NRG Energy CEO Outlines Plans for AI Power Demand and Virtual Power Plants

Robert Gaudette took over as CEO of NRG Energy at the end of April. He said the company is focused on meeting power demand from AI data centers while also expanding programs that reduce peak usage for residential customers.

Early this year NRG completed the acquisition of 18 natural gas-fired power plants from LS Power for roughly $10 billion. The deal nearly doubled the company's generation capacity and included CPower, a demand-response business for commercial and industrial customers.

4 gigawatts of gas-fired turbines for data center campuses. Gaudette said new AI-related projects are expected later this year and could be located in any state.

NRG is expanding virtual power plant programs that allow customers to reduce usage during peak periods. The company provides smart thermostats and doorbells to residential participants through its Vivint and Reliant businesses. Gaudette said the company achieved 200 megawatts of virtual power plant capacity last year instead of the planned 20 megawatts.

5 gigawatts of gas-fired plants near Houston.

Gaudette has worked at NRG and predecessor companies for 25 years. He previously served as a corporate president and is a Houston native and Army veteran. NRG stock rose nearly 60 percent over the past 24 months but fell nearly 20 percent in 2026. First-quarter earnings missed expectations due to high supply costs during Winter Storm Fern and mild winter weather in Texas.