Positive step

As the nation’s leading integrated competitive power company, and as a company with thousands of employees and millions of customers, NRG Energy is keenly interested in seeing the American economy grow. A growing economy creates jobs, improves wages, and fosters new opportunities for American consumers and businesses alike.

Two keys to a growing economy are competitive markets, and a business landscape that drives investment and fosters growth. I believe the taxreform package helps put that business landscape in place.

While I don’t think this tax reform package is perfect — there are things in it I disagree with or would do differently — I do believe it will support economic growth, strengthen the American workplace and foster investment and innovation.

I am a supporter of competitive energy markets. Texas has created a model for the rest of the country in putting competitive electricity markets in place — both at the wholesale and retail levels. Texans enjoy the benefits of a competitive electric market in which companies — including our subsidiary Reliant Energy — provide hundreds of products for consumers to choose from. And right now, the Public Utility Commission of Texas is considering additional improvements to the market which have the potential to bring even more benefits to consumers. Those changes, coupled with tax reform, should make the Texas economic engine even stronger.

As a CEO, I take seriously the responsibility of serving all stakeholders — customers, shareholders, employees, and the communities in which we live and work. I also know the challenge of trying to serve those stakeholders while balancing competing interests. Ultimately, I believe that this tax reform package — while not perfect — will benefit our country and our economy.

Mauricio Gutierrea, president and CEO, NRG