NRG Helps Consumers Prepare as Fuel Costs Rise

NRG Energy’s family of brands recently urged consumers to take action ahead of this winter season as the energy industry navigates volatile fuel costs. Fuel prices have a close relationship with wholesale electricity costs and can impact retail electricity pricing for consumers. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, home heating costs could rise 4% to 30% for most households, depending on their fuel source. Signing up for a fixed-rate plan can help consumers protect themselves against price volatility.  

To help consumers prepare for potential wholesale price instability this winter, NRG issued media alerts in Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, and Ohio. A copy of these alerts can be found below.

Customers facing economic hardship can reach out to their energy provider to discuss their electricity plan and arrange payment assistance options in preparation for the winter season.

_TEXAS
Natural Gas Costs on the Rise: Reliant Urges Customers to Reach Out for Support

WHAT:  Reliant is helping residential and small commercial customers understand available options and resources as the price of natural gas has increased. Today’s natural gas prices are roughly 73% higher than they were one year ago, and winter natural gas bills are forecasted to be 30% higher than last year. The increases are heavily affected by low natural gas inventory and strong demand as we enter the winter season. Natural gas costs have a close relationship with wholesale electricity costs, which can affect retail electricity pricing for consumers.

Consumers can choose to sign up for a fixed-rate electricity plan, and research suggests those served under this kind of contract fare better than those who are not on a fixed-rate plan when wholesale electricity prices spike. Fixed-rate plans provide varying term lengths and protect customers from price spikes for the duration of their term.

Reliant offers a variety of plans and bill management options, including:

• Fixed-Rate Plan. Reliant has electricity plans for every budget and lifestyle, including long-term, fixed-rate electricity plans that are not exposed to monthly or daily swings in wholesale prices. While monthly bills vary based on consumption, customers can benefit from the security of a locked-in energy rate, especially when market conditions fluctuate. Compare plans here.
• Predictable Bill Plan. Reliant has a unique, fixed-rate product that allows customers to pay the same amount every month for the length of their term. This plan offers stability and the ability to manage your monthly budget.
• Average Billing provides customers a bill that is about the same amount every month, flattening out the highs and lows of seasonal changes in energy consumption.
• Google Assistant. Through Reliant’s relationship with Google, customers can link their Reliant account to Google Assistant for hands-free help and voice-activated control and monitoring of their electricity usage.
• The Reliant App can be used to manage a customer’s electricity account, set up alerts and monitor usage, and control their Nest thermostat or Reliant home security system, all from one spot.
• Energy Efficiency Tips. Conserving energy can help lower energy bills. Helpful tips can be found at reliant.com/tips.

ACTION:  Reliant wants everyone to have access to the electricity they need to live comfortably, regardless of their financial situation. Reliant urges customers who are not on fixed-rate plans to reach out early to ensure they are prepared for any changes caused by rising natural gas prices.

If customers experience a high bill or want to discuss personalized solutions, Reliant agents are ready to match them with a plan that fits their lifestyle and budget, or to arrange financial support or payment assistance if needed. Customers can contact Reliant 24/7 via online chat, at 1-866-222-7100, or on the Reliant app to learn more.

PENNSYLVANIA
 

Winter Electricity Bills Expected to Rise Due to Higher Natural Gas Costs: NRG Urges Customers to Reach Out for Support

WHAT: NRG, one of the nation’s leading energy providers, is helping residential and small commercial customers understand available options and resources as the price of natural gas increases. The increases are significant and are driven by low natural gas inventory and strong demand as we enter the winter season. Natural gas costs have a close relationship to wholesale electricity costs, which can have a big impact on monthly electricity bills.

NRG offers many ways to help mitigate rising natural gas costs, including:

• Switch to Fixed. Research suggests that when wholesale electricity prices spike, those with a fixed-price contract fare better than those without one. Fixed-price plans provide varying term lengths and protect customers from price spikes for the duration of their term. NRG has unique, fixed-price products the utility can’t offer. While monthly bills will still vary based on usage, fixed-price plans give customers the security of a locked-in energy price, not subject to market fluctuations. In short, fixed-price plans offer stability and predictability.
• My NRG app. Available for iPhone and Android, the My NRG app can be used by customers to manage their electricity account, set up alerts and monitor usage, and control their Nest thermostat.
• Energy Efficiency Tips. Being more energy efficient can help lower energy bills. Helpful tips can be found at picknrg.com/wintertips. Below, though, are just a few.

1. Update your thermostat. Replacing outdated thermostats with programmable or smart ones will help reduce energy usage. Try to set your thermostat to the lowest temperature you can and still be comfortable, keeping in mind that for every degree above 68, energy usage increases 3-5%.
2. Fix leaks. Seal and weather strip around doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and check ductwork for leaks as well.
3. Let the sunshine in. During the day, open your curtains or blinds to allow the sun to help warm your house for free! Just be sure to close them at night to help keep you cozy.

ACTION:  NRG wants everyone to have access to the electricity they need to live comfortably, regardless of their financial situation. NRG encourages customers not on fixed-price plans to shop around and reach out early to ensure they are prepared for any changes caused by rising natural gas costs. NRG is ready to match customers with a plan that fits their lifestyle and budget. New and existing customers can contact NRGatpicknrg.com. If customers cannot find a product that fits their needs on picknrg.com they can shop other supplier offers using papowerswitch.com.

Low-income customers can apply for assistance through LIHEAP at1-866-857-7095.

ILLINOIS
 

WHAT: NRG, one of the nation’s leading energy providers, is helping residential and small commercial customers understand available options and resources as the price of natural gas increases. The increases are significant and are driven by low natural gas inventory and strong demand as we enter the winter season. Natural gas costs have a close relationship to wholesale electricity costs, which can have a big impact on monthly electricity bills.  

NRG offers many ways to help mitigate rising natural gas costs, including:

• Switch to Fixed. Research suggests that when wholesale electricity prices spike, those with a fixed-price contract fare better than those without one. Fixed-price plans provide varying term lengths and protect customers from price spikes for the duration of their term. NRG has unique, fixed-price products the utility can’t offer. While monthly bills will still vary based on usage, fixed-price plans give customers the security of a locked-in energy price, not subject to market fluctuations. In short, fixed-price plans offer stability and predictability. 
• My NRG app. Available for iPhone and Android, the My NRG app can be used by customers to manage their electricity account, set up alerts and monitor usage, and control their Nest thermostat.
• Energy Efficiency Tips. Being more energy efficient can help lower energy bills. Helpful tips can be found at picknrg.com/wintertips. Below, though, are just a few:

1. Update your thermostat. Replacing outdated thermostats with programmable or smart ones will help reduce energy usage. Try to set your thermostat to the lowest temperature you can and still be comfortable, keeping in mind that for every degree above 68, energy usage increases 3-5%. 
2. Fix leaks. Seal and weather strip around doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and check ductwork for leaks as well.
3. Let the sunshine in. During the day, open your curtains or blinds to allow the sun to help warm your house for free! Just be sure to close them at night to help keep you cozy.

ACTION:  NRG wants everyone to have access to the electricity they need to live comfortably, regardless of their financial situation. NRG encourages customers not on fixed-price plans to shop around and reach out early to ensure they are prepared for any changes caused by rising natural gas costs. NRG is ready to match customers with a plan that fits their lifestyle and budget. New and existing customers can contact NRG at picknrg.com. If customers cannot find a product that fits their needs on picknrg.com they can shop other supplier offers using plugillinois.org.  

Low-income customers can apply for assistance through the Illinois LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-WARM (9276).

MARYLAND
 

Winter Electricity Bills Expected to Rise Due to Higher Natural Gas Costs: NRG Urges Customers to Reach Out for Support

WHAT: NRG, one of the nation’s leading energy providers, is helping residential and small commercial customers understand available options and resources as the price of natural gas increases. The increases are significant and are driven by low natural gas inventory and strong demand as we enter the winter season. Natural gas costs have a close relationship to wholesale electricity costs, which can have a big impact on monthly electricity bills.  

NRG offers many ways to help mitigate rising natural gas costs, including:

• Switch to Fixed. Research suggests that when wholesale electricity prices spike, those with a fixed-price contract fare better than those without one. Fixed-price plans provide varying term lengths and protect customers from price spikes for the duration of their term. NRG has unique, fixed-price products the utility can’t offer. While monthly bills will still vary based on usage, fixed-price plans give customers the security of a locked-in energy price, not subject to market fluctuations. In short, fixed-price plans offer stability and predictability. 
• My NRG app. Available for iPhone and Android, the My NRG app can be used by customers to manage their electricity account, set up alerts and monitor usage, and control their Nest thermostat.
• Energy Efficiency Tips. Being more energy efficient can help lower energy bills. Helpful tips can be found at picknrg.com/wintertips. Below, though, are just a few:

1. Update your thermostat. Replacing outdated thermostats with programmable or smart ones will help reduce energy usage. Try to set your thermostat to the lowest temperature you can and still be comfortable, keeping in mind that for every degree above 68, energy usage increases 3-5%. 
2. Fix leaks. Seal and weather strip around doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and check ductwork for leaks as well.
3. Let the sunshine in. During the day, open your curtains or blinds to allow the sun to help warm your house for free! Just be sure to close them at night to help keep you cozy.

ACTION:  NRG wants everyone to have access to the electricity they need to live comfortably, regardless of their financial situation. NRG encourages customers not on fixed-price plans to shop around and reach out early to ensure they are prepared for any changes caused by rising natural gas costs. NRG is ready to match customers with a plan that fits their lifestyle and budget. New and existing customers can contact NRG at picknrg.com. If customers cannot find a product that fits their needs on picknrg.com they can shop other supplier offers using mdelectricchoice.com. 

Low-income customers can apply for assistance through the MEAP Hotline at 1-800-332-6347.

MASSACHUSETTS
 

Winter Electricity Bills Expected to Rise Due to Higher Natural Gas Costs: NRG Urges Customers to Reach Out for Support

WHAT: NRG, one of the nation’s leading energy providers, is helping residential and small commercial customers understand available options and resources as the price of natural gas increases. The increases are significant and are driven by low natural gas inventory and strong demand as we enter the winter season. Natural gas costs have a close relationship to wholesale electricity costs, which can have a big impact on monthly electricity bills.  

NRG offers many ways to help mitigate rising natural gas costs, including:

• Switch to Fixed. Research suggests that when wholesale electricity prices spike, those with a fixed-price contract fare better than those without one. Fixed-price plans provide varying term lengths and protect customers from price spikes for the duration of their term. NRG has unique, fixed-price products the utility can’t offer. While monthly bills will still vary based on usage, fixed-price plans give customers the security of a locked-in energy price, not subject to market fluctuations. In short, fixed-price plans offer stability and predictability. 
• My NRG app. Available for iPhone and Android, the My NRG app can be used by customers to manage their electricity account, set up alerts and monitor usage, and control their Nest thermostat.
• Energy Efficiency Tips. Being more energy efficient can help lower energy bills. Helpful tips can be found at picknrg.com/wintertips. Below, though, are just a few:

1. Update your thermostat. Replacing outdated thermostats with programmable or smart ones will help reduce energy usage. Try to set your thermostat to the lowest temperature you can and still be comfortable, keeping in mind that for every degree above 68, energy usage increases 3-5%. 
2. Fix leaks. Seal and weather strip around doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and check ductwork for leaks as well.
3. Let the sunshine in. During the day, open your curtains or blinds to allow the sun to help warm your house for free! Just be sure to close them at night to help keep you cozy.

ACTION:  NRG wants everyone to have access to the electricity they need to live comfortably, regardless of their financial situation. NRG encourages customers not on fixed-price plans to shop around and reach out early to ensure they are prepared for any changes caused by rising natural gas costs. NRG is ready to match customers with a plan that fits their lifestyle and budget. New and existing customers can contact NRG at picknrg.com. If customers cannot find a product that fits their needs on picknrg.com they can shop other supplier offers using energyswitchma.gov.  Low-income customers can apply for assistance through the Cold Relief Hotline at 1-800-632-8175.

OHIO
 

Winter Electricity Bills Expected to Rise Due to Higher Natural Gas Costs: NRG Urges Customers to Reach Out for Support

WHAT:  NRG, one of the nation’s leading energy providers, is helping residential and small commercial customers understand available options and resources as the price of natural gas increases. The increases are significant and are driven by low natural gas inventory and strong demand as we enter the winter season. Natural gas costs have a close relationship to wholesale electricity costs, which can have a big impact on monthly electricity bills.  

NRG offers many ways to help mitigate rising natural gas costs, including:

• Switch to Fixed. Research suggests that when wholesale electricity prices spike, those with a fixed-price contract fare better than those without one. Fixed-price plans provide varying term lengths and protect customers from price spikes for the duration of their term. NRG has unique, fixed-price products the utility can’t offer. While monthly bills will still vary based on usage, fixed-price plans give customers the security of a locked-in energy price, not subject to market fluctuations. In short, fixed-price plans offer stability and predictability. 
• My NRG app. Available for iPhone and Android, the My NRG app can be used by customers to manage their electricity account, set up alerts and monitor usage, and control their Nest thermostat.
• Energy Efficiency Tips. Being more energy efficient can help lower energy bills. Helpful tips can be found at picknrg.com/wintertips. Below, though, are just a few:

1. Update your thermostat. Replacing outdated thermostats with programmable or smart ones will help reduce energy usage. Try to set your thermostat to the lowest temperature you can and still be comfortable, keeping in mind that for every degree above 68, energy usage increases 3-5%. 
2. Fix leaks. Seal and weather strip around doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and check ductwork for leaks as well.
3. Let the sunshine in. During the day, open your curtains or blinds to allow the sun to help warm your house for free! Just be sure to close them at night to help keep you cozy.

ACTION:  NRG wants everyone to have access to the electricity they need to live comfortably, regardless of their financial situation. NRG encourages customers not on fixed-price plans to shop around and reach out early to ensure they are prepared for any changes caused by rising natural gas costs. NRG is ready to match customers with a plan that fits their lifestyle and budget. New and existing customers can contact NRG at picknrg.com. If customers cannot find a product that fits their needs on picknrg.com they can shop other supplier offers using energychoice.ohio.gov.

Low-income customers can apply for assistance through Ohio HEAP at 1-800-282-0880.