NRG Energy, Inc. has officially designated Houston as its new sole headquarters location, and will relocate its base from Princeton, NJ. The company cited the diversity of Houston’s professional talent along with the City of Houston’s commitment to its Climate Action Plan, as among the key factors driving the decision.
Texas is already home to the company’s largest employee and customer bases. With the acquisition of Direct Energy, which closed in January, NRG Energy decided it was time to simplify the company’s headquarters status. The company currently has more than 3,000 employees in the greater Houston region.
“Houston has been a second headquarters for NRG for many years, supporting many of our customers and employees. Today, we are officially designating Houston as NRG’s sole Corporate Headquarters, a step that simplifies our operations,” said Mauricio Gutierrez, president and CEO of NRG. “This move has been a part of our strategic plan for some time, and Houston’s commitment to climate goals and the electrification of transportation align with our own goals and strategy. Texas is a great place for business, growing at a rapid pace and attracting diverse talent and industries.”
The addition of NRG expands Houston’s Fortune 500 headquarters roster to 24 companies, one of the largest in the country. NRG was ranked number 324 on the 2020 Fortune 500 list. It’s the second Fortune 500 relocation for Houston in recent months following Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s decision in December to relocate its headquarters from California.
“We are proud to welcome NRG Energy’s corporate headquarters to Houston as they expand their already strong presence in the Lone Star State,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “With this move, NRG joins 50 other Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Texas, including 22 in the Houston area alone. America’s leading businesses continue to invest in Texas—and grow jobs in Texas—because of our welcoming business climate, low taxes, reasonable regulations, and our young, growing, and skilled workforce. I thank NRG Energy for designating Texas—the energy capital of the world—as their corporate headquarters, and I look forward to our continued partnership as we ensure a more prosperous future for all who call the Lone Star State home.”
NRG and its subsidiaries generate, sell and deliver power to more than 3.7 million residential and business customers across 10 states.
The Greater Houston Partnership and leaders from the Houston region conducted a series of visits with the NRG leadership team in recent years, including a key meeting in fall 2019 where a delegation including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner met with NRG’s Gutierrez during a business recruiting mission to New York City.
“I welcome today’s announcement by NRG designating Houston as the company’s sole corporate headquarters,” said Mayor Turner. “Over the past several years, my team and I have had substantive conversations with President and CEO Mauricio Gutierrez. I believe the decision is confirmation that Houston is a smart city for business. Just over one year ago, the City committed to purchasing 100% renewable energy through a renewed partnership with NRG Energy as the City’s retail electric provider. The plan is helping us build a more sustainable future, save over $9 million on our electric bill, and reduce emissions. The corporate decision provides stability for the company’s 3,000 employees currently living in Houston. It means that NRG has committed to being a Texas-based company that will continue to expand. I look forward to strengthening our partnership and continuing to have meaningful discussions about our shared goals and vision for Houston’s future.”
“We’ve always thought of NRG as a hometown company, and now it is official,” said Bob Harvey, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership. “NRG’s headquarters relocation is another milestone moment for Houston and further solidifies our position as a corporate headquarters capital. Houston is committed to leading the global energy transition, and companies like NRG are key to this effort. We are delighted they will lead their business from Houston.”
“This is another great win for Houston,” commented Amy Chronis, Board Chair, Greater Houston Partnership. “NRG is a company that will help us continue to build a 21st century economy, one that is focused on innovation and technology. Houston has a globally-diverse talent base and offers companies like NRG one of the most business-friendly locales in the nation. We are excited NRG’s leadership recognized this and look forward to welcoming the headquarters team to Houston.”
Want to learn more about Texas corporate expansion?
Considering Texas for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out all the latest news related to Texas economic development, corporate relocation, corporate expansion and site selection.
