Changes in Capital Structure

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Changes in Capital Structure Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Capital Structure

Changes in Capital Structure

As of September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the Company had 500,000,000 shares of common stock authorized. The following table reflects the changes in NRG's common shares issued and outstanding:

	Issued	Treasury		Outstanding
Balance as of December 31, 2011	304,183,720	(76,664,199	)	227,519,521
Shares issued under LTIP	608,128	—		608,128
Shares issued under ESPP	—	158,481		158,481
Balance as of September 30, 2012	304,791,848	(76,505,718	)	228,286,130

Employee Stock Purchase Plan —On April 25, 2012, NRG shareholders approved an increase of 1,000,000 shares available for issuance under the NRG Energy, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP. At September 30, 2012, 1,018,870 shares of treasury stock were available for issuance under the ESPP.

Common Stock Dividends— On August 15, 2012, NRG paid its first quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.09 per share. On October 15, 2012, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.09 per share, payable November 15, 2012, to shareholders of record as of November 1, 2012.