notes were outstanding.
Also on May 26, 2017, Carlsbad Energy Holdings, LLCtransaction, the Company entered into a credit agreement, or the Carlsbad FinancingConsent and Indemnity Agreement with NRG Yield, Inc. and GIP setting forth key terms and conditions of NRG Yield, Inc.'s consent to the issuing banks, for a $194 million construction loan, that will convert to a term loan upon completiontransaction. As part of the project. Consent and Indemnity Agreement, NRG has agreed to indemnify GIP and NRG Yield, Inc. and its project companies for any increase in property taxes at the California-based solar projects resulting from the transaction.
The Carlsbad Financing Agreement also includes a letterstransaction is expected to close in the second half of credit facility not2018 and is subject to exceed aggregate amountvarious customary closing conditions, approvals and consents. Upon the closing of $83 million, and a working capital loan facility with an aggregate principle amount not to exceed $4 million.the transaction, NRG’s Ivanpah asset will no longer be part of the NRG Yield ROFO assets.
ROFO Agreement Expansion and OfferSale of South Central Business
On February 24, 2017,6, 2018, NRG and Cleco Energy LLC, or Cleco, entered into a purchase and sale agreement for Cleco to purchase NRG's South Central business for cash of $1.0 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2018 and is subject to various customary closing conditions, approvals and consents. The South Central business owns and operates a 3,555 MW portfolio of generation assets in the Gulf Coast region. Upon the closing of the transaction, NRG will enter into a sale leaseback agreement for the Cottonwood plant through May 2025.
Sale of BETM
On February 23, 2018, the Company amendedentered into an agreement to sell BETM to a third party for $70 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2018 and restated the ROFO Agreementis subject to expand the ROFO assets pipeline with the addition of 234 net MW of utility-scale solar projects. These assets include Buckthorn Solar, a 154 net MW facility located in Texas,various customary closing conditions, approvals and the Hawaii Solar projects, which have a combined capacity of 80 net MW.
On October 17, 2017, the Company offered NRG Yield, Inc. the opportunity to purchase 100% of its ownership interest in Buckthorn Solar pursuant to the ROFO Agreement.consents.
Sale of Assets to NRG Yield, Inc.
On November 1, 2017, NRGMarch 30, 2018, as part of the Transformation Plan, the Company completed the sale of a 38 MW solar portfolio primarily comprised100% of assets from SPP funds,its ownership interest in addition to other projects developed by NRG,Buckthorn Solar to NRG Yield, Inc. for cash consideration of $71 million, plus $3 million in working capital adjustments.approximately $42 million.
On August 1, 2017, NRG closed on its sale ofFebruary 6, 2018, the remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco, a portfolio of 12 wind projects, toCompany entered into an agreement with NRG Yield, Inc. for total cash considerationto sell 100% of $44 million. The transaction also includes potential additional payments to NRG dependent on actual energy prices for merchant periods beginning in 2027.
On May 23, 2017, NRG offered NRG Yield, Inc. the opportunity to form a new distributed solar investment partnership enabling up to $50 million in investment by NRG Yield, Inc. In addition, on July 31, 2017, NRG offered NRG Yield, Inc. equitymembership interests in Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, which owns the Carlsbad project, a 38527 MW portfolio of distributed and small utility-scale solar assets primarily comprised of assets from NRG's Solar Power Partners, or SPP, fundsnatural gas fired project in additionCarlsbad, CA, pursuant to other projects developed since the acquisition of SPP. These equity interests are not part of the ROFO Agreement. BothThe purchase price for the distributed solar investment partnership and the distributed and small utility-scale solar acquisitions aretransaction is $365 million in cash consideration, subject to negotiationcustomary working capital and approval by NRG Yield, Inc.'s independent directors. Asother adjustments. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of September 30, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc has invested $41 million in distributed solar investment partnerships with NRG.2018.
Sale of Canal 3
On March 27,22, 2018, NRG agreed to sell Canal 3 to Stonepeak Kestrel Holdings II LLC in conjunction with GenOn's sale of Canal Units 1 and 2 to Stonepeak Kestrel Holdings LLC. The final purchase price for the Canal 3 sale will be determined based on a formula including capital reimbursement, return on capital and a development fee. Upon closing the sale of Canal 3, NRG also expects to reimburse GenOn for $13.5 million of the $15 million one-time payment GenOn made in December 2017 to NRG as compensation for being granted a purchase option and a rejection option with respect to the Company sold (i) a 16% interestCanal 3 project. The Canal 3 sale is expected to enhance 2018 capital allocation by approximately $130 million early in the Agua Caliente solar project, representing ownershipthird quarter of approximately 46 net MW of capacity and (ii) NRG's interests in seven utility-scale solar projects located in Utah representing 265 net MW of capacity which have reached commercial operations to NRG Yield, Inc. NRG Yield Inc. paid cash consideration of $130 million, plus $1 million in working capital adjustments, and assumed non-recourse project debt of approximately $328 million.2018.
2023 Term Loan Facility
On January 24, 2017,March 21, 2018, NRG repriced the 2023 Term Loan Facility, reducing the interest rate margin by 50 basis points to LIBOR plus 2.25%,1.75% and reducing the LIBOR floor remains 0.75%to 0.00%. As a result of the repricing, the Company expects interest savings of approximately $9 million in 2017 and approximately $60$47 million in interest savings over the remaining life of the loan.


NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility
On April 30, 2018, NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC refinanced the revolving credit facility, which extended the maturity of the facility to April 28, 2023, and decreased the overall cost of borrowing from L+ 2.50% to L+1.75%.
First Lien Structure
NRG has granted first liens to certain counterparties on a substantial portion of the Company's assets, excluding assets acquired throughin the GenOn and EME (including Midwest Generation), acquisitions, assets held by NRG Yield, Inc., and NRG's assets that have project-level financing.  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 hedge agreements for forward sales of power or gas used as a proxy for power.  To the extent that the underlying hedge positions for a counterparty are out-of-the-money to NRG, the counterparty would have claim under the first lien program.  The first lien program limits the volume that can be hedged, not the value of underlying out-of-the-money positions.  The first lien program does not require NRG to post collateral above any threshold amount of exposure as the lien counterparty’s exposure to NRG is positively correlated to the value of the specified generation assets.exposure.  Within the first lien structure, the Company can hedge up to 80% of its coal and nuclear capacity, and 10% of its other assets, with these counterparties for the first 60 months and then declining thereafter. These volumetric limits, exclude Midwest Generation's coal capacity.Net exposure to a counterparty on all trades must be positively correlated to the price of the relevant commodity for the first lien to be available to that counterparty. The first lien structure is not subject to unwind or termination upon a ratings downgrade of a counterparty and has no stated maturity date.
The Company's first lien counterparties may have a claim on its assets to the extent market prices exceed the hedged prices. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, all hedges under the first liens were out-of-the-moneyin-the-money on a counterparty aggregate basis.
The following table summarizes the amount of MW hedged against the Company's coal and nuclear assets and as a percentage relative to the Company's coal and nuclear capacity under the first lien structure as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018:
Equivalent Net Sales Secured by First Lien Structure (a)
2017 2018 2019 2020 20212018 2019 2020 2021 2022
In MW1,458
 1,093
 
 
 
454
 
 
 
 
As a percentage of total net coal and nuclear capacity (b)
27% 20% % % %10% % % % %
(a)Equivalent net salesNet Sales include natural gas swaps converted using a weighted average heat rate by region.
(b)Net coal and nuclear capacity represents 80% of the Company’s total coal and nuclear assets eligible under the first lien which excludes coal assets acquired in the EME (Midwest(including Midwest Generation) acquisition, assets in NRG Yield, Inc. and NRG's assets that have project level financing.
Uses of Liquidity
The Company's requirements for liquidity and capital resources, other than for operating its facilities, can generally be categorized by the following: (i) commercial operations activities; (ii) debt service obligations; (iii) capital expenditures, including repowering and renewable development, and environmental; and (iv) allocations in connection with acquisition opportunities, debt repayments, share repurchases, return of capital and dividend payments to stockholders.
Senior Note Redemptions
On October 16, 2017,stockholders; and (v) costs necessary to execute the Company redeemed $398 million of its 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018 and $206 million of its 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 for $630 million, which included $14 million in accrued interest. As a result of the senior note redemptions a $12 million loss on debt extinguishment will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. In addition, the Company expects to save approximately $47 million in annualized interest.Transformation Plan.
Restructuring Support Agreement
As described in Note 3, Discontinued Operations, Dispositions and Acquisitions, NRG, the GenOn Entities and certain holders of the GenOn and GenOn Americas Generation Senior Notes entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement, that provides for a restructuring and recapitalization of GenOn through a prearranged plan of reorganization. Certain principal terms of the Restructuring Support Agreement include that NRG will provide settlement consideration to GenOn of $261.3 million, which will be paid in cash less any amounts owed to NRG under the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. As of June 30, 2017, GenOn owed NRG approximately $125 million under the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. NRG agreed to provide GenOn with a letter of credit facility during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, to be utilized for required letters of credit in lieu of the intercompany secured revolving credit facility. GenOn can no longer utilize the intercompany secured revolving credit facility and, on July 27, 2017, the letter of credit facility was terminated, as GenOn has obtained a separate letter of credit facility with a third party financial institution. In addition, NRG will retain the pension liability, including payment of approximately $13 million of 2017 pension contributions, for GenOn employees for service provided prior to the completion of the reorganization, which was paid in September 2017. GenOn’s pension liability as of September 30, 2017 was approximately $106 million. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation, for further discussion regarding the October 30, 2017 proposed changes to the Restructuring Support Agreement, which includes the retention of the liability for GenOn’s post-employment and retiree health and welfare benefits, in an amount up to $25 million, recorded as a liability as of September 30, 2017.


Revolving Credit Facility
As of September 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings outstanding on the revolver.
Commercial Operations
NRG'sThe Company's commercial operations activities require a significant amount of liquidity and capital resources. These liquidity requirements are primarily driven by: (i) margin and collateral posted with counterparties; (ii) margin and collateral required to participate in physical markets and commodity exchanges; (iii) timing of disbursements and receipts (i.e. buying fuel before receiving energy revenues); (iv) initial collateral for large structured transactions; and (v) collateral for project development. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, commercial operations had total cash collateral outstanding of $274$211 million and $606$607 million outstanding in letters of credit to third parties primarily to support its commercial activities for both wholesale and retail transactions. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, total collateral held from counterparties was $31$241 million in cash and $17$47 million inof letters of credit.
Future liquidity requirements may change based on the Company's hedging activities and structures, fuel purchases, and future market conditions, including forward prices for energy and fuel and market volatility. In addition, liquidity requirements are dependent on NRG'sthe Company's credit ratings and general perception of its creditworthiness.


Capital Expenditures
The following tables and descriptions summarize the Company's capital expenditures for maintenance, environmental, and growth investments for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, and the currently estimated capital expenditure and growth investments forecast for the remainder of 20172018. 
 Maintenance Environmental Growth Investments Total
 (In millions)
Generation       
Gulf Coast$73
 $1
 $3
 $77
East/West17
 24
 240
 281
Retail22
 
 33
 55
Renewables3
 
 309
 312
NRG Yield21
 
 2
 23
Corporate 
11
 
 1
 12
Total cash capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2017147
 25
 588
 760
     Funding from third party equity partners, cash grants and debt financing, net of fees
 
 (815) (815)
     Other investments (a)

 
 95
 95
Total capital expenditures and investments, net of financings147
 25
 (132) 40
        
Estimated capital expenditures for the remainder of 201776
 10
 430
 516
     Funding from third party equity partners, cash grants and debt financing, net of fees
 
 (211) (211)
NRG estimated capital expenditures for the remainder of 2017, net of financings$76
 $10
 $219
 $305
(a)Other investments include restricted cash activity.

 Maintenance Environmental 
Growth Investments (b)
 Total
 (In millions)
Retail$4
 $
 $16
 $20
Generation       
Gulf Coast38
 
 
 38
East/West (a)
9
 
 109
 118
Renewables1
 
 142
 143
NRG Yield8
 
 10
 18
Corporate 
4
 
 17
 21
Total cash capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 201864
 
 294
 358
     Funding from third party equity partners, cash grants and debt financing, net of fees
 
 (169) (169)
     Other investments (c)

 
 62
 62
Total capital expenditures and investments, net of financings64
 
 187
 251
        
Estimated capital expenditures for the remainder of 2018157
 3
 206
 366
     Funding from third party equity partners, cash grants and debt financing, net of fees
 
 (222) (222)
     Other investments (c)

 
 234
 234
NRG estimated capital expenditures for the remainder of 2018, net of financings (d)
$157
 $3
 $218
 $378
(a) Includes International and BETM
Environmental(b) Total cash capital expenditures — For includes $17 million of cost-to-achieve spend associated with the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company's environmentalTransformation Plan
(c) Other investments include restricted cash activity and acquisitions
(d) Maintenance capital expenditures included DSI/ESP upgrades at the Powerton facility and the Joliet gas conversionincludes approximately $66 million for assets to satisfy CPS.be sold

Growth Investments capital expenditures — For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company's growth investment capital expenditures included $245$152 million for solarrenewable projects, $241$114 million for repowering projects $65 million for wind projects and $37$28 million for the Company's other growth projects.
Environmental Capital Expenditures
NRG estimates that environmental capital expenditures from 20172018 through 20212022 required to comply with environmental laws will be approximately $60$79 million, which includes $16$14 million for Midwest Generation. The increase from last quarter is driven primarily by the addition of the anticipated costs of adding NOx control equipment at certain of the Company's units in Connecticut.
Common Stock Dividends
The following table lists the dividends paid during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017:March 31, 2018:
 Third Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2017 First Quarter 2017
Dividends per Common Share$0.030
 $0.030
 $0.030
 First Quarter 2018
Dividends per Common Share$0.030
On October 18, 2017,April 19, 2018, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.03 per share, payable NovemberMay 15, 2017,2018, to stockholders of record as of NovemberMay 1, 20172018 representing $0.12 on an annualized basis.
The Company's common stock dividends are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws regulations and other contractual obligations.regulations. The Company expects that, based on current circumstances, comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the foreseeable future.


Share Repurchases
In February 2018, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase $1 billion of its common stock, with the first $500 million program beginning as soon as permitted. In March 2018, the Company repurchased 3,114,748 shares of NRG common stock for approximately $93 million at an average cost of $29.75 per share.
Xoom Energy Acquisition
On March 27, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire XOOM Energy, LLC, an electricity and natural gas retailer operating in 19 states, Washington, D.C. and Canada for approximately $204 million in cash, plus estimated transaction costs of $6 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2018.
Fuel Repowerings
Carlsbad The table below lists the Company'sCompany is currently projected repowering and conversion projects. With respect to facilities that are currently operating, the timingoverseeing construction of the projects listed below could adversely impactCarlsbad project, which when completed will consist of approximately 527 MWs of net generation capacity. On February 6, 2018, the Company's operating revenues, gross margin and other operating costsCompany entered into an agreement with NRG Yield, Inc. to sell the Carlsbad project pursuant to the ROFO Agreement. The transaction is expected to close during the period priorfourth quarter of 2018.
Canal 3 — The Company is currently overseeing construction of the Canal 3 project, a dual-fueled peaking facility, which when completed will consist of approximately 333 MWs of net generating capacity.  In January 2018, Final Notice To Proceed was issued, and construction commenced with an anticipated COD by summer 2019.  On March 22, 2018, NRG agreed to the targeted COD.
Facility
Net Generation Capacity (MW) (b)
Project TypeFuel TypeTargeted COD
Repowerings
Carlsbad Peakers (formerly Encina) Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and GT527
GrowthNatural GasQ4 2018
Puente (formerly Mandalay) Units 1 and 2(a)
262
GrowthNatural GasQ2 2020
Total Fuel Repowerings789
(a) See Regulatory Matterssell Canal 3 to Stonepeak Kestrel Holdings II LLC. The sale is expected to close early in the Management's Discussion and Analysis to this Form 10-Qthird quarter of 2018.
Puente Power Project — On October 5, 2017, the California Energy Commission, or CEC, the agency responsible for recent developments inpermitting the Puente Power Project, issued a statement on behalf of the committee of two Commissioners overseeing the permitting process stating their intention to issue a proposed decision that may impact the viability ofwould deny a permit for the Puente project.
(bPower Project. On JuneOctober 16, 2017, NRG Texas Power LLC provided noticefiled a motion to BTEC New Albany, LLC that itsuspend the permitting proceeding for at least six months, which was exercising its right to terminate the Amended and Restated Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, or MIPA, due to the Bacliff Project, a new peaking facility at the former P.H. Robinson Electric Generating Station, not achieving commercial completion by the contractual expiration date of May 31,granted on November 3, 2017. On July 14, 2017,April 20, 2018, NRG filed a motion requesting an additional extension of the Company gave noticesuspension period to BTEC New Albany, LLC that it owes NRG Texas Power LLC approximately $48 million undercoincide with the terminated MIPA, consistingCPUC’s final decision on SCE’s application seeking approval of $38 million in purchaser incurred costs and $10 million in liquidated damages.


resources procured through its Moorpark RFO, or until June 30, 2019, whichever is sooner.




Cash Flow Discussion
The following table reflects the changes in cash flows for the comparative ninethree month periods:
 Nine months ended September 30,  
 2017 2016 Change
 (In millions)
Net cash used by operating activities$806
 $1,741
 $(935)
Net cash used by investing activities(765) (255) (510)
Net cash provided by financing activities59
 (587) 646
 Three months ended March 31,  
 2018 2017 Change
 (In millions)
Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities$357
 $(67) $424
Net cash used by investing activities(432) (281) (151)
Net cash used by financing activities(49) (153) 104
Net Cash UsedProvided By Operating Activities
Changes to net cash usedprovided by operating activities were driven by:
 (In millions)
Changes in cash collateral in support of risk management activities due to changes in commodity prices$(364)
Decrease in operating income adjusted for non-cash items(216)
Decrease in other assets and liabilities(127)
Cash used by discontinued operations(105)
Decrease in accounts payable due to lower expenses and the timing of payments in 2017 compared to 2016.(68)
Increase in inventory due to lower generation in 2017, combined with earlier inventory purchases in the fourth quarter of 2015 for anticipated 2016 generation requirements(64)
Other(35)
Decrease in accounts receivable due to the timing of cash receipts in 2017 compared to 201644
 $(935)
 (In millions)
Changes in cash collateral in support of risk management activities due to changes in commodity prices$290
Increase in operating income adjusted for non-cash items87
Other changes in working capital85
Decrease in accounts receivable due to timing of cash receipts27
Decrease in inventory as a result of initiatives related to the Transformation Plan13
Change in cash from discontinued operations(15)
Decrease in accounts payable due to lower expenses in 2018(63)
 $424
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities
Changes to net cash used by investing activities were driven by:
 (In millions)
Cash used by discontinued operations$(379)
Decrease in maintenance and environmental capital expenditures, offset by an increase in growth capital expenditures(101)
Proceeds from sale of assets in 2016 compared to 2017(48)
Increase in cash paid for acquisitions in 2017 compared to 2016(18)
Other(7)
Net increase in emissions allowances activity43
 $(510)
 (In millions)
Increase in capital expenditures for growth investments of $119 million primarily for solar and repowering projects$(122)
Increase in cash paid for acquisitions in 2018 compared to 2017(59)
Decrease in insurance proceeds(18)
Other(2)
Increase in sales of emissions, net of purchases4
Decrease in investments in unconsolidated affiliates14
Change in cash from discontinued operations related to capital expenditures in 201732
 $(151)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities
Changes to net cash provided by financing activities were driven by:
 (In millions)
Increase in borrowings, primarily related to Agua Caliente Borrower 1 & 2, 2038 Senior Notes and the Carlsbad Project Financing as well as reduced payments due to repurchases of Senior Notes in 2016$538
Increase due to purchase of preferred stock in 2016226
Increase in cash contributions, net of distributions from non-controlling interest in 2017192
Decrease in debt extinguishment cost98
Decrease in payment of dividends, primarily related to reduction of NRG dividend rate in the first quarter of 201638
Decrease in deferred debt issuance cost27
Decrease in financing element related to acquired derivatives(5)
Payment for affiliate receivable(125)
Cash used by discontinued operations(343)
 $646
 (In millions)
Change in cash from discontinued operations related to long term deposits in 2017$132
Increase in cash contributions, net of distributions from non-controlling interest in 2018, primarily related to tax equity financing115
Other15
Increase in debt payments of $51 million as well as a $14 million reduction in borrowings in 2018(65)
Repurchase of common stock in 2018(93)
 $104


NOLs, Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Position Implications, under ASC 740
For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the Company had a total domestic pre-tax book income of $112$233 million and a foreign pre-tax book incomeloss of $13$1 million. As of December 31, 2016,2017, the Company had cumulative domestic Federal NOL carryforwards of $3.4$2.8 billion, of which $1.2 billion is from GenOn Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries which will begin expiring in 2026 and cumulative state NOL carryforwards of $4.9$2.2 billion for financial statement purposes. In addition, NRG has cumulative foreign NOL carryforwards of $196$224 million, which do not have an expiration date. Contingent upon GenOn's emergence from bankruptcy, the Company will recognize an estimated $7.8$9.5 billion worthless stock deduction for tax purposes. The NOL balances of $1.2 billion will remain with the GenOn group of companies upon emergence from bankruptcy.
In addition to these amounts, the Company has $36$35 million of tax effected uncertain tax benefits. As a result of the Company's tax position, and based on current forecasts, NRG anticipates income tax payments, primarily to state and local jurisdictions, of up to $25$20 million in 2017.2018.
The Company has recorded a non-current tax liability of $40$35 million until final resolution with the related taxing authority. The $40$35 million non-current tax liability for uncertain tax benefits is from positions taken on various state income tax returns, including accrued interest.
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. The Company is notno longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2015. With few exceptions, state and local income tax examinations are no longer open for years prior to 2010. The Company's primary foreign operations are also no longer subject to examination by local jurisdictions for years prior tobefore 2010.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Obligations under Certain Guarantee Contracts
NRG and certain of its subsidiaries enter into guarantee arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties. These arrangements include financial and performance guarantees, stand-by letters of credit, debt guarantees, surety bonds and indemnifications.
Retained or Contingent Interests
NRG does not have any material retained or contingent interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity.
Obligations Arising Out of a Variable Interest in an Unconsolidated Entity
Variable interest in equity investments — As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, NRG has several investments with an ownership interest percentage of 50% or less in energy and energy-related entities that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Several of these investments are variable interest entities for which NRG is not the primary beneficiary. See also Note 98, Variable Interest Entities, or VIEs, to this Form 10-Q.
NRG's pro-rata share of non-recourse debt held by unconsolidated affiliates was approximately $616$594 million as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018. This indebtedness may restrict the ability of these subsidiaries to issue dividends or distributions to NRG. See also Note 16, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, to the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
NRG has a variety of contractual obligations and other commercial commitments that represent prospective cash requirements in addition to the Company's capital expenditure programs, as disclosed in the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K. See also Note 87, Debt and Capital Leases, and Note 1514, Commitments and Contingencies, to this Form 10-Q for a discussion of new commitments and contingencies that also include contractual obligations and commercial commitments that occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018.


Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
NRG may enter into power purchase and sales contracts, fuel purchase contracts and other energy-related financial instruments to mitigate variability in earnings due to fluctuations in spot market prices and to hedge fuel requirements at generation facilities or retail load obligations. In addition, in order to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the issuance of the Company's variable rate and fixed rate debt, NRG enters into interest rate swap agreements. The following disclosures about fair value of derivative instruments provide an update to, and should be read in conjunction with, Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in Item 7 — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the Company's 20162017 Form 10‑K.
The tables below disclose the activities that include both exchange and non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC 820. Specifically, these tables disaggregate realized and unrealized changes in fair value; disaggregate estimated fair values at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, based on their level within the fair value hierarchy defined in ASC 820; and indicate the maturities of contracts at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018.
Derivative Activity (Losses)/Gains(In millions)
Fair Value of Contracts as of December 31, 2016$(128)
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period21
Changes in fair value(41)
Fair Value of Contracts as of September 30, 2017$(148)
Derivative Activity Gains(In millions)
Fair Value of Contracts as of December 31, 2017$46
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period3
Changes in fair value266
Fair Value of Contracts as of March 31, 2018$315
Fair Value of Contracts as of September 30, 2017Fair Value of Contracts as of March 31, 2018
MaturityMaturity
Fair value hierarchy (Losses)/Gains1 Year or Less Greater than 1 Year to 3 Years Greater than 3 Years to 5 Years Greater than 5 Years 
Total Fair
Value
1 Year or Less Greater than 1 Year to 3 Years Greater than 3 Years to 5 Years Greater than 5 Years 
Total Fair
Value
(In millions)(In millions)
Level 1$(34) $(30) $(5) $
 $(69)$(13) $(39) $(3) $(1) $(56)
Level 211
 (28) (14) 
 (31)223
 139
 19
 12
 393
Level 3(24) (11) (5) (8) (48)15
 (13) (7) (17) (22)
Total$(47) $(69) $(24) $(8) $(148)$225
 $87
 $9
 $(6) $315
The Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. Also, collateral received or paid on the Company's derivative assets or liabilities are recorded on a separate line item on the balance sheet. Consequently, the magnitude of the changes in individual current and non-current derivative assets or liabilities is higher than the underlying credit and market risk of the Company's portfolio. As discussed in Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, Commodity Price Risk, to this Form 10-Q, NRG measures the sensitivity of the Company's portfolio to potential changes in market prices using VaR, a statistical model which attempts to predict risk of loss based on market price and volatility. NRG's risk management policy places a limit on one-day holding period VaR, which limits the Company's net open position. As the Company's trade-by-trade derivative accounting results in a gross-up of the Company's derivative assets and liabilities, the net derivative asset and liability position is a better indicator of NRG's hedging activity. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, NRG's net derivative liabilityasset was $148$315 million, a decreasean increase to total fair value of $20$269 million as compared to December 31, 2016.2017. This decreaseincrease was driven by lossesgains in fair value largely offset byand the roll-off of trades that settled during the period.
Based on a sensitivity analysis using simplified assumptions, the impact of a $0.50 per MMBtu increase in natural gas prices across the term of the derivative contracts would result in an increase of approximately $39$6 million in the net value of derivatives as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. The impact of a $0.50 per MMBtu decrease in natural gas prices across the term of derivative contracts would result in a decrease of approximately $62$11 million in the net value of derivatives as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
NRG's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with GAAP requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance as well as the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The application of these policies necessarily involves judgments regarding future events, including the likelihood of success of particular projects, legal and regulatory challenges, and the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. These judgments, in and of themselves, could materially affect the financial statements and disclosures based on varying assumptions, which may be appropriate to use. In addition, the financial and operating environment may also have a significant effect, not only on the operation of the business, but on the results reported through the application of accounting measures used in preparing the financial statements and related disclosures, even if the nature of the accounting policies has not changed.
On an ongoing basis, NRG evaluates these estimates, utilizing historic experience, consultation with experts and other methods the Company considers reasonable. In any event, actual results may differ substantially from the Company's estimates. Any effects on the Company's business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the information that gives rise to the revision becomes known.
The Company identifies its most critical accounting policies as those that are the most pervasive and important to the portrayal of the Company's financial position and results of operations, and that require the most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments by management regarding estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. NRG's critical accounting policies include derivative instruments, income taxes and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, impairment of long lived assets and investments, goodwill and other intangible assets, and contingencies.
The Company performs its annual test of goodwill impairment during the fourth quarter. The Company tests its long-lived assets for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist. The Company’sCompany's annual budget is utilized to determine the cash flows associated with the Company’sCompany's long-lived assets, which incorporates various assumptions, including the Company’sCompany's long-term view of natural gas prices and its impact on merchant power prices and fuel costs. The Company’sCompany's annual budget process is finalized and approved by the Board of Directors in the fourth quarter. It is reasonably possible that the updated long term cash flows will not support the carrying value of certain assets, and the Company will be required to test such assets for impairment. This could also have a negative impact on the fair value of the reporting units that have goodwill balances. This decrease in power prices could also result in an adverse change in the manner that long-livedlong-live assets are used, or result in the Company selling an asset before the end of its previously estimated useful life, at a price that is lower than its carrying amount. During the preparation of the budget, the Company noted that management’s view of long term merchant power prices has decreased, and accordingly,Accordingly, if these decreases continue, it is reasonably possible that certain of the Company's goodwill and/or long-lived assets will be significantly impaired during the fourth quarter of 2017.

impaired.



ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
NRG is exposed to several market risks in the Company's normal business activities. Market risk is the potential loss that may result from market changes associated with the Company's merchant power generation or with an existing or forecasted financial or commodity transaction. The types of market risks the Company is exposed to are commodity price risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit risk and currency exchange risk. The following disclosures about market risk provide an update to, and should be read in conjunction with, Item 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K.
Commodity Price Risk
Commodity price risks result from exposures to changes in spot prices, forward prices, volatilities and correlations between various commodities, such as natural gas, electricity, coal, oil and emissions credits. NRG manages the commodity price risk of the Company's merchant generation operations and load serving obligations by entering into various derivative or non-derivative instruments to hedge the variability in future cash flows from forecasted sales and purchases of electricity and fuel. NRG measures the risk of the Company's portfolio using several analytical methods, including sensitivity tests, scenario tests, stress tests, position reports and VaR. NRG uses a Monte Carlo simulation based VaR model to estimate the potential loss in the fair value of its energy assets and liabilities, which includes generation assets, load obligations and bilateral physical and financial transactions.
The following table summarizes average, maximum and minimum VaR for NRG's commodity portfolio, including generation assets, load obligations and bilateral physical and financial transactions, calculated using the VaR model for the three and nine months endedending September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and 20162017:
(In millions)2017 20162018 2017
VaR as of September 30,$40
 $40
Three months ended September 30,   
VaR as of March 31,$58
 $60
Three months ended March 31,   
Average$30
 $59
$58
 $52
Maximum40
 72
69
 60
Minimum25
 40
48
 41
Nine months ended September 30,   
Average$27
 $58
Maximum40
 72
Minimum20
 40
In order to provide additional information for comparative purposes to NRG's peers, the Company also uses VaR to estimate the potential loss of derivative financial instruments that are subject to mark-to-market accounting. These derivative instruments include transactions that were entered into for both asset management and trading purposes. The VaR for the derivative financial instruments calculated using the diversified VaR model as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, for the entire term of these instruments entered into for both asset management and trading was $17$19 million, primarily driven by asset-backed transactions.
Interest Rate Risk
NRG is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates through its issuance of variable rate debt. Exposures to interest rate fluctuations may be mitigated by entering into derivative instruments known as interest rate swaps, caps, collars and put or call options. These contracts reduce exposure to interest rate volatility and result in primarily fixed rate debt obligations when taking into account the combination of the variable rate debt and the interest rate derivative instrument. NRG's risk management policies allow the Company to reduce interest rate exposure from variable rate debt obligations.
The Company's project subsidiaries enter into interest rate swaps, intended to hedge the risks associated with interest rates on non-recourse project level debt. See Note 12, Debt and Capital Leases, of the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K for more information on the Company's interest rate swaps.
If all of the above swaps had been discontinued on September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the Company would have owed the counterparties $4364 million. Based on the credit ratings of the counterparties, NRG believes its exposure to credit risk due to nonperformance by counterparties to its hedge contracts to be insignificant.
NRG has both long and short-term debt instruments that subject the Company to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates. As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, a 1% change in variable interest rates would result in a $13.814.5 million change in interest expense on a rolling twelve month basis.


As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, the fair value and related carrying value of the Company's debt was $17.4$16.7 billion and $17.1$16.6 billion respectively. NRG estimates that a 1% decrease in market interest rates would have increased the fair value of the Company's long-term debt by $984$930 million.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk arises from the general funding needs of NRG's activities and in the management of the Company's assets and liabilities. The Company is currently exposed to additional collateral posting if natural gas prices decline primarily due to the long natural gas equivalent position at various exchanges used to hedge NRG's retail supply load obligations.
Based on a sensitivity analysis for power and gas positions under marginable contracts, a $0.50 per MMBtu change in natural gas prices across the term of the marginable contracts would cause a change in margin collateral posted of approximately $16454 million as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, and a 1 MMBtu/MWh change in heat rates for heat rate positions would result in a change in margin collateral posted of approximately $14937 million as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018. This analysis uses simplified assumptions and is calculated based on portfolio composition and margin-related contract provisions as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018.
Credit Risk
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. NRG is exposed to counterparty credit risk through various activities including wholesale sales, fuel purchases and retail supply arrangements, and retail customer credit risk through its retail load activities. See Note 4, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to this Form 10-Q for discussions regarding counterparty credit risk and retail customer credit risk, and Note 6, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to this Form 10-Q for discussion regarding credit risk contingent features.
Currency Exchange Risk
NRG's foreign earnings and investments may be subject to foreign currency exchange risk, which NRG generally does not hedge. As these earnings and investments are not material to NRG's consolidated results, the Company's foreign currency exposure is limited.


ITEM 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of NRG's management, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, NRG conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Effective January 1, 2018, NRG adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  Changes were made to relevant business processes and related control activities in order to monitor and maintain controls over financial reporting.  There were no other changes in NRG’sNRG's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred induring the third quarter of 2017ended March 31, 2018, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, NRG’sNRG's internal control over financial reporting.




PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a discussion of material legal proceedings in which NRG was involved through September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, see Note 1514, Commitments and Contingencies, to this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS
Information regarding risk factors appears in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors Related to NRG Energy, Inc., in the Company's 20162017 Form 10-K, and Part II, Item 1A of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.10-K. There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors since those reported in its 20162017 Form 10‑K and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.K.
ITEM 2 — UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.In February 2018, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase $1 billion of its common stock, with the first $500 million program beginning as soon as permitted. The authorization did not specify an expiration date.
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of NRG or any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act), of NRG's common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2018.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 Total Number of Shares Purchased 
Average Price Paid per Share(a)
 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(b)
Month #1        
(January 1, 2018 to January 31, 2018) 
 $
 
 $
Month #2        
(February 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018) 
 $
 
 $
Month #3        
(March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018) 3,114,748
 $29.75
 3,114,748
 $907,314,521
Total 3,114,748
   3,114,748
  
(a) The average price paid per share excludes commissions of $0.01 per share paid in connection with the share repurchases.
(b) Includes commissions of $0.01 per share paid in connection with the share repurchases.

ITEM 3 — DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
See Note 3, Discontinued Operations Dispositions and AcquisitionsDispositions, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of thisthe Company's 2017 Form 10-Q,10-K, for a description of events of default by GenOn and GenOn Americas Generation under the GenOn Senior Notes and the GenOn Americas Generation Senior Notes.
ITEM 4 — MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5 — OTHER INFORMATION
None.


ITEM 6 — EXHIBITS
Number Description Method of Filing
10.1  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2017.
10.2Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2017.
10.3Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2017.March 22, 2018.
31.1  Filed herewith.
31.2  Filed herewith.
31.3  Filed herewith.
32  Furnished herewith.
101 INS XBRL Instance Document. Filed herewith.
101 SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. Filed herewith.
101 CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. Filed herewith.
101 DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. Filed herewith.
101 LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. Filed herewith.
101 PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. Filed herewith.



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
NRG ENERGY, INC.
(Registrant) 
 
   
 /s/ MAURICIO GUTIERREZ  
 Mauricio Gutierrez 
 
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
 
   
 /s/ KIRKLAND B. ANDREWS   
 Kirkland B. Andrews  
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) 
 
 
   
 /s/ DAVID CALLEN 
 David Callen 
Date: November 2, 2017May 3, 2018
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer) 
 
 




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