Company to Donate up to $10 Million to Customers' Chosen Colleges
and Universities
Aug. 30, 2010 (Business Wire) -- Supporting your favorite college or university just got easier. In addition to tailgating and wearing their favorite school’s colors, graduates, boosters and fans can sign up for the new Reliant Collegiate Plan.
Reliant Energy will donate $25 to customers’ chosen colleges or universities when they sign up for the plan. When customers re-enroll in a Collegiate Plan at the end of their initial 12-month term, another $25 will go to the customer’s institution of choice. Reliant will make the donations - up to a total of $10 million - in the customers’ names.
“Schools across Texas and all over the country will benefit from the donations Reliant will make on behalf of our customers, whether it is their alma mater or their favorite college team,” said Jason Few, President, Reliant Energy. “We’re excited to make this significant commitment to higher education while giving our customers a way to support the college or university of their choice.”
“We appreciate Reliant Energy’s commitment to assisting colleges and universities, which is so important given the challenges of today’s economy,” said Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston System and President of the University of Houston. “The Reliant Collegiate Plan offers a unique opportunity for alumni and fans of a college or university to give back and show their support.”
“Texas Southern University is looking for creative and innovative ways to raise money for student scholarships and student services initiatives that will help our students succeed. This partnership with Reliant Energy is important to that mission,” said Dr. John Rudley, President, Texas Southern University.
The Reliant Collegiate Plan - a 12-month term, fixed-price plan that includes 20 percent wind - is available to all new customers who choose Reliant, and existing Reliant customers on month-to-month plans or whose contracts will end soon. An option for 100 percent wind is also available. Consumers can enroll in the Reliant Collegiate Plan and get pricing information by calling 1-866-RELIANT.
“Reliant Energy’s scholarship program helped me attend college and inspired me to reach my goals,” said Tyler Teykl, from Rosenberg, Texas. “I’m excited that Reliant is continuing to help students like me by supporting colleges and universities all over the country through the Reliant Collegiate Plan.” Tyler received a scholarship from Reliant in 2007 in recognition of his excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, ethics and community involvement.
“Our customers want choices that fit their lifestyles, meet their needs and suit their interests,” said Few. “This new choice is one more way to provide customers with a range of innovative plans and options, and reflects our commitment to support higher education.”
U.S. Institutions of higher learning listed with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) are eligible for donations with the Reliant Collegiate Plan. FAFSA is a registry of approximately 7,000 public and private two- and four-year institutions, graduate schools and vocational training schools that participate in federal financial aid programs.
Consumers may designate donations regardless of whether they have attended the college or university they choose. Donations can be made to a specific campus, but not to a specific department. The college or university will apply the funds to the area they feel is most appropriate. Each $25 donation must be made to only one college or university and cannot be split between schools. Customers who re-enroll after the end of their initial term may designate a different institution to receive the second donation made in their name.
About Reliant Energy:
Reliant Energy provides electricity and energy services to approximately 1.6 million retail customers—including homes, small and large businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions across Texas. As part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), Reliant Energy is backed by one of the nation’s largest power producers. NRG owns and operates more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity, including more than 11,000 megawatts of capacity in Texas. For more information about Reliant Energy products and services, visit www.reliant.com.
Reliant Energy
Pat Hammond, 713-497-7723
