EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

NRG Energy, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements No. 333-197882 on Form S-8, No. 333-185501 on Form S-8, No. 333-182379 on Form S-8, No. 333-171318 on Form S-8, No. 333-151992 on Form S-8, No. 333-135973 on Form S-8, No. 333-114007 on Form S-8, and No. 333-215102 on Form S-4 of NRG Energy, Inc. of our reports dated February 28, 2017, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of NRG Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, cash flows, and comprehensive (loss)/income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and all related financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, which reports appear in the December 31, 2016 annual report on Form 10‑K of NRG Energy, Inc.

Our report dated February 28, 2017 contains an emphasis of matter paragraph regarding GenOn Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries' ability to continue as a going concern.

(signed) KPMG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 28, 2017